Many of our old time campers remember my parents, Tom and Grace. You haven't seen much of them in recent years due to poor health. 2008 was the beginning of a new era for me (Kathy). Daddy passed away on August 6, 2008 at the age of 96. We were sure my Mom would join him within weeks but she proved us wrong. We were reminded daily what a special person she was and what having an iron will truly meant! January 27th my Mom finally let go and joined Daddy. We take comfort in knowing they are Bass Fishing together at last and that neither one of them are suffering any more pain and have 20/20 vision! February 15th would have been Mommy's 96th birthday. For all the campers who have asked about them and added them to your prayers, thank you. For those of you that marvel at coincidences, Mommy passed away on Fritz's Mom's birthday. Miriam Gross (Fritz's Mom) passed away on my Mom's birthday (February 15)! Of course December 24 - My parents wedding anniversary is special because our daughter Andrea was born on Christmas Eve!
Being an only child, I always took my parents everywhere I went. When we started building the campground on June 1, 1995, my parents were right there with us. Many of you will remember my Dad running around the park in his golf cart and my Mom registering you at the front counter. For a number of years, they were our only staff. I still like to imagine Daddy feeding Lena and zipping down to the mailbox in his golf cart. I remember my Mom's normally steady hands shaking like leaves when she learned to use the computer at 80 years of age! Within a few months she could out perform me on the computer! For our first 5 years she ran the office/store from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and then I took over until closing!
We can't thank Jim Rogers enough for sharing a few moments with my Mom in 2008. She got to meet "The Man" and it brightened her spirits for days.
Daddy and Mommy were married on December 24, 1944 after a 10 day courtship. Everyone told them it would never last!!!! Daddy served 23.5 years in the Navy, retiring in 1957. In November 2008 we traveled to Arlington National Cemetery, where Daddy was buried on November 24th. Fritz's Dad and Mom are also buried at Arlington. Mom joined Daddy at Arlington National Cemetery on September 27, 2011.
Daddy and Mommy taught me to be my own woman and supported my dreams all my life. They gave Fritz and me their unconditional blessing when we decided to 'pack it all in' and follow our dream of owning a campground. We miss you Daddy and Mommy but take comfort in knowing you are finally together again, free of suffering, watching, guiding, and protecting us from heaven. We love you forever.
Tom and Grace Casey
Grace and Tom Casey August 2008
Kathy and Mamaw (Grace Casey) Fritz and Papaw (Tom Casey) 2007
LCDR Thomas Allen Casey
Born Senatobia, Miss
May 2, 1912
Interred Arlington National Cemetery Nov 24, 2008
Mamaw was known as the cookie lady. She always had at least 20 kinds of homemade cookies in her freezer. Andrea and Allen always remember being able to choose 2 cookies as their dessert! She was especially famous for her lemon cookie bars. Daddy was always raiding the cookie jar when Mommy wasn't looking. It seemed only fitting that she joined him in a special English cookie jar. September 27th, 2011 we buried her with Daddy at Arlington National Cemetery
Grace Avann Casey
Born February 15, 2115
Birmingham, England
Died January 27, 2011
Interred Arlington National Cemetery September 27, 2011
