Most of you likely already know that my dad was in a terrible motorcycle accident on Friday and on Monday morning my dad went to be with Jesus. That sounds like such a cliche but it is what I believe the Bible teaches. My dad is in the literal presence of Jesus Christ. I wish that I could tell you that I am excited about that but it wouldn’t be true. I am happy that dad is with Jesus but in my own selfishness, I want daddy here with me.
Daddy has always been the rock of the family. Daddy is the one who fixes things. If there is a question, daddy will know the answer or he will find out what to do and then make it happen. Dad has done so much for me in this life. He has been my father who taught me how to make a living and how to be a good neighbor and how to raise a family. For the almost 48 years of my life when I have needed him, my daddy has been there.
Needless to say, I am numb. Please don’t get me wrong. I believe what I preach, I believe that daddy is in heaven and that we will spend eternity together. If I didn’t believe this I would never walk back into the pulpit again. I would never preach another sermon. I wouldn’t want to take another breath if I didn’t believe we serve a good God who has an eternity for us that will make all the pain and hardship seem so tiny. With that being said, my family and I are hurting. I miss my daddy, my mom misses the love of her life, my kids miss their grandpa. Life will never be the same.
God has poured out His love to us and on us through you, His people. We have had hundreds of visits, calls, text messages, FB contacts, food delivered, and so many more acts of kindness that I can’t even remember. The last 5 days have been a whirlwind, please forgive me if I fail to say thank you or if I fail to return a call or message, just resend it when I get my sanity back.
Our family will gather at Moody Funeral Home tonight in Mt. Airy from 6 to 9pm. We have been with all of the children, 14 grandchildren and great grandchildren to be with dad’s body. We have explained to them that when Jesus returns he will raise dad’s body up and we will be with daddy and papa again and for all eternity. Oh how I long for that moment. I now have my dad, sister, brother, grandparents, and many friends who are with Jesus and I am ready to be there for eternity as well..
The funeral will be at 2pm on Thursday and you are invited to be with us at either or both of these events. The funeral and the family time are for many different reasons but most of all these events are for family and friends to reconnect and to say to each other, we are here to walk through this with you. I find many times that people are afraid to go to these events because they are afraid they won’t know what to say, you don’t have to say anything. Some are afraid they won’t have the right clothes to wear, just wear clothes. Anyway, you are welcome and if you want to come, don’t let any of these things stop you. If you don’t come, that is OK too, we love you and we will see you at another time.
Pastor Pam preached for me this past Sunday so that I could be by my dad’s side at the hospital on Fathers Day and I am so thankful I did that. Nothing can ever replace the time I had with him. Dad was in ICU from Friday through Monday morning and mom, myself, and several family and friends were there around the clock. I wouldn’t change that for anything in this world. I so wish we were still there and that dad were still recovering but we have to move on. Pam will again preach for me this Sunday, I just need to be with my mom, my kids, grand-kids, nephews and nieces who loved daddy so much. I will be taking care of legal matters and paperwork much of next week so I won’t be around the office much. You can reach me through calls, texts, or social media as always.
Your outpouring of love and support have been amazing, thank you. Dad is loved by so many, that is evident by the fact that my home has been filled with people since daddy went to his eternal home on Monday morning. Thank you, we love all of you. Thank you for understanding and thank you for walking with us these next days, weeks, months, and years. Remember to pray for my mom and for the kids who are going to realize more and more each day that papa isn’t here in person. Pray for me, I love my daddy and I am broken but not crushed. I am hurting so bad but I will not be destroyed. One of my greatest memories in life will be of praying for my dad all of my life and having the honor of baptizing him in 2011. I will see my daddy again and I will be with him for eternity.
Ronnie
Ronnie , Sylvia and all of Grays family please know my heart weeps for you all. Gray was a great neighbor, friend and man to all he met during his stay on this earth. Please be sure to tell your mom that I all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Rest assured Gray has claimed his reward ! He is with your loving sister and brother once again along with so many others who have passed this earthly life. I know my folks were glad to see him again as they were good friends for so many years. May God send His Blessings upon you and your family, bring you peace and love during this difficult time in your lives.
I have visited your church several times and I enjoy your messages from God. At this time when your heart is so broken it is so hard to understand the grief. I will pray for you and your family. I know I lost a sister a couple of years ago and the grief has not left me totally yet. There are days I am so happy that she is with the Lord but the human part of me is hurting and just wants to pick up the phone and say hello. I know God is with you and he will wrap his arms around you and your family and see you through all the hurts we experience. I love you and your family and if there is anything I can do please let me know.
Brenda Fuhrman
libra4851@yahoo.com
sorry i cant be there with you all i have to keep and eye on my mom me and charlena are takening turns watching her from where she come home from the hospt last sunday we have to watch her until she gets better so i want be comeing to church that much right now eather but any way you and your family are still in my prayers here and iam so sorry about what happen too i know how you are feeling here
Gray was a lot of things to a lot of people and will surely be missed very much. He was always a caring loving person who seemed to understand what you were going through when you were having a hard time without having to say a word. He wasn’t much for words sometimes but you knew he cared. He was a man who loved his family immensely. I have had the honor of knowing him for the last 32 years and he and Sylvia have been like an extra set of parents to me and Ronnie another brother. Although we were never legally family, you guys are still my family and I love you. I will always love you. I am praying for you and sometimes that seems like it isn’t enough to say to you because everyone says it. But you know of all people Ronnie how powerful prayer can be, You have seen it first hand. The first thing I thought of when I heard that he had died is now he can be with Keith and Judy. Love you all!
Ronnie you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I have been praying form your dad since i heard about his wreck. I pray God gives all of you strength throught these next days weeks and months to come. Gods peace and blessings to you.
The pain that comes from the departure of missing a loved one is unbearable at times, but our heavenly Father knows our pain so we are blessed. It will be an honor to add you and your family to my prayer list… Much love to all that’s going through this difficult time..