Breakfast was pretty simple this morning—assorted huge muffins, leftover biscuits, gravy, and breakfast pizza, fruit cups, and juice; folks were not bashful about eating the leftovers.  This constituted our last major effort in hosting the rally.

Bruce and Jeannie took care of facilitating lunch at Jo Jo’s on the White River, allowing us to drive to Memphis to attend memorial services for the son of a very dear friend of ours.  The memorial services were highlighted by the reading of a prayer Ross recently wrote—he had an amazing way of putting his feelings into words.  Ross passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack.  He was a highly intelligent, very talented, compassionate, and philanthropic man; Ed and Linda must have been very proud of him.  He will be greatly missed by all, and especially those who knew him, and those he would have served had he had the opportunity.

Following the service, we returned to Mountain View and attended the gospel night of the fall bluegrass festival.  There were some good young bands, and the headliner, Marty Raybon, was great.

Edward “Ross” Richmond III of St. Charles, Missouri, died on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at the age of 47. Loving husband of Jacquelynn Richmond, cherished son of Edward R. Richmond, Jr. and Linda M. Richmond; admired step-father of Kristen (Dustin) Freeman, Jessica Ohlms, and Courtney Ohlms; adored brother of Lisa (Steven Burke) Richmond and Mary (Will) Motley; loving uncle of Emerson Richmond- Burke, Wynsome Richmond- Burke, Lola Motley, and Simon Motley. He was a former missionary for World Church. He was a member of the Institutional Review Board at Mercy Hospital, and volunteer for Ronald McDonald House. He loved traveling, entertaining guests, spending time with his wife, and gourmet food. Ross was a classically trained opera singer, and loved listening to classical and jazz music.