May God bless all of you at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

You were absolutely blessed with a great man who made an impact on many other lives. He will be missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

I am so, so sorry. Such a sad day. He was, and will stay in my memory, an admirable Christian man and role model. I'll be praying for all of your family during this time.

That was a beautiful tribute by your nephew. I am pondering now the message your dad left...that every 'last' moment, which was every moment to your dad as he couldn't remember any current moments after they happened...was lived with and for joy, happiness, laughter and to tell those he loved just how he loved them...what a sermon by his life...what a rich legacy!...and I never even met the man...but would have like to have! So sorry for your loss!

Wit and I are deeply sorry for the emptiness you feel. Losing our Dad is so difficult, but Praise God you & I were blessed with the best!! What a truly great person Ovit was! We are honored to have known him. Thank you, God, for wonderful Dads like Ovit!

Your dad was so special, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom. I plan to come up Sunday for the visitation. See you then.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your family was always so special to us. May the peace of God dwell you and your mother during this time and always.

I thought the world of Ovit. I know how bittersweet the passing of someone this special can be. Many prayers are with you and yours.

So sorry to hear the news. I know your heart aches, but yet is so full of the beautiful memories and many blessings he leaves with you. I still keep my Daddy close to me after 9+ years. My prayers are with you and your family.

So sorry to hear about his passing. May the love and grace of our Lord, give you peace. Much love to you all

It was a wonderful memorial to a wonderful man. Your family has meant so much to so many people. Your dad would have been proud today.

For the first time in my life, "New Years" will have a literal meaning, and will serve as a pivotal turning point. This morning my paternal grandfather, Ovit Foster, passed away. He will be missed by a special family--one that I'm so proud to be a part of--his wife, Fran, his four children, four children in law, ten grandchildren, two grandchildren in law, and two great grandsons, as well as an endless amount of friends, if family doesn't serve as a better word.

I'm thankful to live so close to each family member, to spend a weekend every month with them, and to say I shared a very unique relationship with my grandfather, and in turn, he shared with me a life lesson--one that I replay in my head every morning when I wake up, and one I ought to share.

For those who are not aware, my grandfather, PawPaw (as we called him), suffered a stroke when I was very very young. He lost his ability to remember anything that occurred post-stroke. He also lost feeling in half of his body. He appeared, to most, as a beaten, and physically, as well as mentally, weak person. Every moment, to him, would be gone as soon as it happened. You could walk in, give him a sandwich, and as soon as he finished he'd ask for another. He would tell you something, and as soon as you replied, he'd tell you again. But, he also had no mental boundaries. Whatever he wanted to tell you, he'd tell you. Whatever he wanted to ask for, he'd ask for. He would spend half of his day singing...no matter how many times you told him to be quiet. If you told him to stop, he'd give you a dumbfounded look as if you were out of your mind for telling him to do such a thing.

He was the most straightforward person I ever knew. Starting around the age of 13 or 14, I began to go over and watch PawPaw when my grandmother had to run errands. I guess most would assume I'd do it so often b/c she paid me, and honestly that wasn't a bad incentive, but it took me no time at all to find a significantly higher value.

Watching PawPaw became a safe haven for me. As I grew from a kid to the person I am today, I would never go a month without sitting with PawPaw one or two times. Sometimes it would be even more often than that.

No matter how down in the dumps I was, or difficult life had become, or the drama I had to deal with, I could escape it all by going to sit with PawPaw.

PawPaw slowed time down. He made life simple. He never knew who the U.S. President was, or what the Georgia Bulldog's record was, or who we were at war with, or that we were in a recession.

But, he did know some things--different things...and it was all he knew. He knew to put on a smile every time I walked in. He'd look as excited as if I would if someone handed me a suitcase full of cash. He'd grab my hand, look me dead in the eye, and take no more than five seconds to crack a joke.

And, he would never let me walk out of the room without telling me he loved me. As a kid, this had little meaning, but as I grew up, and started to feel and think more than I indulged in the latest video game, every moment with PawPaw became priceless.

We only talked about so many things. He'd talk to me about the fun he had as a kid. He would talk about his first jobs, and work ethic. But, mostly, he would tell me how lucky I was...to have the family I have. To live in the time I do. He would tell me how truly grateful I need to be, and to never EVER hesitate to let love be the driving force in your life. He would tell me, "know what truly matters". I'd ask, "What?". He'd say, "In the end, the people in your life are all that matter." Family, and friends, are forever. He'd always ask, "Where is my wife and your grandmother?" I'd say, shes out shopping, and he'd reply, "Your grandmother is truly a special person." ...and "next time you see her, tell her I love her"...(I never had to, because that was the first thing he said to her when she entered the room).

And, that's all PawPaw really ever wanted to talk to me about. And, seconds after he told me, he'd forget he told me anything. If I left the room, he would have no idea I was there. If I entered, he'd ask for a Dr Pepper and some popcorn. He'd have no recollection of the philosophy he spilled all over me.

But, I took every word he ever said to me in. Even though PawPaw might not know he was making such an impact on my growth, he was...and he was the most impactful human being I've ever shared a relationship with.

About two months ago, that relationship hit a peak...one I did not expect. PawPaw was getting increasingly sicker, and was bedridden. He was barely responsive, and would get very confused--maybe even hallucinate at times. He wasn't cracking jokes anymore, or grabbing our arms, or singing.

One night I was sitting over there when he started to call for help from the other room. He had no idea who was there, and could barely move a muscle or keep his eyes open. I would walk in, tell him "I'm your grandson, Michael", and he would shake his head...as if he had no idea who Michael was. He'd ask if his wife was okay, and I'd say yes. Then he'd ask if there had been a tragedy, and I kept insisting no.

I was shaken myself...knowing I had spent my last, real moment with PawPaw...or had I?

I walked out of the room one more time, and again he called for someone to help him. I walked in, and again, he sat there with his eyes closed, not moving at all. Then all of a sudden he turned his head, for the first time all night, opened his eyes and cracked a smile as best he could.

He looked right at me, said about half my name to his best effort. and told me he loved me, as if he knew exactly who I was. And, just like that he turned his head back to the wall, closed his eyes, and kept quiet...as if nothing happened. As if I wasn't there again.

Needless to say, I'll never, ever question my faith or events in my life. I know that everything happens for a reason. I'll never forget that moment for the rest of my life, and I know now just how special my relationship with my grandfather was. 

But, that relationship is not over--for any of us. While we will miss him, PawPaw has left his bedridden body, and is now watching over everyone of us.

In a time where we might mourn, knowing what's said above brings content. It's a blessing to know our journey is not over. That, every day, we can live life the way he taught us to. We can show him what he meant to us.

And, I'm sure we will all do that without any feeling of obligation, but rather with the motivation of our hearts. 

The way I look at life is simple. I wake up every morning with a few goals. To smile at everyone who looks at me. Crack a joke as many times as possible. Make someone laugh. Give plenty of hugs and shake plenty of hands. Maybe even sing when singing may not appear so permissible. And, don't ever forget to care, and love the people in my life...whether it's family, friends, or lost ones of both.

Not only did PawPaw do that, but he only had a moment to do it all...before it was all gone again. He'd tell you a joke, a story, and sing you a song....and three minutes later, he'd do it again.

There wasn't time, in his mind, to stress, or be angry. Those moments--those meaningful, last moments--were reserved for love and happiness, and nothing else.

Some may think that as he sat, crippled and weak, that he lived a sad life. But, he did not, because he lived it in the ways described above. If we all do that, and then cherish the memory of it, we will live a lifetime fulfilled with happiness a thousand times over. No poverty, or danger, or hardship can tear us down...or apart.

Think about how many moments you have left in your life, and make sure you live them in a way that matters. Live for family and friends...and live to make those relationships special...and nothing else. The rest will take of itself, but the above listed are all in your control.

That is the lesson PawPaw taught me, and although it might seem cliche on paper (or on a text document on the interweb...), the reality of seeing it in demonstration, and being taught in haste by a loved one, makes it so much more powerful.

It's time for us to let him know just how much he impacted our lives; to let him know how valuable his time was to everyone of his kids and grandkids, even if that time wasn't remembered by him. He can finally look over all of us, and see what we've become...we can make him proud...
...and he can take it all in, and cherish the memory. He can keep the memory, for eternity. 

Knowing that, during a modest holiday season, is the best Christmas blessing I could ever receive. And, what better time for all of us to take note of PawPaw's lesson, than every Christmas. 

...It sure is funny how God works his magic...
May you rest in peace, PawPaw,

Love, your grandson,
Michael. 

P.S., I'm going to start working on some better golf stories...

Fran, You are in our thoughts and prayers! Ovit was such a special man to us. I have the best picture of him, that I need to share with you from a MDA Christmas party, sitting on the little children's bench with Alyson upstairs. She was thrilled with the attention he was giving her, as an seven year old. They are both grinning sooooo big! We love you.

I have sweet memories of Ovit--always a smile, and a kind word. He was a good friend to Gary.
Ovit gave me his putter when he could no longer play golf, and I was just starting to play with Gary when we would go to the beach. I had expected that it would help my putting game, but now I know why it didn't!! There was no talent in the puttees, not the putter!
I'm returning the putter to the Foster family. I'm sure Nelson would like to have it, and think of his father warmly, as I did, when he plays.

Nancy Bonds

Ovit Foster will forever be Papaw to me.  I’ve said it before and I will say it again, I truly believe I got to experience some of his best years in life being one of the first grandchildren!   He loved us all fiercely (ok, maybe even spoiled us) and we loved him fiercely in return.  I could write pages of wonderful, vivid memories of him but every time I try I realize that Papaw isn’t a man that can be put into words- just like our God isn’t one who is bound by death.  I’m so eternally grateful for both.

My last name has never been Foster but I consider myself a Foster through and through.  This family is who I am and who I want to be.  One of the cornerstones of our family is gone now, but I know his legacy is alive and well in each one of us. I have every intention of keeping it alive and passing it down to my children and generations to come.   May the blessing continue from generation to generation.

Ovit was ALWAYS such a kind man to me! I will always remember walking down the halls of MFBC and seeing Ovit with a contagious smile and he ALWAYS said HELLO to me!  His passing leaves me with a VERY heavy heart!! I'm sorry for the Foster families tragic loss! 
Eli J. Lines

I never had the opportunity to meet Ovit Foster.; however I have the pleasure of knowing his son Brian. If Brian's life is a testament to his father's life, then he is a man I would have been proud to know.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.....2 Corinthians 1:3
Praying for you and your family.
Edie Gayton

Brian, Susan, Abby and Samantha, 
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Foster, but I can see by the messages on this page that he was clearly a very special man. My thoughts are with you today as you say goodbye.
Kevin Sanders (friend of Susan)

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you...  We have ours in my Mom.  God bless from the McCollums.

I was Mr. Fosters nurse for several of the days he was at Tranquility. So I had the pleasure of seeing his legacy lived out in his children. It was a blessing to be with this family in their time of need.

I'd like to extend condolences for your great loss on behalf of the Maloney family.  I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Foster's passing and my heartfelt prayers are with the Foster family at this time.   May God Bless you all and bring you comfort.

Brian, Suebee, Abby & Samantha,
  We are so sorry to hear of your loss, yet we know he now reigns with our heavenly Father.  May you feel His comfort and love and the peace that only He can give.  All of you are in our prayers.  Even though distance has kept us apart we continue to LOVE the Fosters and recall all the wonderful times we had in Conyers, Ga.  Much love, The Hicks Family

Mr. Ovit Foster was the kindest man I've ever known. He helped me buy my first baseball glove and coached our little league team with great enthusiasm and integrity. Everyone played regardless of talent! He took care of everyone he encountered in life. He was also a very gifted man; there wasn't anything on earth he couldn't make or repair. He has inspired me my whole life to be self efficient. I always admired his work ethic! Mr. Foster was a "Great"  husband, father, coach, golfer, carpenter, neighbor , listener and on and on. He always asked me to tell him a "Golf Story", because he knew it was my favorite topic of conversation. He  loved the game of golf and life!! He will be truely missed! 

Loving memories! 

Bradley A. Brooks

P.S. Thanks Mr. Foster for all those free meals and life lessons you fed me while growing up. I'll try to make you proud and pass along the kindness you shared with me.

Ovit Foster was my father-in-law. There are a lot of people who don't seem to get along with their in-laws, but mine are the best.  I met Ovit when I was 15 years old, when Pennie and I started dating.  It wasn't too long after I met him that he welcomed me into his workshop and he started teaching me all about making things and fixing things. He taught me all about wood. He taught me how to select wood, plane wood, cut wood, build things out of wood, finish wood, sand wood, and sand it some more, and sand it some more after that. He then taught me how to put brakes on cars and do my own tune ups. It really didn't seem like there was anything he couldn't do and he was always willing to share his experiences with me. But more than anything he taught me how important it is to take time with people and to help meet whatever need they had. Numerous times I witnessed him minister as a layman to countless folks in our community. 

Outside of my own father there were three men who have most influenced my life. There was Jack Shiflett, there was Terry Moncrief, and there was Ovit Foster. Each in their own way taught me about service; each taught me the importance of giving; each taught me to live a life where I am not at the center. Each taught me what it is like to be a Christian.  All three of these men are gone now and I miss them; but I am forever in their debt for the examples lived and the lessons learned.

Our dear Fran and family, we are so saddened to know of Ovit's passing.  We respected, loved and admired him so very much.  We feel especially close because of the friendship of our daughters in their early years.  You are in our hearts and in our prayers.
Love,  Fred and Barbara

I have wonderful memories of Ovit and sons at the RPM Golf Classic in Chattanooga.  Ovit was my buddy, always having something funny to say.  His great big smile was contagious.  Though I only saw him once or twice a year, it was always a delight.  Thanks for sharing Big Canoe with us. I know he's enjoying that "Master's" golf course in the sky!  You are missed.

Mr. Foster was one of my favorite youth leaders-  he always had a positive word and a smile that would make your day.  He showed genuine concern for each of us, and that concern never faded... even after we were older, he kept up with us and was always interested in our families.  Our family loves the Foster family- and you will all be in our prayers... Kaye Blackwell Long

I am sorry to hear of Ovit's passing. I know the day my father passed away was the hardest day of my life, and like all of you supported me and my family, I will do all I can to help you in any way I can.  The entire Foster family has been so intertwined with my family during all our time here in Marietta, and we love you all deeply.  Ovit was one of the kindest gentlemen that I have ever been around, and I will miss him dearly.  God bless you all.

May sweet memories and the love of Jesus comfort you in this difficult time.  You all are in our thoughts and prayers.  
Rachel & Jason Lee (friends of Jennifer)

 THE FOSTER FAMILY.ONE OF THE SWEET COUPLE'S I EVER MET IN COBB COUNTY..MRS. FOSTER MAY GOD COMFORT AND HOLD YA'LL NEAR HIS HEART.KEEP THE MEMORIES ALIVE.  MAY GOD BLESS. FRIEND- JAMES E.PEEPLES SR.

Fran & Foster families,
   I am sorry for the loss of Ovit's encouraging presence in your lives. I know photos, videos, stories & vivid memories will keep the best of Ovit's life, wisdom, smile & soul ever-present in your lives. His industriousness & playfulness were a standard for me to emulate. I will not forget his loving, tender, childlike, forgiving smirk every time I did something on the edge of foolishness. God bless your hearts as you celebrate his life & mourn his passing.
Randy Lanford
940-704-7359
randylanford@yahoo.com

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Ovit K. Foster

25 mai 1935 – 30 décembre 2010

Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery Winkenhofer Chapel

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