Lloyd Arnold Whitcomb

(Grandpa Whitcomb & Elliot ~ August 17, 2008)

None of us we expecting this. Last Monday morning, Grandpa was admitted to ICU for chest pains. First diagnosis was that he had pneomonia and maybe had had a heart attack. After further review, the doctor informed him that he had a heart attack. He explained that the fluid on his lungs were a result of his heart only functioning at 30% capacity.

We were notified immediately. We would be there at Christmas to see him. Grandpa was responsive. He even asked to go home after the pain meds for his chest pains took effect. On Thursday he was transferred from Greer to Greenville Memorial where they would be able to do more extensive operations.

Friday morning at 11am, Grandpa was wheeled in to have a routine heart catherization, and met his Saviour instead. As the doctor was performing the heart cath, a piece of plaque loosened and lodged in a place that made his heart stop. Three of their best doctors worked frantically in vain to save his life.

Despite Grandpa's age (85), we were shocked. A few years ago, Grandma Whitcomb had the same procedure done proceeded by a five-bypass heart surgery. The part we anticipated being serious and possibly life threatening for Grandpa was the surgery itself.

We left for South Carolina the next day.

The funeral was on Monday and was very sweet. The theme was God's grace. We played a small part in the service with music, and Dad gave praise to our loving God as he shared Grandpa's testimony - which was a clear reflection of God's wonderful saving grace. And because of what God did in his life, two generations of godly men have been serving Christ in ministry.

Dad was with Grandpa on Friday morning- laughing and having a good ol' time before the heart cath. The last words Grandpa said to Dad as he was wheeled away were

"I'll see you later."

Yes, we will !