Poppy

It’s been said that Jesus walks among us here on earth. Working through us and for us. And I’ve often wondered if he looks like the Bible-depicted-Jesus in heaven, with sandal feet and flowing robe.

Paul Reeves passed away last night. And I’ve never seen Jesus on Earth so clearly. Turns out, he wore a red Ace vest and worked in a hardware store.

You’d never know he owned the place. With his unassuming presence. No pomp or fluff. He was plain and down-to-earth. No fancy suits or tailored slacks. Instead, he patched his pants with duct tape. And rolled them up twice at the bottom. His shirts were missing buttons and his shoes were well-worn.

Poppy was much more interested in not what he had, but what he could give. Never did he mention how good he has been to our community, but rather how good our community has been to him. “Thanks for stopping by,” he’d say, “Thank you for everything.” And he meant it.

He was Mr. Reeves to customers. Husband to Mimi. Father to his girls. Poppy to us. Friend to every person who ever knew him.

There’s a million ways to show the love of the Lord. Pastors preach from a pulpit. Poppy preached from Habersham Hardware, without ever taking the stage. He lived out the Gospel with lumber and paint. Hammer and nails. Nuts and bolts and screws. With helping hands and a humble heart.

People paid him in cash and credit. But ask the locals--they’ll tell you he accepted handshakes, promises, and sometimes IOUs too. He met a customer past working hours too many times to count. Unlocking doors long after lights had dimmed and registers were counted. Sundays and holidays might as well have been any other day if a person was in need.

He was fair and honest. Soft-spoken and wise. The first one there. The last to leave. He worked harder than anyone I’ve ever known—devoting 70 years to public service. Not because he loved money or success or recognition, but because he loved people.

Poppy knew what we tend to forget: Kindness is more important than convenience. Serving others is more important than serving ourselves. And doing the right thing is always the best thing.

It’s not always easy to live right-side up in an upside-down world. But he did—making it possible for common people to build businesses, churches, and forever-homes. Poppy made a living by loving. It’s so evident now in the reflection of his life.

He thought he was building a community, and all the while, he was building a legacy.

Though the final chapter of his book has been read, so many are inspired by his story. He left his mark and made this world better. It was an honor to learn how to live from the greatest generation.

I don’t know if he’s wearing his red vest or not. But I know he is with His Lord. For "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Until we see you again, Poppy, thanks for stopping by. Thanks for everything. We mean it.