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BORN
1937
DIED
2015
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Gerald MANN Obituary
Dr. Gerald Mann, founding pastor of Riverbend Church in Austin, Texas, died on Saturday, October 24, 2015.
He is survived by his wife, Sandy Mann; his children, Cynthia Manney; Stacey Selman and husband Brent; Gerald E. Mann II, wife Jillian Hutchinson Mann and granddaughter Grace Lois Mann; a brother, Wayne Mann; grandchildren Garrett Gregory Brooks, Carder Wright Brooks, Jessica Manney, and Sasha Nath-Manney; his wife's children Jonathan and Jennifer Ayres, and grandchildren Wyatt and Olivia Ayres, Brandon Hinnenkamp, James Reedy and Erin Reedy, and Sean Calkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cary Freeman Mann and Ruby Chestene Mann, his wife of 42 years, Lois Wright Mann, and his sister, Mickey Mann Johnson.
Gerald was born in Houston, Texas, on December 18, 1937. He spent most of his childhood in West Columbia, Texas. He studied at Baylor, Kilgore and the newly-opened University of Corpus Christi (now part of Texas A&M), then earned a master's degree in theology and a doctorate in philosophy from the Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. Gerald pastored churches in Hereford, Texas, and the Springbranch area of Houston, before becoming the pastor of University Baptist Church in Austin in 1973. He resigned from University Baptist and, along with 60 families who believed in his vision, started a new church in June, 1979. Riverbend grew rapidly. By the time the first church building opened in 1985, more than 1600 people were showing up each Sunday.
In 2000, Gerald's wife, Lois, died leaving him to experience first-hand the grief about which he had counseled many others. He also learned that he was suffering from Parkinson's Disease. In 2005, Gerald preached his last Easter sermon at Riverbend and resigned after 26 years at the helm of the church he dreamed up. In that sermon, he said, "When I die, don't feel sorry for me, because I'm going to fulfill my dream to be with God." He struggled with the ravages of Parkinson's for ten more years before he finally fulfilled that dream.
A memorial service for Dr. Gerald Mann will be held Friday, October 30, at 1:00pm in Riverbend Church's Home for Hope. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to The Parkinson's Foundation, (support.pdf.org)
Obituary and memorial guestbook available online at www.wcfish.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald MANN
Sponsored by Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - North.
Gary Foley
May 21, 2018
My preacher for many years. It was always such a pleasure readying for church with Dr. Mann and Jesus at the helm. He always made it a SON day and not just a Sunday. Gary L. Foley
November 10, 2017
I am so thankful i got the chance to meet him in 2000 at Riverbend Church.
-Ashley Lamb
Mickey Lancaster
August 22, 2017
I was privileged to meet him when he was at his first church, First Baptist Church Spring Branch, Houston. As a Youth Minister, he quickly made plans to take the teenagers of the church to Washington,D.C.,& Ridgecrest Baptist Encampment in North Carolina. He & I had many discussions about telling the word in places such as bars that featured live Music. He told me that Jesus went into places that his disciples didn't understand. His encouragement was not received we'll by my Mother.
I did proceed to entertain all around Houston. Gerald left as Youth Pastor & went to Austin as his first position as Minister. I'll always remember how he made it OK to perform & live for Jesus. I'm looking forward to seeing him someday in Heaven.
Barb Fagans Roser
May 2, 2017
I was blessed to have received a small part of his ministry. Thank you, Dr. Mann for your wisdom and guidance through this place we call earth.
March 14, 2017
I wouldn't be a Christian today if it hadn't been for his sermons. We have much of the same views about Christianity. I have all his CDs and listen to them constantly in my truck. Thank you, Dr. Mann for introducing me to Jesus. 3/14/17
Joe Brock
Dr. Mann, Paul and Linda Crawford
Linda Crawford
February 27, 2017
MARGARET BYRNE
January 28, 2017
Lost within my own life, I missed when Dr. Mann passed. I was first introduced to him when he married my brother and sister-in-law as UT-Baptist Church. You could call me a 'reluctant' Christian...Until I heard a sermon. He was eloquent. He was a Texas gentleman. He was a man of God, whose words still ring true. I'm living through a difficult time and I heard, "Wait to worry"...I've just finished watching all the YouTube videos out there. His words still so comforting, I wish there were more. He taught me Grace and he taught me Forgiveness. I am thankful for knowing him. Godspeed to all his family. xoxo
David Frederick
December 25, 2016
Thank You Dr. Mann for all your all you sermons delivered straight from the heart.
Cynthia Manney
November 20, 2016
I miss my father a lot!!
Rosemary and Garret Smith
Rosemary Smith
June 26, 2016
Dr. Gerald Mann was one of the best #preachers I've ever heard. He was very knowledgeable, #humorous and down to earth so that made it easy to listen...and you wanted to! I attended in the mid-90s and found a loving, fun group of friends through Sunday school and we saw each other through everything. We shared the #love of #Christ with everyone who walked through the doors of #Riverbend...because we all know it's a #journey and we need each other's love and support to live the fulfilling life #God intended through fellowship with Him and others. I'm grateful Gerald set the tone for the church that always has open arms for everyone seeking the truth. It is my favorite church of all time and set the standard for what I look for in a church. I live in Aggieland now and Grace Bible Church holds a close second in my opinion...but regardless of its size, Riverbend always had a small church feel...a place you could walk in and feel right at home...so thank you, Gerald, for setting the standard for churches which should love and embrace everyone and accept people where they are at....your humor is also unmatched and I miss listening to your stories while you sat on a stool and shared your #humanity and God's #forgiveness and love with the world.
I'm so glad that I dedicated my son there...and the group loved my son like their own...what a beautiful experience for a single mother all the way around...
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Rosemary Smith
[email protected]
Wealthia Jackson
June 13, 2016
His sermons was always relevant and his approach to "speaking with" his audience and not "to" them is still a rarity. Thanking God for this beautiful gift.
John Pastirchak
April 21, 2016
Dr. Mann was "there" for me, even though we'd never met. I became acquainted with him through his upbeat TV broadcasts while living in West Texas. I also read his book, "Common Sense Religion." Both provided me with comfort and encouragement during a particularly difficult time.
Having moved several times I lost track of Dr. Mann. A few years ago I heard of his struggle with Parkinson's from a member of Riverbend Church. Last week, I learned of his passing.
A belated farewell to this remarkably positive minister for Christ.
Ashley Lamb
April 18, 2016
Dr. Mann, thank u for being there for me and help me to become the lady I am today and have since 1996. U will be truly missed. Danny and I love u & Mrs. Lois and look forward to seeing u all again one day.
Wanda Kitts
October 30, 2015
Gerald taught me a great deal in the 16 years I was at Riverbend. I loved serving at the church while he was there. He was an amazing and wonderful man.
Karen Mcnutt
November 2, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss, he was a great man. I had the honor of being baptized by him when I was a young girl, he led many to Thr Lord.
Gary Stella
October 30, 2015
He influenced me more than anyone outside of my family......truly inspirational for the 30 plus years I listened to him.....University Baptist, to a small schoolroom on Walsh-Tarlton, to the first sanctuary to the present church. I was fortunate enough to run into him a few years ago, in Whole Foods, and tell him, again, what he had done for me, and to me, spiritually. I will miss him like family.
Janice Gage
October 30, 2015
I was there at Riverbend in the earlier years when Dr. Mann inspired me, and so many others, to find a church home again. He truly was a blessing to so many, a true servant of God. Riverbend Church is a tribute to his faith and understanding of the spiritual needs of so many.
Laura
October 30, 2015
God Bless your family, you were one of a kind. I always felt welcome at RiverBend.
Cynthia Everist
October 29, 2015
Gerald meant so much to so many. He was the reason that John and I started attending church on a regular basis and really enjoying every minute. He has been missed so much over the last few years. I am glad that he is now at peace.
M.D. Millsap
November 2, 2015
I had the privilege of being friends with Gerald Mann, and I considered it an honor to be his friend. Although a Methodist and a preacher's kid, we were congregants and over the years I played a few rounds of golf with Gerald. Hearing his morning prayer in the Texas House each morning made me a better legislator and a better person. God has already blessed Lois and Gerald and I hope that the "Precious Memories" of them will help the family in the days ahead.
Joe Birdwell
October 30, 2015
Gerald brought many of us back to Church through his inspiring messages of "beginning again".
Our best wishes go to Sandy and the family as well as the Riverbend community.
Gerald was a great inspiration to all who had the opportunity to know him.
Joe Birdwell
Gib Lewis
October 29, 2015
Dr. Mann was the Chaplain of the House for much of the time when I was Speaker of the House.
Each day we would begin with a prayer from Gerald before we began the day's business. I think he helped us in our work. I know he did for me.
Gerald Mann was a great Texan. His passing leaves a legacy for others to follow as big as Texas!
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