Lamar Rister Funeral

Obituary

Jackie “Lamar” Rister was born on July 1st, 1940 to Elisha Maurice and Lois Eliza Parrish Rister and left this world holding his Savior’s hand on Thursday, October 21st, 2021. He was the first of two children. He was raised in the Blackwoods Community. Lamar graduated high school in 1958 from Midland City High School. He was loved and respected by his classmates and voted “Most Handsome,” of his senior class. This was something he reminded his family of frequently. He was also very athletic and captain of his football and basketball team. He joined the Airforce Reserve, after graduating High School, serving in the reserve and active duty in Paris, France in 1962. He completed a career-tech certification at Wallace Community College in 1960. He moved to Birmingham, AL in 1963 to begin work at Progressive Farmer as a print press operator and this is where he met Jane Wideman and swept her off her feet with his beautiful blue eyes and bright smile. They married four months later, in 1964. The two of them designed and developed Metropolitan Printing Shop in Graysville, AL. They later sold their business and moved to Headland, AL to take over Rister Farms. Lamar continued to work during the day at Florida Microfilm and farm until midnight afterwards, for many years until he retired from public work to continue farming full-time. He never retired from farming; he continually helped his neighbors with any farming needs around his community. Lamar and Jane had one daughter, Lora “Lori” Rister Lindsay. Lamar was gifted with a joyous “servant’s” heart. He never met a stranger and would graciously assist anyone in need. He actively attended Blackwoods Church serving many years as deacon and other committee duties. He loved his church family dearly. Lamar had two special grandchildren that he cherished, Joshua and Rachel. They were the bright stars in his universe. He freely told many, Joshua was “his son,” that he never had and Rachel was his complete joy. Lamar loved to bring humor into every place he visited. He made our family laugh constantly and enjoy every minute of our time together. His life was an adventurous one filled with special memories.

Lamar was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife of 57 years, Jane Wideman Rister. Leaving to cherish his memories are his daughter, Lori Rister Lindsay (Josh); two grandchildren, Adam Joshua Sevens (J.Leigh). Rachel Scussel Massieu (Christopher); one great-grandchild, AnnaLee Grace Massieu; his brother and best-friend, Larry Rister (Sara). Numerous nieces and nephews.

Ecclesiastes 7:1–2 NASB95

1 A good name is better than a good ointment, And the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth. 2 It is better to go to a house of mourning Than to go to a house of feasting, Because that is the end of every man, And the living takes it to heart.

Hope 1 Peter 1:3-8

Hebrews 11:1 NASB95

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

1 Peter 3:15 NASB95

15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

I. Rebirth v3 (new life)

1 Peter 1:23 NASB95

23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB95

17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

II. Inheritance v4 (of glory)

Romans 8:16–18 NASB95

16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

1 John 3:1 NAS

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

III. Protection v5

Physical Protection Psalm 91:10-16

Psalm 91:10–16 NASB95

10 No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent. 11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. 12 They will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread upon the lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down. 14 “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. 15 “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 “With a long life I will satisfy him And let him see My salvation.”

b. Divine intervention Philippians 4:7

Philippians 4:7 NASB95

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

c. Eternal security John 10:28

John 10:28 NASB95

28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

IV. Jubilation v6-8

Romans 5:2 NASB95

2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.