The earthly recognitions and awards are incredible, but my dad’s best 'award' was receiving Christ and knowing that he would spend eternity in Heaven. That is truly what matters the most.”

Beth Darwin Huntley

NASHVILLE, Tenn - Thursday night our family had the privilege of attending the Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremony where Sammy Darwin (“Rusty Walker”) was inducted as a Legend, a recognition for those who passed away prior to being inducted to Radio Hall of Fame.

We never dreamed that we would be able to make a new “memory” that included our dad and his grandchildren.

We appreciate the words that were shared about our dad by Lon Helton. And even more so, that he took a moment while on stage to talk directly to our kids to tell them what an incredible person their grandfather was. When he finished McCarthy, Alex and Mollie had tears in their eyes. I know that his words will make an impact on them.

When our dad was inducted to the Country Radio Hall of Fame in February 2012, our family was at a time in our lives when I felt our lives truly could not have been better. McCarthy was a few months old, Nikki was weeks away from having Alex, and Kinsley was about to graduate high school, excited to be headed to Ole Miss for college. We were all entering a new phase of life.

As most know, our lives quickly flipped upside down when we lost Kinsley in March 2012 and then our dad a few weeks later in May.

I bring this up because while I am so proud of his accomplishments and the success he had in radio, the absolute best thing about him was his faith.

The earthly recognitions and awards are incredible, but my dad’s best “award” was receiving Christ and knowing that he would spend eternity in Heaven. That is truly what matters the most. I know he would say the same if he were here today.

When being introduced at the Country Radio Hall of Fame, Lisa McKay shared that Psalm 23–having a trusting fellowship with our Savior, knowing he will provide what we need, was my dad’s favorite.

On the biggest night of his career, he/Ms. McKay used that opportunity to share his favorite Bible verse.

Most people in that room knew that my dad’s trust in the Lord had probably been tested when my younger brother, Jay, died in 1995.

The night of this ceremony my dad had no idea that a few weeks later he would experience the unimaginable loss of losing a child again. But my dad held strong to his faith and lived those next few weeks setting an example for Mama, Nikki, and me.

We grieved for Kinsley, but he did not let that stop us from finding joy in moments that would become our last memories with him.

My dad showed us what the faith of Psalm 23 looks like. That is his legacy.