Pass It On: ‘You never know who will become your family’

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Today is a rare Pass It On when WREG pays it forward to the same person twice.

When we first met our honoree, he was being celebrated for showing kindness to a little boy with a brain tumor. Two years later, we met up again, this time to help him as he battles his own health issues.

We were there two years ago to pass on the cash to Bill Starnes and his co-workers for being the bright spot in little Grayson Horne’s day.

His mother nominated the three sanitation workers for the kindness they showed as Grayson battled a brain tumor, stopping each Wednesday to chat and spend some time with Grayson at the end of their route.

Now, Mr. Bill has fallen ill and is no longer able to work.

So Christin and her boys, Gavin, Gage, and Grayson want to Pass It On back to the person who helped them through a rough patch in their lives.

“You never know who will become your family,” Christin said.

Mr. Bill is hoping for a positive outcome and healing as he enjoys the love and support of family — not just the one that God gave him but the ones he met along a garbage route four years ago.

“That’s what family is like. That’s what we do. We always pass something on and they pass love. And I know it’s going to be alright,” he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.