Waymon Tisdale lost his battle with cancer today. He was 44.
I actually knew Waymon. We had a couple of classes together at OU back in the early 80's. He was a man with such a sweet disposition. Always cheerful in class and what an athlete out on the basketball court!
I remember one Communications class that I had with him. He had to turn the desk sideways for him to sit in it. He was gone a week or so to the Rainbow Classic in Hawaii. I told him I liked his tan when he got back. He really laughed at that. He called me "Smiley".
The most proud I was the whole time I was at OU had to do with Waymon Tisdale. He was honored at one of the football games after he won an Olympic Gold Medal playing Basketball for Team USA. He got a standing ovation that lasted several minutes. It is actually bringing tears to my eyes as I type this.
I remember the last time I saw Waymon. I happened to be buying a new suit in Tulsa a few years after college. He was also in there and we looked at each other. I said, "Hey Waymon. Good to see you" or something like that. He looked at me and with a dawn of recognition said, "Smiley!"
The past few years have been rough on him. He lost a leg to cancer and now his life. His father was a preacher and I am confident that Waymon has been reunited with him in Heaven. He was an accomplished and talented jazz musician. He has a website here.
In my estimation, the world is a little dimmer because Waymon's light isn't here to shine. But now, he is bathed in the light of Glory!
3 comments:
I was having similar recollections this afternoon after I heard the news. I had a couple classes with him and another well known athlete. HE was the SMILEY one, Rick. LOL!
I was just telling a friend about my memories about a week ago. Some of his immediate kin folk had come to inquire about our rent house. Actually applied.
A good guy...
Thanks for sharing Rick! He is definitely going to missed!
Receive, O Lord, Your servant, for he returns to You.
Wash him in the holy font of everlasting life, and clothe
him in his heavenly wedding garment.
May he hear Your words of invitation, “Come, you blessed of
my Father.”
May he gaze upon You, Lord, face to face, and taste the
blessedness of perfect rest.
May angels surround him, and saints welcome him in peace.
Almighty God, our Father in heaven, before Whom live all
who die in the Lord: Receive our brother Wayman into the courts of
Your heavenly dwelling place. Let his heart and soul now ring
out in joy to you, O Lord, the living God, and the God of
those who live. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen
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