CULLMAN, Ala. – Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 15. As the day approaches, many are taking time to reflect on the men who helped shape their lives. From sweet and lighthearted childhood memories to impactful moments and accomplishments, Cullman residents have shared their favorite stories about their dads in celebration of Father’s Day.
“My dad, Jim Boyd, passed in October of 2023. We had lots of fun times on the farm and at home. His job as county school superintendent took a lot of time, but he always made it to our ball games and activities. A couple of my favorite memories include eating together and riding around on Sundays after church, as well as our annual family trips to Gulf Shores. He was larger than life and a great dad. He taught us a great work ethic and he was my biggest encourager!” – Susan Sellers
Mike Richard shared fond memories of his father on Smith Lake, recalling experiences that have stayed with him for years. “We had a place down on a point at Smith Lake, in Crane Hill, kind of a private slough where my dad’s friend owned all the land. That weekend, a group of our family came together: my uncle, aunt and some cousins from Sarasota and Chicago. It ended up being a surprise for the ones from Chicago, as the kids had kept it secret. We were all there at the same time, and it was just one of the best times. I remember learning something new about my dad, Joe Richard — he actually knew how to swim. I’d never seen him do that before, especially not in Sarasota. He was always a fisherman, not a swimmer, so the way he swam was kind of pitiful but funny. We had a blast setting off fireworks and just being together. Looking back, that weekend meant a lot. My dad’s been gone 25 or 26 years now, but those are the kinds of memories that stay with you.” — Mike Richard
Allen Gibbs said one of his favorite things to do is listen to his father’s stories about growing up and seeing the man he became. “One of my favorite memories of my dad is just sitting and listening to all the wild stories he’d tell about his younger days. But what really stands out is what he accomplished later in life. In 2009, he graduated at the very top of his class from the University of Alabama with four degrees. He majored in accounting and minored in finance. He led the entire student body at graduation, won every major award and even had dinners with Warren Buffett. I still have a signed book from one of those events. Now, he’s the corporate controller at one of Buffett’s sister companies. I’ve always been proud of him, but moments like that really stuck with me.” — Allen Gibbs
For Ariel Jacobs, the importance of Father’s Day is celebrating the influence fathers have on their children. “It’s recognizing those who raise and guide us. Some dads do it all, and they deserve just as much credit.” Jacobs shared different memories with both her biological father and stepfather, from water gun fights and Charlie Brown movies during the holidays to kitchen dance parties and backyard barbecues. “I love both of my dads, and I’m glad that you were able to be there in my life.” – Ariel Jacobs
Cody Clark recalled a birthday surprise from his father that turned into a lifelong memory: his first concert. “It was a Metallica show at the BJCC. We ended up almost at stage level, and he even surprised me with autographs from two of the band members.” That concert, along with the support his father provided over the years, had a lasting impact on his life, giving him the motivation to become who he wanted to be. “We didn’t always see eye to eye, but I always knew I could go to him and confide in him. And I do hope to be that beacon for somebody, whether it’s now or someday in the future or for my kids in the future.” – Cody Clark
Thomas Myers credited his father with being a reliable, behind-the-scenes force in his life, from cooking to helping around the house. He shared that his dad’s contributions are not unnoticed and definitely not unappreciated. “He’s always been there, helping in his quiet way. He’s helped me financially throughout my life, assisted me around the house and cooks whenever he can. Like he always makes the best food.” – Thomas Myers
Clara, Andrew, William and Thomas Haynes shared their favorite memories, including going onto the field during a Braves baseball game, watching football, working on the farm with their dad and being tucked in. When asked why celebrating Father’s Day is important, they replied, “It’s important to remember how hard they work. It’s how we show we care.”
John Branscomb said he loves his dad’s hugs: “He always cares about me and hugs me.”
Sisters Gloria and Dorothy Dotson shared exciting memories of a camping trip with their dad, roasting marshmallows and eating s’mores. They said it is important to celebrate Father’s Day “because you get to spend time with your dad, and that they work hard and that you get to show them how much you care about them.”
Paul Hollis shared a memory of his father’s grace that still resonates decades later. As the son of a longtime Southern Baptist minister, Sam Hollis, Paul recalled the day his dad stood up for him after he was caught carving his initials into a church pew. Instead of scolding him, Hollis’ father asked if the custodian had called the other children’s parents as well, pointing out that the behavior wasn’t unique. “That moment stuck with me. He chose grace over punishment, and that made a difference in how I saw him and how I try to be with others.” – Paul Hollis
And finally, Jill Perry and her father, Tommy Holdbrooks, shared memories of homemade popcorn and watching late-night TV as a family. “He makes the best popcorn in the world. My sister and I would get our baths early on Fridays, get in our pajamas, and he’d make it the old-fashioned way on the stove. Then we’d watch ‘The Incredible Hulk’ or ‘The Bionic Woman.’ There’s just no popcorn like his. Dads are the behind-the-scenes heroes. They’re the steady support system. We wouldn’t be who we are without them.” – Jill Perry
