A good friend passed away this week. W. B. “Bubba” Pannell completed his coursework here on earth and graduated from this life
to be with Christ on Dec. 31st, 2008 at the age of 87. Bubba’s wife, Annette, preceded him in death by some 5 years or so, I think. Two sweeter people I can’t imagine. I joined a host of people who gathered at the family gathering on Saturday the 4th of January to mourn our loss and celebrate his life. We laughed, cried, renewed friendships and heard many stories about Bubba and his family. I can’t remember the first time I met the Pannells, but it had to be in my undergraduate days at the University of Texas, somewhere around 1968-1972. I can’t remember exactly because once you met them, you were immediately absorbed into their family and then you couldn’t remember when you didn’t know them. They loved everyone and made us all feel like we were their very own kids. They lived and modeled family for so many of us as we attended UT.
What an incredibly joyous man. I can only picture him with that great big smile and laughing eyes. Every Sunday morning, every Sunday evening, every church function, he was there, happiest in the gathering of the people of God.
