Osage Roost
General Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: amims5 on July 08, 2011, 10:29:41 AM
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Our family has been over whelmed with the prayers, well wishes and concerns by you guys here. It's comforting for us to know that he had so many friends and helped so many people. We can't begin to thank you enough. A lot of you got to know my dad through this forum and built friendships with him, more than I knew, as a matter of fact. I just don't feel that an obituary does the man justice. While many of you knew him through the internet and phone, I want to write this so that some would know the man I knew before and after his illness. This is lengthy, but please bare with me, I feel he deserves better then a short paragraph.
My dad was born in Clanton Alabama in 1955. His dad worked construction and his mom kept up the home front. At 17 he had to quit school and go to work to help support the family. At 19 he married my mom. They moved to Mobile AL, where he and his dad owned a construction business. They specialized in restoration of historic homes and high end carpentry. Scott, my brother was born 1978 and I came along in 1981. In 1985 my dad felt called to go into the ministry. Feeling unprepared he felt led to attend seminary. After finishing his GED and being accepted into NOTBS he sold everything we had minus his truck and some furniture and moved the family to New Orleans. He felt this was the opportunity of a lifetime and received his B.S in theological studies and Psychology. He later finished his Masters and Specialist in Theological studies. During this time he worked 3 jobs, and went to school full time. After finishing his degree he went on to pastor several churches.
Many people remember what they want to and fill in the rest with self serving half truths. I hope that by the end of this you will realize that is not the case here. My dad had faults like everyone. When he was younger he was quick tempered. He could be defensive, he was bullheaded and sometimes short sighted. When angry, he had a sharp tongue and often times said things before thinking or realizing what he had said, but he was not afraid to say I'm sorry. Growing up I thought he was demanding and often times overboard in his way of thinking about what was right and wrong. I was never one to argue with my dad or go against what he wanted or thought was right. Mainly, because I knew that I would have to pay the piper, and I didn't want to go through the collection process. He was not the frail man you guys have seen in pictures or have heard on the phone. That is not a knock, because the person never changed, the physical appearance did though. He was 6'4 the better part of 260 and up through my child hood and you did not want to be on the receiving end of what was coming if you crossed him.
Above any of that he was the most solid character, respectful man I have ever met. In the world we live in today where everyone compromises to get ahead I can honestly say I never saw him once compromise his principles or what he thought was right. It's easy for someone to say that when faced with minor consequences. Growing up the son of a preacher you become jaded pretty quickly toward "church folk" and their true intentions. You learn early that to get along you have to go along. That is a pretty simple concept that most to subscribe to, not daddy. There were two times he was faced with a decision during his ministry that would have a heavy impact on our family, financially and otherwise, depending on his choice. Both times he would not bend his principles in the least or go against what the Bible says to appease a board of deacons or anyone else. We ended up moving, changing schools, leaving friends and starting all over again. At the time I thought our family suffered from it. Looking back, I learned more from him and about him through that then any amount of talking could have taught. People say that you can judge a man by what he does when no one is around. Over the last 7 to 8 years I have been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with my dad. I can honestly say, that he was just a good person, even when no one was looking. It sounds simple, but when you get down to it, there aren't many honest to God good folks left anymore. He expected more from Scott and I. Regardless of what we did or who we were around he expected us to be the best. He used to tell Scott and I if we were gonna be a trash truck driver be the best trash truck driver there is. Don't lie to anyone or for anyone. Regardless of what you do, do it with everything you have. Never compromise your principles or character and never back down. More than any of that he taught me how to be a good father and husband through watching him. He seldom let life get in the way. He always put his family first. His entire life he did without so he could give us the things that he didn't have growing up. Don't get me wrong, he worked us in the dirt, but he would do anything in the world for us or anyone for that matter. He was the best man I knew. In everything he did, he lived what he taught us. He didn't cut corners and he didn't accept mediocrity.
My brother and I went into business using his two most basic principles; tell the truth, and do the right thing. It's amazing how far ahead you get in life doing these two simple things. I can never sum up all the things he taught me. I owe everything I am or have to him and my mom. I will miss him and I'm sure over time it will get easier, but it's tough to handle right now. He has left the greatest legacy to us that any man can hope to leave his family. I am certain of my salvation, and his faithfulness and commitment to raise my brother and I right led to that. I owe him more than I can ever repay him.
Long story short, the world is a worse place without him. Personally, I am heart broken but I have a peace about it. Selfishly I wish that he was still here and I would give anything for one more conversation with him. I hate that my kids won't have that influence on their life. My oldest son and he developed a very close relationship. To the point that had I done the things my son pulled I would not be able to walk due to belt marks. I hope that I can be half the husband, father, friend and man that he was. He was the greatest man I ever knew.
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Thanks for sharing that.
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Mimms Family, Karen, Adam, and Scott your Dad was good man, husband,father, and preacher. I will miss him. His devotionals help me greatly.Thank you for writing this story of your father's life. Thanks, Mike Rowland.
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Thank you for the bio, Adam. God's peace in Christ be yours at this time and forever. One thing I will remember about Mike, is the solid faith he had in Christ alone for his salvation -the greatest gift a husband and father can give his family! All glory to God!
-Duke
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Mike sounds like my daddy...I never met Mike,but I did talk to him A couple of times...He was truely A good person...His inspirational post were great,sometimes they would hit the spot!...I enjoyed that aimin5....I will miss him.
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Adam, I was only one of many who as you note 'knew' him here though this forum and from a handful of phone calls, PM's and emails...but that was enough to get a good appreciation for the person and man your dad Mike was and what he represented. Your statement which BTW makes for a great obituary was well written and clearly well prepared, but at the same time spoke from the heart--I felt it. It was a honor to 'know' your father and from what I can tell you didn't fall far from the tree. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Scott
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I never got to meet your Daddy in person, but I did talk to him on the phone and thru messages on here. My heart hurts for ya'll for the loss ya'll are dealing with right now. I've been thinking about him ever since I heard the news. He has a whole bunch of friends on here and I think we will all miss him greatly. I won't ever forget when we were talking about hunting in GA and he told me, " you will stay here at my house" I told him I would get a hotel room, but he wouldn't hear that at all! I know he is in a much better place right now and he will always be looking after the family I'm sure. If ya'll need anything or just need to talk, brother you have my number, give me a call, don't be shy! Ya'll take care and be strong for each other, you know that's what your Daddy would want! We will be praying for the whole family, as ya'll go thru this rough time. When things get tough for ya'll, just look up to heaven and smile, you can be sure your Daddy will be smiling right back at ya'll. Take care, call if you need anything! *prayer* :grouphug: *prayer*
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Adam
I cannot even imagine what You, Scott and Karen are going through at this time. You wrote that tribute to your father very well I want to add. We all feel what you are saying. Mike was a good man with virtues. It is a blessing for a son to hold that esteem for thier dad, there are alot of folks that were not as luck as you in that respect. Hold those memories as you know Mike always did and will continue to guard and protect your fine family. We will all miss him greatly , but one day, one day we will get to spend time together again. As all have said, there are alot of people here Mike touched, and we are always here to be of assistance for you. Be proud of what your dad was, sounds like you are cut from the same mold to me.
God bless you and your family.
We are all going to miss contact with Mike but his spirt and memory will remain strong with us I assure you.
This picture says it all......
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss77/jmckamey/bulldog3.jpg)
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I felt like I have known Mike all my life, even though I only knew him through pm's and this site. That is how sharing and caring he was! He will always be w/ me in my thoughts and particularly when I am down. Even though he suffered in his own life, he was always there to pick you up. He was a very wondeful person.
God Bless Bull Dog Mike!
Bill
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Adam, Thank you for sharing a deeper view of the man your father was. I, like many others, only knew him for a short time, but our phone calls, emails and pm's gave me a keen sense of his remarkable character. He was so proud telling me of the deal he made on Texas ebony and thanking me for introducing it to him. I know he had a few calls made of it. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers, especially when I am in the quiet of the turkey woods. You see I love hunting with friends - here or departed! May God continue to bless your family and bring you peace.
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I didn't know Mike and rarely conversed with him but occassionally I'd get an email with a bible verse and story. I have to say each one touched me. Mike did not have to do this. It speaks tons about the man.
Adam,
Thanks for sharing this. You have every reason to proud.
Fred
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Adam,
I never met your dad, but I do remember the first time I spoke to him on the phone to talk about a cracked burl copper call that I bought from someone else, and he insisted on replacing. Needless to say, we talked turkey calls, family, etc., and before I knew it 45 minutes had passed. I was blown away by Mike's vast knowledge of turkeys, turkey calls, turkey hunting, and everything else! It was also uncanny how easy it was to talk to him - it was like picking up the phone and talking to your best friend.
I commend you on the write up, which was heartfelt as I read each sentence. I had a great deal of respect for your dad despite only knowing him via phone calls & PMs. However, it was crystal clear he had high standards that would not be compromised, and he believed in treating all people with respect and dignity. Extremely commendable traits that I see in you, despite our limited interaction, and I am sure Scott possesses as well!
I felt privileged and honored to know your dad! My sincere condolences to the entire Mimms family!
Kyle
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Adam thanks for posting that, its a great tribute to your father, very heart felt. I to never got to meet Mike in person like I wanted to, but have had a many of phone and PM talks. Seems like we knew each other for a lot longer than we reality did. In many of our conversations he would speak very proudly of You, Karen and Scott and was extra proud of the Grandkids. No matter what we were talking about some how he would always find a way to bring up Bama Football! What a fan of sports Mike was. Mike would always be there to help me post what little pictures I did post, always there to help out or just give advice on any topic or concern I had. I'm sure going to miss Ole Bulldog very much!! I know he is at home with the Lord today with no pain. Rest in Peace my friend. Adam may the good Lord give your family the peace and comfort you all need. I will keep the entire Mims family in our Prayers *prayer*
Brent,
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thats a wonderful tribute you wrote, and i to only knew your dad thru pms etc etc, but no doubt was a good man. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers *prayer*
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Adam,
I had many conversations with your Dad and I cant tell you how inspiring and positive he was, He helped me greatly deal with issues of life and Callmaking. He was a great listener which is sometimes the most important help you can give someone, He will be greatly missed, Thank you for the insight into his life. My thought and prayers will be with you and your family..
God Bless, Tim
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Thanks, for sharing that.....I know he will be missed by all..