This post is a bit different from my previous writings as I want to talk about my dad in lieu of the Father's Day weekend. My dad, Rockey Felker is and always has been my hero. I don't think that will ever change. As a young boy, Dad was the guy I idolized, he was a star football player at Mississippi State where he won the SEC player of the year in 1975. The funny thing is, his humility was such that the trophy meant nothing to him, my brother David and I used to color all over it with crayons! Dad became a football coach after college and by his early thirties received his dream job as the head coach at Mississippi State University. At the age of 32 he was on top of the world. 5 years later he was let go, it was a devastating time for him and our family. Since that time he has coached twice at the University of Tulsa and once at the University of Arkansas, and over the past six years has been back at Mississippi State as both the Director of Football Operations and the Running backs coach. Through it all he has remained grounded, actively speaking at FCA groups and teaching Sunday School with my mom, being faithful to his wife, and the biggest supporter of his sons.
As a boy I think I idolized my dad for what he had accomplished, for his success and fame. No doubt his wikipedia bio is more full than mine will ever be. But now as a young man the thing I idolize so much about him is not his success but his character. He has remained humble in a professional field that molds a persons ego. He has been faithful and trustworthy not only in his work, but more importantly with his family. His humility and love for his wife and boys is a challenge for me daily. His trust in the Lord and desire to be in His Word is something I still remember, as he would stay up late, sitting in "his chair" and reading his Bible while the rest of us slept. Its fun now watching him as a grandpa and the care and compassion he displays to Hudson brings back memories of my own grandfather with us. Dad has also experienced disappointment in life and continued to trust the Lord and His sovereign plan through it all.
Perhaps the greatest compliment I can give my father is that his life, his activities, his character were not perfect, but serve as a wonderful picture of the Heavenly Father's love, affection, and care for me as His child. Thanks Dad!
Much of the man I am today is because of the years I have spent imitating my dad. He was the man I sought to emulate and still is...
Happy Father's Day,
J
