Quotes About Ray Gargus

Recently, I’ve enjoyed reading comments on the influence of Ray Gargus on the lives of many.  Ray was a long time member of Weatherly Heights Baptist Church (WHBC) in Huntsville, Alabama where he served as a deacon, chairperson of various committees including search committees for pastor and minister of youth, but his heart was as a volunteer in the youth ministry which began in 1970.

Here are some things people have said about him in emails and on Facebook:

Jane Smith: “He was always a great friend to me at WHBC...What I remember most about Ray Gargus was his love for WHBC and his untiring love for the youth. He never came in the office and just asked me ‘how's it going?’ He always had time to sit down and listen to ‘how's it going.’"

Kerry Wilks:  “…I'm sure I'm only one of many, many people who were influenced by this wonderful man.”

Toyin Augustus:  “…Ray was an amazing individual who left memories in our hearts that we will never forget... he will be ever missed and ever loved!”

Mike Malone:  “I am saddened by the passing of Ray Gargus…As a member of the youth group there in the 80's, RG, as he was known to us punk kids, was an important fixture in our church life…RG, go with grace and love knowing you touched so many lives with your work. To not see ...you in the halls of Weatherly makes my heart ache…Ray Gargus was an amazing man who led an interesting life. His impact on the youth at Weatherly cannot be expressed with simple words….I'll never forget all the times we tried to sneak out of Camp Hargis that were foiled by RG. All of us could recognize his profile in the dark. I'll never forget RG and all he's meant to me and to the church…Weatherly Heights Baptist Church has lost one of the greats…”

Whitney Jimmerson Sparrow:  “...He was an incredible man and I know so many thought, and continue to think, so highly of him.”

Lisa Malone: “He had a tremendous impact on Bryant and all the youth whose lives he touched. What a gracious man. Heaven is richer and we are poorer for his passing.”

Kelly Bradford Howard: "He was a great influence in all our lives...Ray was my Sunday school teacher. His wisdom was great and always made me want to listen. His stories were never ending but i did not mind. Even seeing him 20 plus years later he still gave me a hug and asked how I was doing...

These are just a handful of comments of Ray’s impact.  Our lives have been greatly enhanced by Ray’s compassionate, humorous, and constant care.  Let’s keep telling the stories and passing on the same compassionate, humorous care for the younger ones that surround us now.

Reflections on an Emotional Week

The past several days have been emotional.  Last Friday, I heard about the shocking passing of Beverly Williams who served 35 plus years as the ministry coordinator at Pintlala Baptist Church. I served alongside Bev in my first full-time ministerial position prior to coming to Weatherly.  Bev filled a lot of rolls at Pintlala and will be missed greatly.  She leaves behind her husband, Don, who has Alzheimer’s.  Please pray for the Williams family and Pintlala Baptist Church.  Gary Burton, Pastor of Pintlala, needs our prayers as well.  Gary and Bev were like brother and sister and the key leadership for Pintlala for many years. Thank you Bev, for being a dedicated and caring follower of Christ.   

   
On Sunday, I was grateful to have the opportunity to preach at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church while our pastor, David Freeman, was preaching a homecoming service at his in-laws church in Sylacauga, Alabama.  In my sermon, I told stories about the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team as portrayed in the movie Miracle.  I am very thankful for your words of encouragement, but one post-worship conversation got my attention.  Debra Thomas (Ryan & Ali’s mom) told me that she was an Olympic athlete – a speed skater - at the 1980 games in Lake Placid, New York!  Debra is one of Weatherly's members and a physical trainer at the Southeast YMCA.

On Monday morning, I discovered Melissa Baker’s father - Chris & Matt Baker’s grandfather - passed away on Sunday.  Chris & Matt were two of my youth at Pintlala and in July, Chris came to Greenville to hear our youth choir sing in concert.

Shortly thereafter, we heard that Ray Gargus passed away.  Ray Gargus – R.G. as he was known to many of us growing up in Weatherly’s youth ministry from 1970 to the early 21st century – is missed terribly.  It’s amazing to read the comments flooding in from many people who have been touched by the character of Ray Gargus.  Maybe next week, when I have my thoughts better prepared, I can post some of these comments – of course with the permission of those who wrote them.

I am grateful for a recent visit I had with Ray at Huntsville Hospital and for the many hallway conversations he shared with me.  He really enjoyed being around with teenagers and tried to keep us all laughing somehow.  He was one of several dear people who cared for me after Daddy died.  He put together a Winter Retreat that I attended either before or after Christmas of '83 where we went to the stone lodge at Alabama's Cheaha State Park. He was here at Weatherly when I was brought in as Minister of Youth.  He constantly stopped by to give me advice and to check in on how things were going.  He often told me, "Your grandmother is hysterical. She's always got me laughing about something. When she speaks, people listen." The stories can go on and on and I hope that we keep telling them for a long time. Thank you, Ray, for loving and caring for us so greatly!