Thad Dasher 85 years old


The Family of Thad Dasher
By Betty Dasher Kicklighter

Thad Dasher, born June 17, 1915, was the youngest of twelve children born to James and Fannie Kicklighter Dasher.

He was about three years old when his mother died of rubella. After his mom's death he slept with his dad until his dad died when Dad was 10 years old. He moved around living with his brothers and sisters from year to year. He preferred to work on the farm instead of attending school; therefore, his education was probably not beyond the third grade.

In his early 20's he was living with his brother, Dan, who owned a large farm and had married Gladys Spivey. When their fourth child was due, Aunt Gladys' cousin, Myrtle Mae Maddox, from Dublin, Georgia, moved in to help her care for all the children. She had not been there many months when Dad said to himself, "I think she's going to be my wife."

They were married June 27, 1936. They had three daughters: Charlotte Ann, born September 22, 1937; Betty Jean, born September 10, 1938; and Josephine (Joie), born September 18, 1940. He never seemed disappointed that he didn't have a son.

Charlotte married Gerald Howard and had two daughters: Kimberly and Pamela. Betty married Robert Kicklighter and had two daughters and one son: Robin, Sherri, and Robert, Jr. (Bob). Joie married Bill Alexander and had one daughter: Andrea.

Charlotte's husband, Gerald, served in the Navy and died when he was 39 years old. She moved back to Georgia, managed hotels and other businesses.

In 1976 Betty opened the first real estate business in the history of Tattnall County. Kicklighter Realty still operates today by a family member.

Joie majored in education and became a school principal and, after retiring, a Volusia County Commissioner.

Dad sharecropped for years, and in 1944 was able to buy 111 acres of a farm that his brother, Mark, owned. It was originally part of his dad's farm. The log cabin had no electricity or running water.

He taught us how to do all the farm work, ride the mule, pick cotton, sucker tobacco, string it and hang it in the barn, milk cows and feed the hogs. He was pleased with our hard work.

He was saved when I was 10 years old at Ella Grove Baptist Church and baptized in Beards Creek. It was the first baptism I had ever seen, and I was in awe.

Dad worked hard, was accountable, cared for others and taught us to avoid debt as much as possible.

Early in May 1950, on a Saturday afternoon a huge tornado hit Glennville. Dad had just come into the house when the winds and hail, larger than golf balls, pounded the house. He told us to get under the bed, which saved us from the hail crashing through the windows spilling glass throughout the room.

Amazingly, in 15 minutes it was over. Dad walked outside and discovered that all of the crops were beaten down with the ice; limbs and trees were down, and half the roof was gone. I'll never forget his words as he put his arms around us—"We're all okay; it will be all right." When the government offered free food stamps to farmers whose crops had been destroyed, he said, "No, as long as I can work, I'll keep going. I can make it." He borrowed money from the bank to replant his crops, and we never heard him gripe or complain.

In the mid 1950's, he had Mr. Leon Bland build us a new house. It was wonderful to leave the log cabin, have an indoor bathroom, an electric stove, refrigerator, and a washing machine!

Dad loved to hunt, fish, play setback, and make grape wine and peanut brittle. In his 70's he had severe arthritis, back problems and could no longer farm. He asked me to help him sell his tractor because he would never be able to farm again. I struggled to hold back the tears, knowing how much he loved his tractor and farming.

His mobility was very limited, but his mind was good. He loved family, friends, good food, and good jokes! He lived to be 85 years old. At that time, no Dasher had lived that long.

Toward the end he looked at me very seriously and asked, "What will Heaven be like?" My heart melted, but God gave me the answer, "I think there will be a field of corn to plant."

Now he knows how beautiful Heaven must be!!!