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Writing an obituary is often, of course, a very somber task to undertake. But in recent years, a growing number of tributes have been infused with both humor and sentimentality. Here are five of the funniest obits we’ve read.
1. William “Freddie” McCullough’s obit claims the Georgia man “adored the ladies” but hated vegetables. McCullough, who died on Sept. 11, 2013, apparently also loved to tell tales.
His obit said: “Freddie was killed when he rushed into a burning orphanage to save a group of adorable children. Or maybe not. We all know how he liked to tell stories.”
The tribute also recalled how he adored women, and they adored him. “There isn’t enough space here to list all of the women from Freddie’s past. He attracted more women than a shoe sale at Macy’s.”
It goes on to say that Freddie “loved deep fried Southern food smothered in Cane Syrup, Fishing at Santee Cooper Lake, Little Debbie Cakes, ‘Two and a Half Men,’ beautiful women, Reese’s Cups and Jim Beam. Not necessarily in that order.”
2. Before Kay Ann Heggestad, M.D., died on Jan. 13, 2017, after suffering from bone marrow cancer for two years, she penned her own obit. And it was a doozy.
The Wisconsin doctor apparently had a great sense of humor. She wrote: “Kay Ann Heggestad, age 72, bought the farm, is no more, has ceased to be, left this world, is bereft of life, gave up the ghost, kicked the bucket, murió, c'est fini . She died on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, after a wimpy non-battle with multiple myeloma, a nasty bone marrow cancer, after almost two years to the date of diagnosis. No one should say she fought a courageous battle, because she did not! Unlike most folks, she complained all the way. What a whiner! She was ready to quit treatment many times, but her family pushed her to continue, which was good, since she then had time to have parties and say goodbye to friends and relatives.”
She poked fun at herself, too. “She tried to learn Spanish for 12 years, achieving the ability to order beer and find a bathroom.”
3. Before Chris Connors, 67, became ill and then died in December 2016, he talked about his obituary with family members. His wish: “I just want you to make it funny.” And they did.
“Irishman Dies from Stubbornness, Whiskey” begins the obit. It goes on to say that “He lived 1,000 years in the 67 calendar years we had with him, because he attacked life; he grabbed it by the lapels, kissed it and swung it back onto the dance floor.”
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