Comment from Ruth Johnson

Hi Dan,

I thought that I would let you know of the passing of Gladys Cunningham (Rev. Roberts’s wife’s sister-in-law) on Tuesday.  You would probably remember your dad telling you about the two widows that he visited at the nursing home every Sunday after the morning service.  I don’t know if he told you of the stories of these two ladies competing for his attention.  I am laughing just thinking of what he went through with those two!  Can you imagine him sitting on the bed in their room and them asking him to rub their back?  I would ask him why he did it and he told me that he knew that Jesus would have done the same thing for them. 

There were only eight people at the graveside service yesterday, that’s not including Rev. Poteat and the two guys from the funeral home.  Rev. Poteat had never met Gladys but he said the connection to Gladys was thru Bill Erickson, who had many years ago led Harvey to Christ and he never had the privilege of meeting Bill but because of him he would eventually get to meet Gladys in heaven one day.  He said that Bill had led Gladys to Christ three years ago at the nursing home and that that was a miracle in itself.  People in their eighties are very hard to win, but because of Bill’s love for Jesus and the deep desire he had that others would know Jesus too, these two people are in heaven today.  He also challenged us that we need to have that same spirit of soul winning and compassion for the lost as Bill did.

You know, as I do that this is just one of the many victories of your dad’s legacy of soul winning.  I thank God that I was there to hear this and I am able to share this with you. 

We know that all things are possible with God.

God Bless,

Ruth

Comment from Rita Payne

Dear Dan & Family,

I was deeply touched when reading of your life experiences on your way back to God. I pray that many people will read it and will respond to God the way you did.

I was so sorry to hear of your dad’s death. I am confident that he is rejoicing in heaven at this moment and that you, your family and his friends will be there with him at our appointed time.

Your dad was a dear friend in the short time that I knew him. He came to Danville shortly before my deceased husband, Rick Withrow, and I married in the early 90’s and was a tremendous help during Rick’s failing physical abilities due to Parkinson’s disease. Bill was a true friend to both of us. He and Rick are probably rejoicing together right now.

I had not heard from your dad since a few weeks after Rick died in October of 2001, so I was not aware of any illness and was surprised when I saw his obituary. I’m so glad to find this website and to be able to contact you. He expressed to us many times how very proud he was of his boys and grandchildren. He loved you all very much.

I pray that God will continue to use you and that He will draw you and your family close to Him and comfort you and I am certain that…in Rick’s words…the greatest days of your life are just ahead.

Thank you for answering the call.

God bless,

Rita