Pastor George C. Richmond

RICHMOND, Pastor George C. - Age 81, went home to be with the Lord, Monday, October 14, 2013 at his residence with his wife, Missionary Rena Richmond by his side. Family hour 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Agape C.O.G.I.C., 3641 Wyoming Ave., with Homegoing Service commencing at 12:30 p.m. Interment Flint Memorial Park Cemetery, G-9506 N. Dort Hwy. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Pastor Richmond will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12 noon-8 p.m. Friday with family present from 2-6p.m. Pastor George Richmond was born in Dewitt, Arkansas on September 8, 1932 to the late Melzer and Lessie Richmond. He was the third oldest child of 16 children. He gave his life to the Lord in the early 1950’s shortly after he was called into the ministry. At this time he began to serve under the leadership of the late Bishop Roberts in Chicago, IL. God began to use him mightily. He later served in the United States Army and traveled extensively throughout Germany. Many souls were saved by his ministry. He served as Choir Director in California, Young People Willing Workers (YPWW) president, and in various areas of the church. Later he moved back to Chicago where he met the love of his life Rena Joseph. To this union two children were born, Tony Curtis and Paul Anthony. The Lord spoke to Pastor Richmond and told him in 1965 to move him and his family from Chicago, IL and come to Flint, Michigan. Out of obedience to God, he did just that and attended Hamilton Ave. Church Of God In Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Fred Lewis. Again, at this time, God began to use him to reach many young people, and encouraged them to give their life to the Lord. God used him in prophecy, and in the word of knowledge. By this, many souls were blessed. Again, the Lord ordered the footsteps and led him to serve under the late Raymond Toles at the Emmanuel Temple COGIC. While Elder Richmond served as assistant Pastor, Elder Toles decided to move to Oklahoma to Pastor there and asked Elder Richmond to take over the ministry of Emmanuel Temple COGIC. After much prayer, Pastor Richmond accepted and began his pastorate in 1975. In 1990 he was lead to change the name of the ministry from Emmanuel Temple COGIC to Grace Deliverance Tabernacle COGIC. Countless souls were delivered, and set free by the power of God. He also founded the Harvest Time Ministry and Radio Broadcast where he coined the saying “Harvest Time Tell the Truth.” God anointed him with a unique way to minister to young men, as well as the anointed to bring families back together. He also was a lover of young children. Pastor Richmond sponsored many children in Africa, and India. His outreach caused him to go throughout the communities and gather young children, picked them up in his van to take them to various activities. Pastor Richmond began to be a father to many of the children who did not have a father in their lives. Pastor George C. Richmond leaves to cherish his memory: beloved wife of 53 years, Missionary Rena Richmond; 2 children, Superintendent Tony (Brenda) Richmond and Pastor Paul (Lucinda) Richmond; 8 grandchildren, Paula (Michael), Paul II, Brenton, BreYanna, Tameca, James Kadeja and Patrese; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Franklin (Marjah), Ricky and Doris, all of Flint, Jean (Melvin), Barbara (Dimitrius), Ann, all of Chicago and Carol (Charlie) of Indiana; sisters-in-law, Joyce of Louisiana and Viola of Ohio; brothers-in-law, Fred Allen (Patricia) and Phillip (RockAnn); nephew, Bernard. This man was truly a spiritual giant, “Man of God and prophet of the Lord. He was a man of great faith and wisdom. Because of his ministry, many have been healed and spiritual leaders born, such as pastors, missionaries, evangelist and prophets. Pastor George C. Richmond was preceded in death by his father, Melzer; mother, Lessie Richmond; sisters, Lucy, Myrtle and Anabelle; brothers, Fred, Sam and Edgar. The family wishes to express special thanks to Emma Mae (Oscar), Grace Deliverance Tabernacle COGIC, Agape God’s Love COGIC, Valley Agency, Helping Hands, special nurse, Regina, Youlander, Louann, Tracy, the nurses and doctors of McLaren-Flint.

Pastor George C. Richmond

September 8, 1932 - October 14, 2013