Forever and a Day: Reflecting … A Father’s Day Tribute

Reflecting on Father’s Day that just passed, the gratitude in my heart lingers far beyond the calendar. This year, I want to honor some of the greatest men in my life — my husband, Herbert Williams, and my father, Anthony Reaves. Both are strong, steady, and selfless — not defined by titles or accolades, but by character, conviction, and the quiet way they lead with faith.

Let me start with Herbert. He’s the man who has stood beside me through decades of life, love, parenting, and purpose. This past year has been a roller coaster — with moments I would’ve gladly left out if given the choice. But through every twist and turn, I wouldn’t have wanted to walk it with anyone else. Herbert has been my anchor, my encourager, and my reminder that storms don’t last forever when your faith is firm and your heart stays fixed on God.

He’s said it to me since we were dating — “I love you forever and a day” — and it still carries the same weight every time I hear it. Herbert is a quiet leader, someone who doesn’t chase applause but seeks after what matters most. He often tells me, “I’m not worried about this life — I’m worried about what God wants and how I can honor Him with mine.” That’s the kind of man our children get to look up to. That’s the kind of man I get to call my husband. And that’s the kind of example we need in today’s world — steady, humble, and eternally focused.

Then there’s my dad — Anthony Reaves.

He was born in Ohio and moved to Kentucky when he was 15. He later retired from the McCreary County Board of Education, where he worked in IT and procurement. Before that, he spent years as a pressman at American Greetings — a job he took pride in until NAFTA sent it, along with countless others, across the border. But Dad didn’t just clock in and out. He stood for the workers beside him, serving as chief union steward for their local Teamsters group, defending fairness and speaking up when others were silent.

Today, he pastors Red Bird Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Kentucky — still leading, still encouraging, and still using his gift of humor to lighten every room he walks into. Known for his cartoons, he’s the man who taught me how to find joy in the little things and strength in the storms. He’s also the one responsible for my love of Star Trek and muscle cars. Yes, I may drive an SUV these days, but in my mind, I’m cruising down a backroad in a ‘70s Dodge Challenger with the windows down and either contemporary Christian music or 80’s top hits blaring.

And this year — I will bake his favorite Italian Cream Cake! We’re turning it into cupcakes for one of their church picnics at Indian Mountain State Park. It’s a small gesture, but one filled with love and tradition.

And I would be remiss not to take this opportunity to also honor my late father-in-law, Herbert Williams Sr. — a sincere, compassionate man whose legacy lives on through the family he raised. In the mountains of Appalachia, he taught his children — Greg, Tony, Nancy, and my husband, Herbert Jr. — that everyone mattered and everyone deserved to be heard. He worked hard, including in the coal mines. Despite his challenges, he was quick-witted, honest, and never afraid to lend a hand — even when that meant cooking dinner or caring for his family after a long day’s work. He adored his grandchildren and left a lasting imprint as a gentle, caring soul. We miss him dearly.

Both Herbert and my dad care deeply about your soul purpose — and yes, I mean soul, not sole. They believe that every life is part of God’s divine plan — and their greatest hope is for others to discover that purpose and walk in it.

We need more men like them. Men who will be good role models. Men who care about the next generation. Men who stand for what’s right and hold tightly to the values our nation was founded on — faith, family, freedom, and responsibility. Men who show what it truly means to be men of God.

To our readers — I hope you enjoy these columns. They’re just my way of sharing my heart with you, opening a window into the people and stories that have shaped my life. Maybe you’ll see a side of me you didn’t know. Maybe it’ll stir a memory, a smile, or even a prayer in your own heart.

And before I close, I also want to say — Happy Birthday to the U.S. Army! The recent parade was phenomenal. It blended history, patriotism, and honor in a way that reminded me once again how proud I am to be an American.

To all the amazing dads, father figures, grandfathers, and mentors out there — I hope you all had a wonderful Father’s Day. I love you, Herbert and Dad, both… forever and a day.

““As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”— Psalm 103:13 (ESV)

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”— Joshua 24:15 (KJV)

Clarissa Reaves-Williams is a writer, speaker, and co-owner of multiple community newspapers with her husband, Herbert Williams. Together, they lead Reaves & Williams Publishing Group, which owns and operates the publication where this column appears. Clarissa also founded Shine Messengers, Hometown Digital Marketing Agency, Shine Cast Studio, and Cookeville Now, and is launching Red Write & Blue, a new voice for faith, freedom, and community storytelling. She is passionate about preserving local journalism, uplifting others, and sharing stories that matter.