Thursday, April 18, would've been my grandfather's birthday. We have a tradition of buying flowers and a balloon to place on his grave each year on his birthday, but since I am unable to do that this year, I figured I'd honor his birthday by writing an article about him.

George Wayne Duke was born on April 18, 1936. He was born to Dorothy and George Duke. He passed away on June 4, 2003, leaving behind a legacy few could match.

You see, my grandfather was a Marine during the Korean War, trained in hand to hand combat. When he returned from the war, he wrestled with post-traumatic stress disorder, which effectively led to him sleeping during the day and being awake at night, along with many night shift positions. My grandfather will never be in the history books for his service to our great nation, but his service to this nation so that we can remain free is commended daily.

My grandfather was always a fighter. This was obviously evident in his service during the Korean War. However, he was known for being a fighter through God supplying him strength when he needed it most. Back in the late 1980's, my grandfather was hospitalized with a grave illness that doctors had essentially given up on.

My grandmother prayed fervently for him day and night, that God would supply him the strength he needed to get well again. When he finally came to, he said that he knew he needed to get well because someone would need him to save them (later found out to be my brother). He got well and came home with my grandmother soon after.

I consider my grandfather a hero. He saved my older brother when he was a baby. Chris had quit breathing, and my grandfather did some quick thinking to bring him back. They got him to the hospital, and he eventually got better. Today, Chris is a relatively healthy man.

When my grandfather passed away on June 4, 2003, he left behind a legacy that can't be matched in my life. Growing up without my father in the picture, my grandfather served as the father figure in my life. He taught me a lot about life, but he taught me most about loving God and showing others God through my life. He taught me to always persevere through every obstacle I encounter, and to always overcome adversity with God's redeeming grace.

While he is no longer with us, my grandfather, George Wayne Duke left a legacy that can't be matched in my eyes. Happy birthday in Heaven, Paw- Paw!