Hampton Osborne

The Bike

Back in the old days, when me and my sisters and brothers were young, we used to have this one bike to share between us. And if I remember right it was a girl's bike that someone gave to us.

But I remember my brother, Junior - the oldest brother - made himself the one to be in charge of who could ride and when. Some of our friends would come by with their bikes, and each one of us kids would get to take a turn on that bike riding around the block with them. The boys... would always come flying in, screeching to a halt and scattering the gravel -sometimes even leaving a little trail of dust. We would have races with our friends up and down the street, just pumping our skinny little legs as fast as we could go. But always laughing and whooping with joy in the end. And as each of us came in, knowing our turn was up, Junior would take an extra spin before he told who was up next. Sometimes he had to put the chain back on because it would come off - no brakes then. You'd have to kind of jump off to stop yourself.


We had so much fun with that old bike and most of the reason was because Junior was fair to us all. After all there were 5 of us at the time to share that one bike. I don't remember us ever fighting over whose turn it was. Junior made sure of that.

I looked up to him so much. He was my hero standing there straddling that old bike in his burmuda shorts and striped shirt and his ears sticking out just a little because of his burr haircut and a big grin on his face.

He was a wonderful older brother even when he was a youngster. He was the peacemaker, the kidder, the one who would grab you by your feet and give you a little yank when Mom would tell him to get us up out of bed. You'd be so mad at him, but you weren't really. He was the one who sat beside of you on the couch and got into trouble with you for giggling too much. The one who talked you into doing some of his homework for him, even though you were a grade behind him. The one who loved to eat the peanut butter right out of the jar and had the biggest piece of chocolate cake. The one you couldn't figure out why the girls at school just weren't mad about him because "gee can't you see what a wonderful guy he is?" Their loss because he found his soul mate for life in Aking.

Junior, or "Oz" as he became known after joining the Air Force, was not only a great kid but he was a super wonderful man. He was an excellent husband, father, brother, son, grandpa, uncle, cousin and friend. All who knew him, knew they had been touched by the true spirit of love. For he knew no enemies, only friends. He represented what a true child of God should be all of his life.

Tonight I am remembering my oldest brother who fought with grace to the end of his life. I hope he has found an old bike to ride on and is racing down the golden streets in Heaven. I love and miss you everyday Junior.

With love to you forever and always, your forever grateful sister,

Addie Mae

Thankful to have worked with Chief Osborne, many things he taught me carried through my military career. Thoughts an prayers with you all.

I served with Ozzie in Viet Nam and later on in Hawaii he served as my best man at my wedding. A gentle giant of a man. So sorry to hear of his passing this year. Rest in peace my dear friend.

Chief Oz...My memory of you is "You are a Great Man, Person, and Friend" You accomplished your mission well and left an everlasting mark. God bless you and your family.

Great memories of Chief Oz from Okinawa in early 1990, been thinking about him lately. Sorry I lost contact. Thoughts and prayers with you all.

Aking and family , So sorry for your loss may God be with you in your time of grief. ..

"Oz"
Awesome man and co-worker. Always will remember him for his fondness of a good laugh. R.I.P. my friend.

Aking and family, so sorry for your loss. Yes was one of the best! He was so good to call and check on Jimbo and me. I'm going to miss his calls. Love, Ruth

I'm so sorry for your loss!! He was a kind person. Osborne!! May God give you comfort in this time sorrow!! Love you!

Aking, Matt, Jason and family. So sorry for your loss. Oz was my best friend and he will be missed by me and many more. Bless his soul. Love you guys. Larry and Deb Feather

Love and Prayers for the Family, He was one of a kind what a Loving Heart.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow.

I'm so sorry for your loss!! He was always so kind especially to my mother and his aunt Etta Osborne!! May God give you comfort in this time sorrow!! Love you all!!

My brother was an amazing man. He was kind and loving to all. There are no words that could ever describe how wonderful he was. The special bond that my brothers and sisters have had our entire lifetime is now missing a member here on Earth. But the bond will not be broken because he is still with us in our hearts. I love and miss my big brother. He was the best.

Don,

I'm so sorry for the loss of your Brother. We will be praying for you and your family during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
The Goffinet Family

He will be greatly missed!!! Aunt Aking, Jason, Matthew, and familiy - you are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Dear Osborne and Emmaus Families,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God assuage your grief and guide your heart to greater peace.
Your Emmaus sister and brother,
Dawn and Roy Fountain

I don't have enough words to express the sorrow I feel over the loss my beloved brother. He was a wonderful, kind person. I miss him so much.

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy over the loss of your loved one. You are in our prayers. Oz was a gentleman with a kind heart. Oz brought out the best in people. He touched his church family with his humble spirit and love for the Lord. Everyone at Emmaus United Methodist Church was fond of Oz. He will be missed.

A mighty fine man who only had good things to say. He loved his family and country. I have known him for 35 years. He was a co-worker and friend. Fred