Tony Andrews Funeral

In The Garden

Welcome & Obituary

John Anthony "Tony" Andrews, 75, of North Little Rock passed away March 18, 2023. He was born February 11, 1948 in Beaumont, Texas. Tony proudly served in the United States Air Force. He was a member of Baring Cross Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 52 years, Linda Andrews; and their daughter, Reba Andrews. Tony had a huge heart and adored his nieces, whom he lovingly called "his girls," Melissa and Rubye; and their sons, whom he referred to as "his boys," Parker, Keith, and Asher; and his "grandboy," Dylan; and several extended family members.

Song - Beulah Land

Message & Prayer

Tony Andrews. I’m sure that many of you could finish the sentence “Tony is ________” with descriptions filled with life, laughter, and love. We could all say that we held a special connection with Tony, but nothing can compare to his relationship with his wife, Linda and his precious family.

Linda, the love between you and Tony has been on display for 52 incredible years. The way that you have cared for each other is amazing. I am sure that you have stories of this man that we couldn’t imagine. Whether stealing his heart in a way that I have never heard , or sharing the truth of the gospel with those you interact with, you have showed us how to live and love…no matter the circumstance.

Things didn’t always come easy for Tony. By all means, he was born in Texas for goodness sake. But Tony has lived his life with courage and consistency, loving others more than himself all along the way. Even in moments when we would visit with each other, I would strive to meet him in his time of need but he always had a comeback. When I would pray for this man, he would tell me that I’m the one who needs prayer!

So, when it came to sharing a message connected to Tony’s life, the Lord led me to a passage of scripture in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. In it, Paul shared details about his journey with the church...

2 Corinthians 2:12–17 ESV

12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia. 14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

Here we find Paul serving the Lord even though his plans and circumstances had changed. In this passage, we find an incredible message about the Christian faith walk and how we should live. These words echoed in my head as I pondered the passing of our friend and family member.

First of all we see that in the midst of changing circumstances, Paul praised God!

Things did not always go according to plan. Circumstances change, difficulties are faced, struggles need to be overcome. Yet, Paul’s response was to thank God.

Paul shared the reason we have to praise God - because He always leads us in triumphal procession!

Why? Because his faith was a conquering, triumphant faith. God was leading him. God was in control and able to take care of him. Not just to survive, but to triumph! This truth built confidence in Paul’s life. I believe that it has built confidence in Tony’s life too. As he lived, he spread the fragrance of God everywhere he went. He couldn’t help it!

2 Corinthians 2:15 ESV

15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,

Tony had reason to praise God because God led him triumphantly. And as Tony lived, he spread the aroma of Christ to the world.

Both in life and in death. Christ has gained the victory. Through our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we will join the ticker tape parade and triumphantly join the KIng of Kings and Lord of Lords in the victory dance over all creation. At the end of days, we will stand before the presence of God and worship joyously for the victory won. We will rejoice in glory, having overcome the brokenness of the world, enjoying victory with fellow believers. What an incredible day that will be!

We will gain victory over death only if we put our trust in Jesus Christ, believing that He is the Son of God who is able to save you. On this day, of all days, we can acknowledge that we definitely live in a broken world. By trusting in Christ to heal our brokenness, we can experience victory, peace, comfort, and acceptance that this world just cannot provide.

Tony would want you to trust in Jesus. Tony would tell me to keep on preaching, to share truth and hope, so that none of you would leave here today without the hope that he has found.

As we mourn the loss of our friend, family member, and loved one, let us find comfort in the memories that God has given us. Find comfort in the good times that you shared. Reflect on the sweet aroma of an incredible man who would do anything for anyone, who loved and lived well.

And let us ask ourselves a question…what kind of aroma are you spreading among the world around you?

Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior? Are you sharing love, life, and victory through the power of God?

Through this power, we will see Tony soon. Through this victory we will join the triumphal procession and rejoice with Tony forever in the presence of God. In that reality, we find hope. In that reality, we find comfort. In that reality, we find peace.

Closing Prayer

Song - Victory in Jesus

Committal

Death is one of the ugly realities of life, a reality which we must all face. It separates the spirit from the body, a husband from a wife, a father from his family, and a friend from friends. We are torn by the loss of the person we love. Our gathering here is to honor the memory of our loved one. It is also to find comfort and affirm the hope of the Gospel. It is natural to have a reaction. From shock to grief…Whatever your reaction today, know that our Lord understands. The words in Isaiah 41 affirms us that “the Lord takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear I will help you.” Allow Him to provide comfort for you during this time.

Trust in the promise of God that Paul reminds us of in 2 Corinthians 4 — “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

This eternal glory, the hope of heaven, is found through belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Tony had that hope, and last week, that hope was fulfilled. In light of this promise God has given us in His Word and in as much as it has pleased the Lord in His sovereign wisdom and purpose to take him from our midst, whom we have loved, we now commit his body to its final resting place to await the fulfillment of another promise of Scripture. That day soon when we will be reunited with Jesus and Tony in glory.

In our grief, let us remember the words of Jesus from the gospel of John…

John 14:1–7 (ESV)

1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

4 And you know the way to where I am going.”

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the glorious hope and for the great consolation concerning those who sleep in Jesus as believers in Christ. May we remember that Jesus has prepared a place for those who have placed their faith in Him, and that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Now for those assembled today, May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.