Dear Family: Losing such a loved and cherished one leaves an emptiness in your heart that will not be filled until you see them again... and the “God of all comfort” has assured us we will! What glorious blessings await! Isaiah prophesied [64:4]: "From of old no one has heard or given ear, Nor has any eye seen a God except you, Who acts in behalf of those who keep in expectation of him." Paul quoted those same inspired words at 1 Corinthians 2:9: "But just as it is written: “Eye has not seen and ear has not heard, nor have there been conceived in the heart of man the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” "This,” he explained, “was so that we would trust, not in ourselves, but in the God who raises up the dead." Brother Douglas had faith in his designer and Creator… his God… certain that “[His] Word would not return to [Him] without results.” During his long race, with his goal of everlasting life in view, he continually refreshed himself with copious amounts of the “pure waters” of God’s Word of Truth, which “became in him a spring of water bubbling up to impart everlasting life;” and he lovingly and generously shared his treasure with countless others. During his battle for life, we can be certain that Brother Douglas pondered over the pain his death would bring his loved ones left grieving the loss and separation. Paul described the sadness he felt when saying goodbye [God be with ye]: “For out of much tribulation and anguish of heart I wrote you with many tears, not to sadden you, but to let you know the depth of love I have for you.” 2 Corinthians 2:4. Brother Douglas loved deeply, and was loved dearly. He encouraged his physical and spiritual family to: “put up a hard fight for the faith” [Jude 3], and with his “whole heart, soul, mind, and strength,” he demonstrated his own faith as did Micah: “But as for me, I will keep on the lookout for Jehovah. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” [Micah 7:7]. Richard James Douglas applied Paul's poignant words to others who have passed away: “The time for my releasing is imminent," he said. “I have fought the fine fight, I have run the race to the finish, I have observed the faith.” [2 Timothy 4:6, 7]. These words now apply to Brother Douglas, for he faced his mortality with that same dignity, and fell asleep with the same confidence… that he ran the race "in such a way” as to attain "the prize." He had the “assured expectation” that “the God of [his] salvation” will soon wake him from the sleep of death, that he “may obtain a full reward.” [2 John 8]. At that time, he and all those "redeemed by Jehovah, will return with a joyful cry. Unending joy will crown their heads. Exultation and rejoicing will be theirs, And grief and sighing will flee away.” Isaiah 35:10. “The one who bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’” “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus be with the holy ones…” and you, dear family. Revelation 22:20, 21

Dearest Kathy and Family, We hate to finally communicate again this way but I hope you remember the Jones, Wardell and Linda. We were all together at the original Park Forest Cong and Summer was just a baby. Wonderful memories, your family was, and I'm sure still is a pillar to any congregation.Kathy, just a very little while longer now. Hugs, Kisses and Prayers are for you.

My sincere condolences to the family. Richard was a sincere man of God. He always helped when needed. He will forever be missed and may God bless the whole family.If you need anything please let me know.

Summer,All of us here in the Business Office at Northside Hospital wish to express our sincere sympathy for the loss of your dad.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Sincerely,Your Northside Hospital Family.

We're so sorry for your loss. Our friendship goes back many years; we remember our children growing up together. We look forward to when all things are made new and we will all enjoy life together forever in paradise. Meanwhile, be secure in the love that all of us have for your family. We all share a wonderful hope of being with our lost loved ones, sharing memories, and never being in fear of a soon-to-be-forgotten enemy. We love very much.

Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. 47 years together, WOW. Memories of those should carry you through. Love to you and your family.Tracee