killed in a car accident along with 3 other loved ones. The void created by
short life full of joy, encouraging others to be kind and creating special
bonds with family and friends eases the pain, if only a little.
In his death, Justin was an organ donor
and helped save the lives of 4 blessed individuals.
First and foremost, Justin was a Christian. He believed that God had control
in his life and he made sure to tell everyone about that belief. He taught
Sunday School at his church, was a true friend who wanted to make you
laugh, a kind brother, and a loving nephew with the nickname “Turdy,” by
his youngest cousin, Peyton. He also loved his Carolina Gamecocks.
Before his death, he worked at Providence Hospital in Columbia, SC helping
to transport patients from the ED to their units, from their rooms to
radiology and other specialty areas, and from their rooms to the front door
on the day of their discharge. At Justin’s funeral, friends and family
members spoke of his dedication and promise, of the traits that made him
uniquely “Justin,” and mourned the loss of a soul taken too soon. A woman
stood up and addressed Justin’s parents, telling them that he had
transported her during her last hospital stay, and had then stopped by to
check on her twice more during her stay. He had made such a positive
impression that when she saw his picture in the paper, even though she
didn’t know him well, she decided to come to his service to pay her
respects. Next, a nurse who worked at the hospital, stood up to share her
positive feelings about Justin. It was clear that Justin’s work mattered not
because of the job itself, but because he made connections, and let his
humanity shine through.
Justin made a true impact on others during his time here on earth.
