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We invited readers to share tributes to their dads this Father’s Day.

I’m your No. 1 fan, 11-year-old tells dad
Dear Dad, You are my idol. You have fans all over Japan and the United States, but I am your Number 1.

You’re always making sure we’re safe because you love us, and I love you for that. You’re always willing to help me with baseball and anything else.

You always want to play me in a video game, even if the odds are toward me.

You travel to places, just like right now as I write this, to make money for us to have a good life.

And you remind me of Grandpa and how great a dad he was to you, just like you are to me. I’m proud to have the same name as you and Grandpa, and Great Grandpa, and so on.

Love your son,

-- Matt Winters, 11, Greensboro

Thanks to two men — my husband, my dad

I would like to pay tribute to two very special fathers — my husband and my own father.

Kyle Trahan (my husband): We love our Daddy because he hugs us, takes us to the toy store, works every day and is a great baseball coach! You are the best Da-Da! Happy Father’s Day.

Love, Sullivan (age 5) and Keegan (age 4)

Ross Sullivan (my dad): You have always inspired me to do my very best, have sacrificed so much for your very large family and have always managed to give me a big hug when I need it the most.

I know that with the loss of your beautiful wife of 62 years in the past year, coupled with your own health problems, you have questioned what your purpose in life could possibly be at this point.

Please know that no matter how old your children are, we love and respect you and feel very fortunate to have you in our lives.

Mom was honored to have you as her husband, and I am honored to call you my Dad. ... I love you to the moon and back.

Your youngest child, Bonnie

— Bonnie Trahan, Oak Ridge

Battling cancer, father is Dad of Steel
My father, Mike Kelly (of Mebane), has always been a wonderful man and a major part of my life.

He has been battling cancer, multiple surgeries and grueling chemo treatments for four years now, but goes to work every day he physically can and still has a smile on his face.

His strength has shown me to never give up, fight for your life and maintain a positive spirit.

He is my Superman, my Dad of Steel. I will always love him and look up to him proudly.

— Leslie Kelly-Council, Gibsonville

Every day, I learn something new
My dad (Michael) is the greatest dad ever.

“Why?” you might be asking.

It is because my dad does a whole lot for me — like spends time with me, helps me with my homework, sending me to a school that costs a lot, and other things a dad would do.

But the thing that I love the most about him is that he is always there when I need him and, sure, sometimes he is strict, but he loves me and he really cares.

So that is why I think that he deserves the “World’s Greatest Dad Award.”

Each and every day, I learn something new about him. You do so much for us, and we really appreciate it.

I am thankful that God made you. Without you, we would not be the happy family we are today.

Mom, Cam and I really don’t deserve such a wonderful father/husband. No matter how old you get, you will always be the goofy, smart, handsome daddy that we love.

Don’t ever go changing your ways. You always want me to do my best and keep trying. Daddy, you make me laugh when I am sad or happy. Thanks for all the great memories that we had. I will cherish them forever and ever! I thank God every day that we have you and I think that every father should be there for his children. I love you, and that will never change.

— Mikaila Milton, 12, Greensboro

Best grandfather ever
Our PopPop John is the best grandfather that we could ask for. He plays with us and is a lot of fun. He loves us very much! When we grow up, we hope that we are a lot like him.

— Carter and Brenna Litton and Jenna Burwell

Knight in shining armor first to steal my heart
With age comes health problems sometimes. My father, James “JC” Covington, may not walk as fast, and his speech may not be as clear, but he will always be my knight in shining armor and the first man to steal my heart.

In my eyes, his shoulders will always be erect and strong as the day I leaned on him as he walked me down the aisle. In his eyes, I find strength. In his words, I find wisdom. I love you, Daddy.

— Carmen Covington-Davis, High Point

Our dad is funny and fun
We love our Dad (Terry) because he is really funny. We like to throw softball, play basketball, hit the volleyball, play whiffle ball or play soccer with him sometimes. He likes to embarrass us sometimes but that’s just how he is. He cheers us on and persuades us to never give up and always to try & try again. Even though you would think he couldn’t survive with all girls in our house he actually keeps things strait. He is our hero because of all these things. We love him because he is the best Dad in the world. Love you Dad!

-- Copeland Jones, 10, and Ellie Jones, 6

                                                                       
Love from grown-up daughter
Although I am all “grown up” now, my father (Ted Bartley) is still someone who is always there for me; to offer advice, friendship, support and especially LOVE! 

Now that I have two children of my own, I understand even more how very special he is to me. He and my mother sacrificed a lot raising me…but we grew up together.

Being a parent isn’t easy, it’s the toughest job in the world.  I am the person and parent I am today because of the way he raised me and influenced me. I am blessed because God gave me two perfect parents. 

-- Jill Jones, 41, Greensboro

Love you
In honor of Larry Davis: Daddy, even though I don’t always show it, I love you with all my heart and always will.

— Thelia Davis, High Point

• • •

We love you dad.

-- Leah, Drew, Charlie, and Nancy Tucker