Funeral Service for Richard Bryce Worley, Jr.

Psalm 46:1-5

Today we are gathered to commemorate and honor the life of Richard Bryce Worley, Jr., a husband of 54 years, a father, grandfather, and friend. While today is a day to mourn, it is also a day to be comforted, a day to hope, a day to celebrate his life.

Psalm 23 ESV

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

It is quite a thing to consider that the God of the universe would love and care for us the way that He does, as a shepherd cares for his flock. It is even more amazing to consider that He longs for each of us to be a part of His flock.

Amazing grace—how sweet the sound—that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!

Thru many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; ’tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me; His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.

October 9, 1944 — December 16, 2023 Richard Bryce Worley, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on December 16, 2023 in Carroll Hospice Center, Westminster, MD, at the age of 79.

He was born on October 9, 1944 in Newport, Rhode Island. Richard loved sports and the outdoors. He played basketball and coached little league baseball for his sons. Richard was also an avid hunter and fisherman. He took great pleasure in passing on his knowledge and love of sports and nature to his children and grandchildren. His rich, deep singing voice entertained many people. He was a powerful impersonator of Elvis Presley. Richard and his brother Robert played, recorded, and performed music of that era together for many years.

Richard graduated from Frostburg State Teacher’s College in Frostburg, MD, and was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity there. Upon graduation Richard worked as a claims adjuster for GEICO Insurance Company, and thereafter for Amica Insurance Company.

Following college Richard reunited with a fellow Frostburg graduate, Thelma (Tantsie) Troester. Richard and Tantsie married in 1969 and lived in Gaithersburg, MD. Soon after, they bought a home near Sugarloaf Mountain in Urbana, MD, where they raised their family and lived the rest of his lifetime.

Over the years, Richard and Tantsie would take long motorcycle rides on his classic BMW motorcycle. He shared his love of motorcycles with his sons who still ride together today. Richard also loved classic cars, getting himself a ‘56 Chevy, which is still at his home. He loved to go to car shows with his brother-in-law Tac Troester.

Richard’s family and extended family vacationed each summer at Chincoteague Island, VA. Many wonderful memories with family and friends were made there. Richard is survived by his wife Tantsie, and three sons: Craig married to Terry with daughters Leah and Carolyn; Carl married to Juliet, with daughter Allison, daughter Hannah, and son Mason; and Bryce with daughter Lindsay. Richard’s parents, Bryce and Ruth, predeceased him, but his siblings: sister Linda and husband John (with adult children Brian, Sara, Johnny, and Kendra); brother Robert and wife Dawn (with adult child Kristin); and sister Barbara and husband Jim (with adult children Ross and Mark) survive him.

A burial will take place at Parklawn Cemetery in Rockville, MD on December 22, 2023 at 11:30am.

One of Richard’s final wishes was for his family and friends to celebrate his life after his passing. Please join us for a Celebration of Life at the Urbana Volunteer Fire & Rescue Hall on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 6:00PM to 10:00PM.

I would like to take a moment to give you an opportunity to remember – to celebrate Richard’s life.

Let’s begin with Kendra. I believe she has something to share from her mom Linda Fulks.

Would anyone else like to share?

Psalm 46 says this:

Psalm 46:1–5 ESV

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

In this passage I think that there are a few things that we can remember and rely on from God.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

(remove) One of the things that I love most dearly in life, is to hold my children. As a father, I rejoice in giving them comfort, protection, peace. When my son Zachary was 7 years old son, he injured his head – requiring a visit to the emergency room. He’s at that stage where he is wanting to be a big boy – yet this was one of those moments when he simply said – “carry me”. For Zachary – this works, because I am still bigger than him. I can still hold him. I can still be a refuge for him.

One of the amazing things that I love about God – is that He is big enough for our tears, hurts, fears, pain. He even says in His word – “cast your cares upon [me] and [I] will lift you up.” As a shepherd cares for his sheep and as a father cares for his children, in the same way, God cares for us – he cares for you. I believe he wants to be a comfort for you, if you’ll let Him.

Secondly,

Psalm 46:2–3 ESV

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

Not only does God care deeply for you, but He is consistent. Scripture says that he does not change with shifting shadows. Our emotions are like a wave of the sea, yet God is stable enough in the midst of the storm.

As you read throughout the Old Testament, one refrain rings loud and clear – God’s patient love and faithfulness remains forever. You see, His chosen people would choose to ignore Him and would worship other gods. In spite of all of the things that He had done for them, they remained faithless – yet he remained faithful. While His discipline was at times severe, He never relented in showing His love. So much so that He even stepped into human form and became like us in order to “demonstrate is love toward us, while we were yet sinners, Christ (God in the flesh) died for us.”

John Newton, the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace”, was a slave trader until He got called by God to change his ways. He remarked at the end of his life - “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!” What amazing grace!

God is consistent in sharing His love and grace with us!

Psalm 46:4–5 ESV

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

It would be one thing for God to be consistent enough to comfort us. He could bring us healing there, but God goes an extra step – He clears the way for future hope. In the passage I read, it talks about the river leading to the city of God. For those who put their hope and trust in Him, he has a place of future hope for them – for you! I understand that Richard has put his faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Because of that, the Bible says that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I believe he has seen that river and is in the presence of the savior.

There is a hymn that I understand was very meaningful for Richard. This hymn paints a picture of the garden scene in John 20 where Mary, saddened by the death of her Savior, came to visit Jesus’ body. What she found was an empty tomb and someone she assumed was a gardener - only to find out it was Jesus himself. Let’s sing In the Garden together as we close.

I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses; And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.

Refrain: And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing; And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing. [Refrain]

I'd stay in the garden with Him Tho' the night around me be falling; But He bids me go; thro' the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling. [Refrain]

Prayer