In Memory of Joseph “Joe” Spolnik, Jr.
Peter Joseph “Joe” Spolnik, Jr., 33, of Roanoke passed away Sunday, July 6, 2008 at his residence. He was born October 15, 1974 in Ohio. He worked at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center.
A memorial service was held Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors.
He is survived by his son, Dylan Spolnik of Fort Worth; father, Ronnie Houghton; sister, Molly Houghton of CO and brother, Corey Houghton of Roanoke.
It’s posts like this that I’ll dread writing but it is inevitable that, from time to time, I will have too. So here is my challenge to myself and my challenge to you. Live each day as if it is your last. As cliche as that sounds, we live in a world where (for some reason) busy is a badge of honor. As if busy equals success or happiness.
Never be too busy to enjoy the moments that life offers. Because life is lived in moments and those moments become memories. Once a moment is gone, it’s gone forever and a memory that could have been, will never be.
The one statement in Joe’s obituary that resonated in my heart was “He is survived by his son, Dylan Spolnik of Fort Worth.” I too am 33 and a father. That hits too close to home.
You know what my favorite moment is? My daughter and son are best friends and they insist on sleeping in the same room every night. So every night before I go to bed, I go into my son’s room and watch my children sleep on his bunk bed. In that quiet, peaceful moment, all of life makes sense.
Rest in Peace Joe…
So, what are some of your favorite moments?
July 17, 2008 at 6:12 am
Thanks for posting this, Corey.
One of my recent moments:
Jeremy (my youngest–age 5) is learning to read. He and I were snuggled up in a chair–he reading his book, I was reading mine. In the corner of my mind, I heard him stop reading and give a deep, heavy sigh. He then buried his face in the pillow next to us.
I said, “Baby, don’t get frustrated. What word are you having trouble with? We’ll sound it out.”
He responds, “No, Momma, I’m not frustrated. I just saw a comma and you’re supposed to rest.”
Go With God, Joe.
Kim
July 17, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Corey –
I must admit that I was completely shocked when I opened this blog and the first thing that I saw was the information you had posted on Joe. I just want you to know that it means alot to us that you posted this. Joe was a very good dad, and I am going to print this page and add it to Dylan’s collection of “daddy things” for him to keep. It is hard for a 6 year old boy to understand the why’s and how’s, but I believe that Joe will continue to help me raise Dylan, even from above. Thanks again.
Felicia
July 17, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Never be too busy to enjoy the moments that life offers. Because life is lived in moments and those moments become memories. Once a moment is gone, it’s gone forever and a memory that could have been will never be. This is a very true statement. Thanks for posting this.
After losing Trinity it makes you step back and look at life. I am so thankful that Tyler is still here with me and he was able to spend time with his little sister. She would follow him around everywhere and wanted to do everything he was doing. I make everyday count that I have with him, there might not be tomorrow. I know Trinity is up there with Joe watching out for our families.
Amy
July 18, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Thank you for posting this wonderful blog about my Bubba Joe. He was a great brother, even growing up and being older and teasing my brother and I. He will be missed by a lot of people.
Please do not forget to include our Mother …Julie and Joey’s Father… Pete in your prayers. We should be grateful to them for bringing Bubba Joe into our lives. It was unfortunate that they were not even mentioned in Joey’s obit, and equally sad that the flowers they sent to his memorial were thrown away by someone that has a lot of hate, but they did give birth to him and love him very much. Remember to hug the ones you love, we are not promised tomorrow.
Mollie Houghton
Joe’s sister
August 5, 2008 at 6:09 pm
I was so Heart Broken when I found out about Joe. He was such a great guy with a huge Heart and a wonderful since of humor. Some of my kids fondest memories was hanging out with Joe and Felicia. Nathan, Zachary, Courtney and I will miss him so much. He will alway hold a special place in our Hearts. Rest in Place Dear Friend. The Memories you gave us will be cherished in our heart forever!