Our “Guy Side” Guy has Gone Home to Glory
It is with an incredibly heavy, but yet joyful, heart I write that, my guy – our “Guy Side” Guy – has gone Home to glory!
My best friend, Bill, went to heaven last month just two days before our 50th Wedding Anniversary. We have been a team since we were 16. We had the privilege of walking an aisle together in a small Baptist Church in PA one Sunday morning in 1973 to meet our Savior for the first time and were water baptized the same evening. It has been an “interesting”, exciting, privileged and joyful “walk” ever since.
You might ask how a couple actually makes it to 50 years “today”…WE LEARNED TO PRAY!! All praise to God, the Holy Spirit and our dear, intrepid Esther who (p a t I e n t l y) held in there with slow learners who proved steadfast.
Might I suggest that the above is something to consider sharing with your younger married friends and your unmarried children and grandchildren? Fidelity, forgiveness and lasting love IS MORE THAN POSSIBLE when Jesus is at the center. Don’t let “modern” culture tell you or them otherwise! If you are celebrating milestones in your marriage…do it in a BIG WAY! It “speaks.”
We are blessed to have three amazing sons and their families (for details on them and Bill’s life, see obituary at end of newsletter.)
Bill was a gifted, kind and exceedingly generous man. For one example: There would be shipments of organs (Way back!), pianos, and keyboards either delivered to our home (Unexpected by me!) en route to some other home or church or (Also unexpected.) jubilant, “THANK YOU!” calls for ones that had been directly delivered. To tell the truth…I learned about the last one AFTER he made it to Heaven! Way to go, Bill!
Together, Bill and I have had the privilege of serving Esther/ENI for over 30 years…much of his “service” being the “letting go” in order to “send” me with her “to the uttermost.” He loved being known as “Mary’s husband!” which he proudly wore on many conference nametags. He was happy to let others shine and found his “place” either behind a music or computer keyboard. He loved to worship God, so, I know he’s having a great time in Heaven.
We loved sharing his brilliant thoughts and ideas with you in “Guy Side” and plan to bring back some of those messages.
Thank you to so many who have loved us in prayer these last trying but beautiful years of Bill’s (earthly) life. May God return the blessing 100-fold.
With love,
Mary
Hello Mary,
So sorry to hear of the home going of Bill. But I know he is happy walking the streets of heaven, and most if all to be greeted by his Lord, Jesus. I don’t know if you remember me, but, I am Pastor David Floyd. My wife Talitha and I had met you, and Bill at a Chicos in Blowing Rock, NC. Bill was fighting the good fight. When we talked with him he was Very upbeat and full of Joy. It was a real blessing to meet you both. I pray for the Holy Spirit to do what He does best, comfort you. You are in our prayers.
Blessings,
Pastor David
Lots of love to Mary and her family. I join you in thanksgiving for Bill’s remarkable life. I remember the pure joy he had in worshipping His Saviour Sunday mornings. The tributes here make me wish I had known Bill more. May God comfort you in your times of sorrow and loss.
Dear Mary,
Our deepest condolences and love to you and the family!
When we met in New York a few years ago both my husband and I knew it was truly God ordained. Our prayer and that the Lord will fill the gap that Bill has left and that He will give you the grace and strength to carry on the work as you recall the wonderful times you had together.
We will uphold you and the family in prayer.
God’s peace and comfort.
In Christ’s service
Pastors Fred and Lydia Kilonzo, Nairobi, Kenya.