When I was young I wanted to be just like Roy. He was a preacher, and I saw him as a hero who was larger than life. I couldn’t wait to grow up and be just like him. I wanted to preach and was encouraged by him to get into ministry. It was Roy who told me when I was young that I ought to be a preacher because preachers only worked one day a week. I liked the idea of a one-day-a-week job and so here I am today, a preacher who now realizes that he was duped into believing the “one day a week” thing.
When I started preaching, it was Roy that gave me some of the best advice I ever got: “Studying for your sermon is important, but praying over your sermon is even more important.” I can’t count the amount of times I called him to ask him advice in my ministry. One of the greatest things that happened in my young preaching career was when Roy gave me all his sermon notes. He’d stopped preaching and told me to use them if I wanted. Getting those little jewels was like finding buried treasure. They were notes full of wisdom and preparation. I referred to them often, especially when preaching on difficult subjects.
Roy passed away unexpectedly this past Sunday at the young age of 59. Today I’ll preach his funeral. If you don’t mind I could sure use a little prayer from you today, that I might keep my composure while doing the service. Roy’s death leaves a big hole in a lot of lives including mine. My heart has been heavy and the pain in my stomach won’t go away. He was my friend, my hero and a mentor in life and ministry. I already miss him terribly.
August 4, 1948 – March 2, 2008
Roy’s family was the apple of his eye, but the Lord was the King of his life. Today I give God thanks for placing Roy in my life.
I am a Christian husband and father, who moonlights as the minister for the church of Christ in Childress, Texas. My wife Lea and I have been married for 23 years. We are doing our best to raise our 4 boys, who are all growing up way too fast.
I will be praying for you today and for the family of Roy.
I am lifting you up in prayer right now. I am so sorry for your loss, but I can see how Roy made your life richer.
I 2 am sorry for your loss,
but glad ya had him in your life!
I am sorry to hear about your loss. People come in our lifes for many reasons….thankfully he was in yours…and help you become the preacher and the man you are today….Good luck and I will pray for you, Roy, and for your entire family….take care…steph
prayed
I will be praying for you that words will come easily And will continue to pray for you and your family.
Praise God for men like your uncle. That kind of support and nuturing is so vital to the development of young preachers- and so rare.
You have our prayers Trey.
You are covered in prayer and wise to seek it. I preached the funeral of my best friend in life, my uncle Tom, almost 20 years ago. It was the hardest thing I’d ever done (including preaching my parent’s funerals), and at the same time the greatest honor of my life … to say some words over someone who had such an influence on your life. You have a heavy heart today, but you are in a most honored position today as well. You’ll lift up the King of Kings who made both Roy and your life so meaningful!! I’ve never told you this because we’ve never really “met” but I love you brother! You are an encourager to me and countless others. Roy did a good thing when he put you into that “one day a week” calling!
I will praying for you and for the rest of Roys family.
Consider yourself and your family prayed for.
Trey,
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this time of loss brother. I will be also praying for the Ross family. May you find God’s comfort during time.
In Him,
Kinney Mabry
Sorry for your loss. I prayed for you — hope all goes well, Bro.
I am sorry for your loss. Rejoicing that Roy is Home.
Praying for comfort for you and Roy’s family.
May God send His angels to surround you during the service and His Holy Spirit to give you words.
Trey, I’m so sorry to hear of your “uncle’s” loss. I know what you mean about the name thing, too. I have a lot of 2nd and 3rd cousins who are older than me and I call them aunt and uncle, too.
We should all be very thankful for Roy and his impact in your life. You have had such a positive influence on so many people and part of that is because of him. Isn’t it amazing how Roy has changed the lives of people he didn’t even knew existed!! God is sovereign and awesome in his wisdom!
Prayed for you- hang in there and be gentle with yourself as you mourn and heal.
You’ll be in my prayers.
I love hearing about men like Roy, that inspire others to preach. How cool that his legacy lives on through you.
God bless
Trey,
I am so sorry for your loss. Quote….God crys for the living because they are still here on this earth.
Prayin! Those influences are great aren’t they. Keep being that for others Trey.
Trey,
May God give you comfort and peace today as you honor your uncle. May the healer of us all hold you in His hand as you mourn the loss of earthly days with your friend.
you will do fine. sorry you have to say “goodbye/see you later” to such a good friend
brian
This comment is in memory of Amherst Bulldog…I love you “Uncle Jorge”
Trey, I will pray for you and your family…It is never easy to lose someone you love, but especially if it is unexpected…He did a heck of a job mentoring you, because you are a one of a kind preacher…The best I know….You in return will touch other lives the way Roy has touched yours.
Sorry again, Trey.
Love ya!
Bud – I don’t know what to say… It’s rough is all I know.. What do you say to someone that knows about death? Obviously my words are at a loss but actions are what count.. I have been praying for you and your family this week. I am so thankful you had someone to mentor you along the way! You know if you need someone to encourage you or even say “Trey, it’s ok” .. I’m here .. I heard some encouraging words at a funeral today… Mourning is part of Love – ..How true..it’s ok to express it… hang in there bro…
Sorry I just was able to read your beautiful thoughts about Roy. You know this but the great thing about the death of a Christian is that it is actually their new beginning. You can now anticipate a beautiful reunion. I am praying for you and your family through this terribly tragic time. God Bless you all.
Praying for all of you. I know you will miss him terribly. What a grand reunion it will be!!
)
Trey: Praying for you and your family. Sorry for your loss.
My prayers are with you as you process the loss of an important person in your life.
Father, please send your Comforter to minister to Trey and the rest of the family as they remember and grieve the loss of their dear Roy. Thank you for the strength that Trey will provide the family because You are alive in him. Thank you for the faithful years lived by Roy, and I look forward to meeting him in heaven some day. Amen.
you and your family are in my prayers
Sorry for your loss, my friend.
Saying prayers for your family.
Trey, thank you for this post about my dad. I’ve read this several times over the past year! I laugh every time about the “once a week” thing, he always made sure I knew that wasn’t the case.
He was always spoke so well of you and loved you as much as he could!