What Really Matters

Jesus offered the ultimate warning about things when he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed.

Life is not measured by how much you own” (Luke 12:15).

Faith determines how we live out our days. When the fierce winds of trouble drive me to my knees, my fears are subdued by the conviction that a loving Father is in control of all things, me and the world. Faith in the love of God steadies my soul amidst life’s turbulent struggles. I cannot control my circumstances, but I can trust God, who says to me what he once said to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

On what grounds can I say that? I can say it because God has given me the faith to believe it, faith that is “based not on human wisdom but on the power of also wishes to thank the staff of Bethany House for their care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Harbor at Opelika Memory Care Facility.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

JAY MERRILL HUMBURG

Jay Merrill Humburg passed away on Feb. 3, 2023, and is now enjoying the presence of his Savior. He was born on March 10, 1933, in La Crosse, Kansas. He was predeceased by his parents Merrill M. and Dorothy V. (Meyer) Humburg. Dr. Humburg has one sister, Carolyn Brewer (Mac), of Tucson, Arizona, and many nieces and nephews.

Dr. Jay Humburg married the love of his life, Margaret McCall from Auburn, in 1963, and they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 22 of this year. They have two children: a daughter, Merrillee Humburg Reese; granddaughter, Kayla; a son, Kenneth Humburg (Cheryl); and grandson,

God” (1 Corinthians 2:5). How does one get such faith? It is a spiritual gift, freely given by the Spirit of God to all who trust in Jesus.

Family is precious to me. Family makes a house a home. When my wife died, it was the love of my family that helped me get back in the race. Though life is difficult, it would be impossible without the loving support of family.

Faithful friends are as essential as breathing. To be friendless would be worse than being homeless. Without good friends, life shrivels and dies. Faithful friends keep us from falling into the abyss of loneliness. While in prison, Paul wrote to Timothy, telling him that everyone but one man had deserted him. But Paul says, “Luke is with me.” It is not too much to believe that Paul could persevere because his dear friend Luke was with him. A lonely person may say, “My dog is my best

Max. Bobby Shapouri joined the family at the age of 11 in 1986. In addition, Jay was also father and grandfather to devoted friends Jack and Melissa Manifold, their seven children and eight grandchildren; Bill/Bubba and Rachael Jones, their two daughters, a son and two grandchildren.

Jay was a graduate of Kansas State University in 1957. He was a member of the Acaica Fraternity, where he served as president. He practiced veterinary medicine for several years in Broken Bow, Nebraska, in a large animal practice. Many adventures were had, and it was a great experience for a newly married couple.

In 1967, Dr. Humburg joined a Kansas State project with AID in Nigeria. Jay was professor there for five years to aid in the building of a veterinary school. It was a very special experience. Many years later, he spent one year in Zambia, Africa. The countryside, the people and the many safaris taken were highlights in their lives.

Dr. Humburg joined Auburn University in 1973 after his time in Nigeria. He was a professor of friend.” But as valuable as a dog may be, a dog’s companionship pales in significance to the unwavering love of a faithful friend. I love my little dog Buddy; he can bark and wag his tail and stay near me, but he cannot put his paw on my shoulder and say to me, “Walter, you’ve got what it takes to make it through what you are facing.” A faithful friend, doing that, can make all the difference in the world.

My dearest friend for 68 years was my wife. Dean told me the truth, but she clothed it with kindness. That made it palatable. When she spoke truth I needed to hear, I realized she was doing it for my good. And I knew I would be a fool not to listen — and mend my ways.

I like this description of a good friend: “When it hurts to look back, and you’re scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your best friend will be large animal surgery and medicine from 1973 to 2000.

After retiring from Auburn University in 2000, Dr. Humburg moved to the Island of Grenada. He was instrumental in helping to develop the veterinary school at St. George University. Upon retirement in 2015, he was awarded as the “Distinguished Professor” of Grenada.

Dr. Humburg also served as a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association Equine Practitioners, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners and served as president of that organization in 1987. His life revolved around his family and veterinary education. During the course of his career, he taught more than 3,000 students from many countries and was known as “The Legend” far and wide. Dr. Humburg was a man of great integrity. His smile will be missed, for he was deeply loved. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His people” –Psalm 116:15

On Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, a private burial there.” Dean was always “there” for me, even when I least deserved it. When the Lord God saw how lonely Adam was, he said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (Genesis 2:18). I can never thank God enough for making Dean for me; more than a helper, she was the best mentor, companion and friend any husband ever had.

Another fit description of good friends is this: “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” How true! I am a blessed man because of true friends who have left their footprints in my heart.

I grew up with one such friend. Grady and I became close friends in high school. In our retirement years we live only 20 miles apart, so we have met often to “catch up.” When we meet, it is as though we are continuing the conversation we had when we last met. He service was held at Town Creek Cemetery. A Celebration of Life was held at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Auburn.

Donations to Honor Dr. Jay Humburg can be made to: The Owens Center, 607 N. College St., Auburn, Alabama 36830.

Bobbie Parham

Mrs. Bobbie Parham passed away at the age of 95 on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Bobbie, a longtime resident of Lake Harding, was born on Jan. 22, 1928, in Louisiana. A funeral service will be held in the chapel at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at 11 a.m. Central Standard Time, with a visitation to follow. A full obituary will be published at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rocky Mount Baptist Church in Valley, Alabama.

CYNTHIA (CINDY) GENE SHARP

Cynthia (Cindy) Gene makes me feel remarkably accepted, and I sense he feels the same way.

This friend’s sense of humor blesses me. He cannot speak long without laughing. There is joy inside him that keeps bubbling up. He has a gift for injecting fun into an ordinary chat. About our friendship he would probably say, “A true friend is someone who thinks you are a good egg even though he knows you are slightly cracked.” With that I cannot argue.

The telephone may be a nuisance sometimes, but it can also be a great blessing. Who is not overjoyed when the phone rings and you hear a good friend saying, “I just needed to hear the sound of your voice today.” Such moments call for a loud “Glory!”

What really matters?

When Jesus is your Savior and primary friend, who knows your every weakness, surely there is no better answer than faith, family and friends.

Sharp was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She left this world on Feb. 1, 2023. She was born to Wilma and Gene Snodgrass on June 30, 1949. For over 50 years, she shared a life with her husband John Sharp. Together they had four children: Shanna, William, James and John. She leaves behind five grandchildren that she adored and cherished.

Cynthia, "Cindy," to those that knew her, had a personality and spark that endeared her to all that met her. She was a fierce protector of family and imparted her spirit in everyone that crossed her path. Later in life she reenvisioned herself and set off on a successful career that landed her as a valued member of IBM for over a decade. There was very little that Cynthia couldn’t do and do well. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Feb. 11, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church on Second Avenue between Ninth and 10th Streets. A visitation will be held starting at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.