The Funeral Arrangements for Guy Alan Melton are below. Guy was born April 29, 1956 in Tampa, Florida and was the third child of four. He is survived by his lovely wife, Tonia Felice Gilmore Melton of ___ years, 3 Wonderful Sons, 2 of the most incredible daughters-in-law, anyone could ever have. His two grandsons, Gavyn Elijah and Caleb Kai Melton are beyond description. He always wanted to know how two perfect kids could come from his imperfect son!!!
Now this might be how my obituary will read some day. When Tonia sees this post, it might be today!!!! But seriously I was thinking today for some reason about how I want my funeral to be conducted. It might be since I've been home with a sinus infection, and no voice for two days, and not been feeling good. OK, I'm not that bad. But I have lost my voice and had to cancel all my meetings the last two days and have to preach this Sunday. But hopefully this is no premonition. I haven't had a dream, but if I do die in the next few days, I bet you all will believe in premonitions won't you? Anyway, let me get to the point.
Since I have made no funeral preparations, as of yet here on earth and I know you should, I'm beginning now. Here is how I want my service to go. And yes, as they always tell me, as the Pastor, I want it to be a celebration of Life, not death. So here goes:
IT'S GOING TO BE ALL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yep, you heard me. Those who know me and Oasis Church family, you understand. I LOVE Christmas and always have, since a kid. I'm called sick and extreme, yes I am, so why not wrap things up. (no pun intended, we will leave the wrapped presents out of this) Now, if you're thinking, "How can you joke about this?"Well, I'm not afraid of dying!!! I'm going to be so much better off. Now I'm not necessarily begging for it today...but!! It's OK. God has blessed me with a life 10 times over more than I deserve. Plus it will be Christmas 365 days a year in Heaven, and no manger!! or Cross!!
The auditorium needs to have lighted Christmas Trees. Decorations in place. For Oasis, you will be lucky if I die here, in December, or January. It will save you guys lots of work. Just like "Christmas at the Oasis".
Anyone who attends I'll ask to dress in Green and Red, or your fav Christmas clothes.
The Service and music will include :
Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer
- Alabama's Christmas C.D. playing before and after
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- Some of my favs from Alabama's Christmas, like Tennessee Christmas, Thistle-hair the Christmas Bear and Christmas in Dixie (Now, for those who don't know me very well, you would think I'm a country fan. I hate country music for the record. But I love the Alabama Christmas C.D. It's the only country music I listen to all year, BTW, I do listen to it all year)
- My Fav Hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is our God"
- My fav Bible verse since I was 13 years old . Philippians 4:13
- Several Christmas Carols, sung by all. I'll leave that up to you, Chris Hughes (or whoever is the Worship Pastor at the time)
- Obviously the candelabras for the Traditional Christmas Eve Candle lighting Ceremony (everyone gets a little candle to light, left over from last year since we never throw them away. Cost cutting, you know, going green, recycling.) Wallie W. Get them ready to set up.
- Who does the service message? Don't care...just tie in Christmas, with Salvation!!
- All Flowers even though the family will have donations sent else where, Christmas of course. (I want a few of Sally Rogers' fav manger scenes out)
- Casket does not have to be green and red, but I do suggest any flowers ever left at the site be Christmas in nature. Poinsettias are fine. (Me dressed in my fav Christmas sweater)
- The Wake, or family meal afterwards needs to be all Christmas from the Meat to the Desert!! Egg nog, (not spiked, you guys have to drive home) Tonia's traditional Christmas Morning Breakfast Cassarole has to be there, even if someone makes it for her, I'm sure one of my boys can. (oh BTW, put a
piece in the casket with me...just in case!!) Oh, and dont forget the "Santa's White Christmas" coffee from Barnies. If not Dunkin Coffee will do.
Now, I will add to this, but just thought I would share my plans, and wishes. Just in case when Tonia gets home and sees I have decorated the whole house again today with Christmas , she loses it!!!
On a more serious note. We should all prepare for that day. Have you? Not only in the ways I've mentioned but eternally. Isn't that what Christmas was/is all about!!!!!!!
p.s. Oh, and instead of an eternal flame at the grave site, just a string of solar lights will be fine, red and green. Of course!! I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!