Ronald Hubbard, Sr.

A Tribute to Ronald Lamar Hubbard Sr.

Daddy-affectionately, called "Pops," "Brother Hubbard," "Old Man," or simply "Lamar"by his children-was a truly special man. He was the kind of person you couldn't help but love, no matter what. The compassion for his brokenness drew you in and made you root for him, and hope that he would one day find the self-assured peace he longed for-the kind of peace that comes from knowing you are unconditionally loved and accepted, not for what you do or achieve, but simply for who you are.

Many who knew my father would say, "He'd do anything for anybody." And that was true. But what isn't often said is how deeply it hurt him when the people he showed up for didn't show up for him. My father was a complex man-one who needed love, healing, and acceptance.

Daddy was a creative soul, a man of immense skill and talent. While he chose to play the keys, his true gift-his anointing-was on the guitar. When he played, it was as if his heart spoke through the strings. He was also a man of humor. We could be at odds one moment, and the next, we'd be rolling on the floor laughing at something he said. He had a way of bringing light into even the most difficult moments.

He was smart in his own way, a problem-solver who could figure out anything. If there was a challenge, Lamar would find a solution. He loved children, and children loved him right back. There was something about his spirit that drew them in, made them feel safe and seen.

Daddy loved God. He had a deep desire to grow in his faith, to move beyond what had become his norm or status quo. He wanted to be bold and powerful in sharing his talents for God, but he often wrestled with stepping out of his comfort zone. He would share with me those moments when he felt a real move of the Spirit at church-moments that often brought him to tears after singing a song that was on his heart. Those were the times when he felt closest to God, and he cherished them.

Above all, my father loved his children. He was proud of each of us-Ronnelle, Ronald, Tarsha, and even me. He expressed that pride often, and I want the world to know how much he loved us.

With deep gratitude, we thank God for blessing Daddy with many more years than the doctors predicted. Those extra years gave us the opportunity to show him unconditional love, mixed with accountability, while he was still with us. The heartfelt conversations, the hugs, the kisses-those moments will resonate in our hearts until the last person on earth remembers his name.

Ronald Lamar Hubbard Sr. was a man of many layers-talented, humorous, compassionate, and yearning for more. He was a father, a friend, and a man who loved deeply. Today, we honor his life, his legacy, and the love he gave to all of us.

We love you, and we always will. Oh, and Daddy, Ronnelle said, "I still got a plan!"

Ronald said, he'll never forget that you are proud of him and he'll never forget riding alongside you going to gospel programs all over the state and just being with you while you looked for deals at pawn shops, yard sales, etc.

And I will forever be your "baby girl", "your secretary", "your attorney" and I will always, "looove me some Lamar!" (Nette).

Tarsha said, you used to tell her, that you don't like to say, "bye baby; so daddy gone tell you, later"

And I dare not close this tribute without letting the world know how loved you are by your grandchildren: Arianna, Emmanuel, Miracle, Isaiah, Destiny, Jeremiah, and Aliyah...

Rest Easy Daddy,