Graveside Service - Gene McCloud

— Good afternoon and welcome to the “going home” service for Gene McCloud.

— Thank you for bundling up and coming out to support the family and friends during this difficult time.

— Today is your time to say your “goodbyes.” To Give your last respects to Gene, his family and friends

— Gene is free from the tethers of this earth and sits in Glory, with Jesus and with many of the believers that have went before him.

— As I visited with Gene before he went to Richland Rehab, he made it clear that he wanted me to “talk about Jesus” at his funeral. I CAN DO THAT!!

— Before Covid-19, Gene and Dorothy were very faithful attenders at the First Baptist Church here in Sunnyside

— They faithfully sat in the 4th row from the back on my left hand side.

— As I would look back and see them they both were always active and engaged with worship and the message.

— Just a couple of person reflections… Gene was one of the kindest, gentlest human beings that I have ever met.

— The other is his relationship with Dorothy. The day before Gene died, Dorothy was able to be with him.

— They held hands for 3 hours… That was their relationship.

— From Gene making Dorothy a simple breakfast each day… To the kindness and love they shared together… it is a testament to the commitment they had for each other.

— The true measure of a man is how he handles adversity. From family issues, to health issues.

— Gene handled those the best that he could with the tools that he had.

— Are there any family or friends who would like to offer a few words? (5-7 minutes)

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— If there aren’t any or anymore let’s continue.

Thomas McCloud Obituary

Thomas Eugene McCloud November 26, 1933 - February 11, 2024 Thomas Eugene McCloud “Gene” joined his lord in savior in heaven on February 11, 2024.

Gene was the oldest of 9, born to parents Charles Thomas McCloud and Louise Estelle McCloud (Halliburton) on November 26, 1933 in Macon TN.

Gene worked at the brick yard in Granger, WA until it closed. Then he went to work for the Toppenish Hospital where he worked as a custodian and then a laundry supervisor he retired after 42 years.

In his retirement, he found joy volunteering his time at the various foodbanks in Sunnyside.

Gene loved sports he enjoyed playing baseball as a child and young adult, and became an umpire when his son Steve played ball for many years.

He would watch the Mariners any chance he got. He was a member of the Sunnyside bowling league for several years.

Gene spent a lot of his time at Sunnyside Baptist Church where he would attend services, clean, mow the lawn and help with anything else that needed done.

He had a strong connection to his faith in the lord and devoted his life to him and the church. Gene was always offering a helping hand to anyone in need.

Gene is survived by His wife of 37 years Dorothy McCloud of Sunnyside, WA. His son Steve McCloud of Ilwaco, WA. His Daughter's Sandra Hamper of Odessa, WA. and Lynn Groves of Outlook, WA.

Also 3 stepchildren, Theresa Reel of Seattle WA, Sherry Scott of Seattle and Mike Scott of Richland, WA.

His siblings Melbalene Davis of TN, Barbara Andrews of TN, Glen McCloud of Finley, WA and Marlene Pritchett of Yakima, WA.

Gene is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers Harold and Tony McCloud, 2 sisters Loretta Bray and Colleen McCloud, His First wife Frances Elizabeth McCloud and his daughter Marianne McCloud.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Tranquility Adult Family Home for the sincere care they showed Gene in his last weeks of life.

Music — Music — Music (5min)

— I have a couple of scriptures and some comments that I would to make.

From the Gospel of John, 11:25

John 11:25–27 ESV

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

— Because of the faith and belief that this woman, Martha exhibited, Jesus took a moment gave us ALL a glimpse of eternity.

— When he said… “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…” That is to and for us all.

— “Belief in Christ”, in who He was in what He did, mentioned three times in this short passage… Is the foundation for an eternal relationship with the Father and the Son.

— Don’t be confused… when the scripture says in verse “26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?””

— That is the PROMISE that Gene held tightly to

— Regardless of the circumstances or the situation

— His Faith was solid

— You might be asking… But Gene did die. Yes he did.

— He has left the bindings of this place and is now with Jesus in Heaven.

— He is worshipping God, with the many faithful followers that have went to Heaven before him

— Let’s take a last look at V.27. It says She [Martha] said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.””

— This is the answer that Gene gave and this is the answer that Jesus is looking for from us.

— Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes Lord is the answer that Jesus was asking for.

— That has not changed from eternity past to the present, to the eternity in the future. Jesus is asking for us to say “Yes, Lord!”

— Yes to a relationship with Him, yes, to growing with Him, yes to serve Him, and finally when we are face-to-face with Him…

— We will hear the most consequential words we could ever hear, when he WILL say.

— “WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT”

— That is the “ask” from Jesus, from the scripture.

— All of scripture from the Old Testament through the New points to this new relationship that we have because we have responded to Jesus and to Faith in him.

I have one more scripture to share it is from the Old Testament.

— Sometimes we ignore the Old Testament

— It can be difficult to understand. I have a Master’s Degree in Bible/Theology and it’s difficult for me at times.

— But this verse talks about Gene’s journey as he past into eternity

Psalm 23 ESV

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 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. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

— Gene experienced lying down, unable to do all that he had done before do to his health.

— But even to those He offered rest… “ He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. What a place!

— Gene has walked the “valley of the shadow of death.” But he has NO FEAR. Because he walks with Jesus.

— What awaits Gene is the same that awaits all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. and to those who trust Him and His work on the Cross.

Psalm 23:5–6 ESV

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

— Gene’s “Forever” is our “Forever” to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

This part of the service is done…

— As we close there are red roses here.

— The immediate family will go and offer their final respects, placing a rose on the casket.

— Then you may come forward, placing a rose on the casket and offer your final respects.

WHEN WE ARE DONE HERE YOU ARE INVITED BACK TO FIRST BAPTIST FOR A LIGHT LUNCH

— ON BEHALF OF THE FAMILY WE THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.