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Ray Easterling Obituary
Easterling played for the Falcons from 1972 to 1979, helping to lead the team's "Gritz Blitz" defense in 1977 that set the NFL record for fewest points allowed in a season. After his football career, he went on to start a successful financial services company in Richmond, Va. He died Thursday in Richmond, said his wife, Mary Ann Easterling. She declined to release the cause of his death.
"He was a wonderful husband and father," said his wife. "In everything he did, he was a charger. He went full tilt."
After his playing days were over, Easterling started to suffer the consequences of the years of bruising hits, his wife said. He suffered from depression and insomnia, and as his dementia pr ogressed he lost the ability to focus, organize his thoughts and relate to people, she said.
"It's been a progression over the last 20 years," she said. "It's very sad to see."
Easterling was born on Sept. 3, 1949 and played in college at the University of Richmond. He was drafted by the Falcons with the 9th round pick in 1972 and played for seven years, starting four seasons. He was a leader of the secondary that established a team record in 1977 with 26 interceptions. The defense that year set the NFL record at the time for allowing just 129 points in a season.
"He was one of the hardest working football players, most disciplined football players I've ever played with," said Greg Brezina, a friend and former Falcons teammate. "He loved the lord. We roomed together in training camp and every morning we would get up early and pray for everybody on the team. We did that every day. He was a very unselfish person."
After his playing days ended, he return ed to Richmond where he ran a financial services company and started a youth football camp. But he started showing signs of brain damage about 20 years ago, his wife and friends said.
"He just wasn't thinking right. You could tell that 20 years ago," said Brezina. "He'd start talking to you about one topic, and then he'd end up in another topic and he wouldn't know how he got there."
He was part of a group of seven former players who sued the NFL in Philadelphia in August, claiming that the league failed to properly treat players for concussion and tried to conceal for decades any links between football and brain injuries. It was the first potential class-action lawsuit that was filed.
The NFL has said any allegation that the league intentionally sought to mislead players is without merit.
His wife said she will fight to continue the lawsuit despite her husband's death, and will urge the league to establish a fund for players like her husband who suffe red traumatic brain injuries from their playing days.
"Half the time the player puts themselves back in the game, and they don't know what kind of impact it has," she said. "Somehow this has got to be stopped. It's destroying people's lives."
GREG BLUESTEIN, Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
178 Entries
September 17, 2014
mary, my name is johnny jones ur 74-77 I met ray ray once in the wellness center at ur. he was with don pate. they both wre older but in excellent shape but both gentlemen. you are in my thoughts. jj
Rhonda Mayer
September 24, 2012
Mary Ann, we are so sorry for your loss! Although we haven't been in touch since the days when we lived in Richmond and Ray worked out at the Nautilus Fitness Center with David, we still consider you both great friends. I'll always remember how hard Ray worked to be the best! And the revival we attended with you at your church all those years ago. The subject was the beatitudes. I remember your great danes and when you fixed a dinner of venison stroganoff! Maybe one day our paths will cross again. The world will be worse off for the loss of Ray. He was a Christian inspiration to many. We will keep you in our prayers. I know that God can create something positive from this tragedy. God Bless!
Ken Adams
September 14, 2012
Mary Ann, I only learned of Ray's passing from the article in SI a few days ago. I knew Ray at Collegiate, class of '68, and always admired his athletic ability and enjoyed his enthusiam for life and for his friends. He will be missed. My condolences to you and the Easterling family and my prayers for you as you continue your efforts on behalf of other players and their families.
Linda Eicher Neff
August 12, 2012
Dear Mary Ann,
My heart has cried buckets when I read in the Daily News Record a "viewpoint" and realized you had lost your dear husband. I remember meeting you before you were married and being invited to your wedding... and attending with my friend, Sue. Had I known you all were going through all of the problems, I could have been praying for you and your family. My heart is full and my love continues to pour out for you. May God continue to encompass you with His love.
How you can show support
Ted and Elaine McGann
June 9, 2012
Mary Ann and family, I am so sorry that I do not know how to reach you by mail. we have been subscribing to the Richmond paper for a number of years. We still live outside of Harrisonburg since returning here in 1974 from living in Northern VA. Mary Ann, we can only hope you are surviving with the help of friends and family. Our love to you all. this is your cousin, Elaine Hartman McGann, kin to you through relatives in the Mill Creek area. We were in college with Richard and attended the Arlington Church in the early 1970's. email address is [email protected]
Shirley Landen
June 9, 2012
Mary Ann and Elizabeth, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just learned this morning from a call from another Parsons cousin in Texas. My mother and Vivian were first cousins and I have many memories of visits to Wise to visit my great aunts and uncle with my grandparents. I do not recall ever meeting Ray but from reading the condolences, I missed a wonderful opportunity. I took 2 aunts and visited Vivian not long before she sold the "big" house and had not heard that she died. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
June 8, 2012
Dear Ms. Easterling......I just learned of Ray's passing the other night on MSNBC and felt so sad that the game he loved so much could create so much pain and suffering. My heart goes out to you and your family. I remember Ray so fondly as he was always so kind to us underclassmen. He was a positive role model and helped me get through the practices with his work ethic and attitude, I was proud to be a DB just like Ray, although I rarely ever played the position before coming to UR. I also enjoyed many pickup basketball games with Ray....he was quite a bballer back then as well. I followed Ray's NFL career and was always proud to say I played with him. I wish you all the best with your suit and hope you receive the justice you deserve. Ray was one of a kind and I can only imagine the influence he had on the people of his life and he will be missed. Jim "satch" Sanders (Rehoboth Beach, DE)
Richard Sanders
June 8, 2012
Mrs. Easterling, and family, I am very sorry for your loss. I was a new recruit at A.L. Williams, now Primerica when I met Ray. Not long after I met him, I invited a small group of friends to one of A.L. Williams initial sales(recruit) meetings, at which Ray would be speaking. One of my friends I invited was playing minor league baseball for the Texas Rangers, and was having a lot of trouble adjusting to all of the pressure of professional sports, and I thought wow, if I could introduce my friend to Ray and if he could talk to Ray about sports maybe it would ease his mind. Well, Ray Easterling, great guy that he was, was very oblidging. They did have a nice talk for about 45 minutes or so, and my friend was very grateful. Afterall, they had just met. Ray Easterling was a very genuine, personable, caring man with something to offer everyone that he met, and someone to admire in many ways. What a great loss to us all. May he rest in peace eternally.
Harrell Pedigo
June 8, 2012
I was saddened to learn of Ray's passing. I attended U of R ('71) and enjoyed Ray's football exploits. Your family will be in my prayers. God Bless
Allen Little
June 7, 2012
To Mary Ann and family, I have just learned of Ray's passing our deepest sympathy & prayers for each of you. Mary Ann you know this is for a short time in relation to eternity and Ray awaiting you in Christ's timing. I thank God for having known you and Ray. Love en Jesus Christ! -
Sam Register
May 28, 2012
Dear Ms. Easterling--I was 23 years old in 1979, fresh out of UNC journalism school and a sports editor in Laurens, SC. Ray came to the 1st Baptist Church in Clinton, SC to speak and I was there to write a story. I had the opportunity to interview him afterward, and after I'd finished my questions, it was was his turn. He asked if I'd accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Being the cynical, lost soul that I was, I was taken aback and plenty ashamed. I fumbled for some words when a simple no would have done just fine. As embarrassed as I was, I never forgot that encounter because Ray was so bold and straightforward but at the same time very polite. It was 13 years later when I finally did gave my life to Christ, and it took Ray and four others to get me to that point. His bold witness changed my life and my family's. I was unaware of his recent suffering. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family and I pray that God will shower you with His grace and peace.
May 23, 2012
To the EASTERLING family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. May he R.I.P finally and no more pain. -|-
Chad Skidmore
May 7, 2012
Mary Ann and Elizabeth, My prayers go out to you guys. I thank God that I had the opportunity to be blessed by Ray and your family at Koinonia Fellowship.
Penny dehaan
May 4, 2012
Mary Ann - this is Penny!! We have lost contact and am really wanting to get in touch with you - I wanted to send you a card but thought maybe this is the best way. I am shocked, but remember even back those many years ago how he wanted to do his BEST in everything!! You are love and prayed for. Let's keep in touch if you want to.....I do the widow walk pretty good after ALL these years.....
Virginia Johnson
May 3, 2012
Mary Ann, I knew you and Ray in Bethany Place Baptist Church in Richmond, VA in the late 70's. Ray was a Christian who the Light of Jesus would shine through.I was very sorry to learn in the news of his death. I was, also, sorry to hear of the passing of his mother, a lovely lady in every way.I knew her in the Chesterfield County Schools. The two are re-united with Jesus in Heaven His friend, Dan DeHaan, I am sure is there with Ray also. My prayers are with you. May God bless you as you get adjusted to a new lifestyle-not alone but with God by your side.
R. Sadao(Soso) Richardson
May 3, 2012
Mary Ann,
My wife and I were overtaken in learning of Ray's passing. She knows that I didn't makes many 'friends" (by choice) , but the day I met Ray on the track , I took to him and I think he took to me right away. I would not have Imagined that I would lose this special friend so soon. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time. He will always be my "friend".
Nancy Keith
May 3, 2012
So sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I am praying for you.
Nina Daily
May 2, 2012
Mary Ann,
John and I were sadden to hear about Ray's death. Our prayers are with you and Elizabeth.
Sincerely,
Nina Daily
chief apostle jacqueline irene pierce maze
May 2, 2012
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all I love you
Dawn Jensen
May 1, 2012
I can not tell you how sorry I was to hear about Ray's passing. He was a pioneer... My husband and I are so thankful to him for bringing light to the way the NFL has treated their alumni. We are forever grateful.
Buck Stowers
April 30, 2012
To The Easterling Family:
I was shocked to hear of Ray's passing. I met him while working with Stuart Petrie in the financial services business. He was a terrific person who loved his LORD and his family.
Blessings and Peace.
Michael Callahan
April 30, 2012
I am very sorry for your loss..I recall his fantastic
football ability..and I applaud him for having the courage to properly address the issue against the NFL...in an attempt to make it better for future players..
Vicki Trovillion
April 28, 2012
I love you both and cherish our memories! Mary Ann we will connect very soon!
Vicki Trovillion, Florida
Marie Milord
April 27, 2012
My sincere condolences for your loss. May the hearer of prayer help you to endure this Time of sadness, and may he gives you peace as spoken of at Psalms 65:2
Dennis Pete
April 27, 2012
Very much in sorrow hearing of Ray's latter days and his passing, but rejoicing that he is now Totally Healed and at "home" with Our Father. I had the great pleasure of getting to know Ray during the 70's as we were teammates on the Athlete's In Action Pro Football teams that traveled thru the country sharing our talents even as we shared our faith. He and I had a special bond as we arrived in the NFL the same year (1972), and he was one of the ones that truly encouraged me in my faith. My deepest condolences to the family, and be encouraged, for we SHALL see him again...
jevia lyn robinson
April 26, 2012
THE RAY EASTERLING FAMILY MAY GOD GIVE YOU COMFORTRAY WAS ONE OF THE NICEST CHRISTAIN MEN ON THE TEAM AT TRAINING CAMP GREENVILLE SC 70s. Jevia Lyn Robinson Greenville SC
Chip Sarver
April 26, 2012
Sorry for your loss, he was a great guy for Atlanta sports
April 26, 2012
Ray & the Easterling Family, Can just send you my prayers. Though we worked only a short while together in the gym years ago & had talks of wonderful experinces & comaradity. Understand now what we did not then. God Bless & Carry On Mrs. Easterling.
April 26, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Easterling family. It is hard to lose someone close to us.
But please know that God does not forget our loved ones or us as we have to cope with this loss. We are encouraged to throw all our anxieties upon him because he cares for you".
1 Pet 5:7)
April 26, 2012
Deepest Sympathy to the Easterling family so sorry to here of your loss. Ray will be missed by many. Your in our prayers always.
Sincerely,
Mahoney Family
April 25, 2012
Mrs. Eastering, I met you and your husband on one of my many trips to your home to provide short term in home care to Mr. Easterling. I remember the conversations we had, and how excited he became when I told him of my fondness for football. Well, I had the most enjoyable mornings during my visits talking with him. He showed me his collections of pictures, footballs, helmet (etc) during his football days. I am Thankful to God for sending me into his life. It is an honor to have met both of you. May God continue to richly bless and keep you and your family.
Isabelle Hilliard, RN
Old Dominion Home Health Services, inc.
Ed O'Neil
April 25, 2012
May Ray's soul, and the soul of all the faithfully departed,through the mercy of God, rest in peace
Evelyn Cason
April 25, 2012
To the Easterling family, sorry to hear of your loss. I'm happy to know despite seeing the decline in your husband's health, there are happy and fond memories. God promise in the new world everything that causes pain will not be remembered at Isaiah 65:17.
Dan Rucker
April 24, 2012
Blessings and prayers to the entire Easterling family. I knew Ray from our UR days, and would see him every few years - the last time when we sat together at Carl Wood's HOF induction dinner. Ray lived life to the fullest in every respect and was a man of God. I join with so many good folks in saying Ray will be missed tremendously, but his spirit and good works will go on.
April 24, 2012
Mary Ann,
I am so sorry for your loss. I only know of you & Ray through Jessica & Jeff, my daughter-in-law and son. I know how much Jeff enjoyed getting to know Ray. You and your family are in my prayers.
Fran Pilson
Ann Kirkpatrick
April 24, 2012
Wishing you the comfort that your very special memories will bring you now.
Best Regards,
Ann Kirkpatrick
Alyssa
April 24, 2012
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the God of peace.
Donn Griffith
April 24, 2012
Ray and your family will be remembered for the light you brought to the football impact on lifespan and health. I played for Purdue in the 50's and have seen my share of damage done on the field. I share your grief but also recognize with Ray with pride as he is a brave honorable man who helped others and his work will continue to do a lot of good.
Larry Kaminski
April 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family...May Ray find the peace he sought now in the hand of God.
God Bless
Larry Kaminski
Denver Broncos
1966..1973
April 24, 2012
To the family of Ray Easterling - I send you my deepest sympathy. I knew Ray at Collegiate (and he looked just like this picture!) and we were great friends. I remember football games, dances, and him dancing with my mother (much to my dismay)in our kitchen with his great smile and love of life. I am sorry he suffered in the years after his wonderful NFL career. We were all so proud of him! He will always be that friendly, energetic high school friend to me! Although he will be missed by many, I know he will be greeted by many at the gates of heaven!
Ann Crymes Galione, Collegiate '68
Robin Earl
April 24, 2012
May I offer my condolences & prayers to the Easterling Family. I didn't know Ray personally but faced him on the grid iron. He is now in God's hands.
Ted and Michelle Diamond
April 24, 2012
Elizabeth,
Our hearts are heavy. We grieve with you and your family. We have the glorious gift of eternal life through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. May that comfort you in this time of sorrow. We are here for you and Eric anytime.
Neal Olkewicz
April 24, 2012
Rest in peace Ray and thank you for leading the charge for your fellow warriors.
April 24, 2012
Mary Ann and Elizabeth.
I know Ray as a Soldier in God's army. Oh, the days we had sharing our faith with others. Lord bless you both.
Tom and Marilyn Graham
April 24, 2012
Mary Ann, Terry and I are so sorry! Ray was a great guy and will be missed by many. Ray's faith was an anchor for his soul! Now, he is home! I pray you are strong through this temporary tragedy! Steve and Terry Largent
David Knight
April 24, 2012
Hopefully, Ray has found the peace he was seeking. We all need to keep him alive in our thoughts and prayers.
Special condolences to his family and close friends.
Doug Hassell
April 24, 2012
Ray was a wonderful and friend. My prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed. Doug Hassell
Lucius Sanford
April 24, 2012
My sympathy and prayers go out to Ray Easterling and his Family.
Bob Newton
April 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jethro Pugh
April 24, 2012
Mary Ann, my sincere condolence and prayers are with you and the Easterling Family.
K. Thomas
April 24, 2012
to the Easterling Family, my prayers are with you, may God comfort and strengthen you all.
Bethany Baldwin Tesche
April 24, 2012
'To the Easterling Family: I am saddened to learn of Rays passing. Ray was a close friend of my brother Jackson Baldwin from U Richmond and after. They palyed on the team together. I got to know Ray too and we all had so much fun together. He will be missed by the Baldwin family. My thoughts and heart are with you at this time. He really was a great guy. After we lost my brother in 1976, I lost contact with Ray, but memories are forever. Blessings to you. Bethany
A. D. Laster
April 24, 2012
GOD's blessings upon the Easterling
Family & Friends... These are difficult days for sure, but I pray The LORD's Peace upon you all...
Rev. A. D. Laster, Sr.
Redskins/Lions
Maryellen
April 24, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ray Easterling. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. R.I.P. Ray.
teresa campbell
April 24, 2012
My prayer goes out to u an your family.r.i.p
April 24, 2012
To the the family of Ray Easterling - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Joe Falco
April 23, 2012
Knew Ray from my days at UR. May he rest in peace.
Jack Hartman
April 23, 2012
One hell of a guy
Peele Dunn
April 23, 2012
There is never anything easy to say at a time like this. However,I am reminded of younger days when Ray, middle brother of Robert& younger Richard was slight. We played ball in the front yard of their Jahnke Rd home and pounded Ray. He took no prisoners after those days and we are all proud of his accomplishments. We are saddened for his family and can only imagine the pain he suffered for his success. Ray, we thank you for all you stood for. Your parents, Elmer and Vivian welcome you home. I wish that I had kept up better and could have been an adult friend too. may you rest in peace!
April 23, 2012
Rest in peace, Ray. Your fight will continue.
God bless you.
CTT
Donna Strother Deekens
April 23, 2012
So sad to learn of the loss of someone I remember fondly. Great memories of my cheerleading days at UR and getting to know many of the terrific athletes, including Ray. I'll always remember his amazing feats in football, his infectious smile, and his fun sense of humor. We were all so proud of him when he played with the Atlanta Falcons. May he rest in peace. Sending prayers and sympathy to the Easterling family.
Lillian Fowlkes
April 23, 2012
My prayers are with your family. Know Ray is at peace.
John & Cathy Marks
April 23, 2012
Mary Ann & Elisabeth,
We are certainly praying for you right now that God will carry you, protect you, sustain and uphold you, and cover you with His grace. Be assured of our love. We will always remember Ray as the Godly man that challenged us to holiness and zeal for our Lord with every conversation we ever had with him.
Vanessa Fletcher
April 23, 2012
Mary Ann, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm praying that you will feel yourself embraced by the hand of God with His peace comforting your heart.
April 23, 2012
So sorry to hear about your loss. His mom was a dear friend of our family and she worked with my mom at Falling Creek Elementary School. She talked about Ray all the time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Anne DuVal Edge
Carla Outhous
April 23, 2012
May God bless and comfort you through this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Adrian Barnette
April 23, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
JOHN ONEAL
April 23, 2012
RAY WAS THE BEST RIP RAY TOTHE REMAINING SURVIORS MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU
J Mcghee
April 23, 2012
The resurrection is a wonderful hope for our dead love ones.
Charles "Rudy" and Buffy Wimmer
Charles & Buffy Wimmer
April 23, 2012
Mary Ann, Buffy and I will be praying for you and your family as you go through this time of grief. Ray was truly one of my first spiritual mentors. I enjoyed memorizing scripture with him and Phil R. I will always remember him.
In Christ,
Charles "Rudy" and Buffy Wimmer
Charlotte, NC
Beau Jarrell
April 23, 2012
Brother, Rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior and jesus christ, may god be with your family at this time of need.
Harts
April 23, 2012
Our heartfelt condolences to Ray's family. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you. With deep sympathy,
Phillip Stewart
April 23, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Edward Smith
April 23, 2012
My thoughts and prayers to the family. Rest in Peace Ray
Ed Smith
NFL Alumni & Former Atlanta Falcon
Debbie Jackson
April 23, 2012
Very sorry to hear of the loss of Ray. May the loving-kindness serve please to comfort me. Psalm 119:76 God being the source of all comfort. May you receive strength in prayer.
April 23, 2012
The Easterling Family:
Sorry to hear of your loss. I met Ray in he early 80's & remember him as being a very kind person. My prayers are with you all.
Peace,
Betty Prince
Locust Hill, Va
April 23, 2012
So sorry to hear of Coach Easterling's passing. I met him while coaching for the VA Ravens. He was a very pleasant and caring person. May your family continue to find strength during this difficult time.
Deborah Williams
Richmond,VA
Alfred Anderson
April 23, 2012
My Thoughts and Prayers goes out to the Family.
Sharon (McNeely) Flournoy
April 23, 2012
We were so sorry to hear about Ray. He was a good friend of my brother, Squeally, all through their teens and 20s. Ray would always stop by our house when he would come home from Atlanta just to have several glasses of my mom's iced tea. He always claimed it was the best!
Our thoughts and prayers to all the Easterlings.
Alejandro Cabbra
April 23, 2012
Lo Siento..
Kimberly Fitzgerald
April 23, 2012
I sure know how awful dementia is and what you and you family have gone through!!
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends.
He now can RIP...
Eric Wright
April 23, 2012
Rest in Peace my friend.
NFL Alumni
Debbie Johnson
April 23, 2012
Mrs. Easterling and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. As a huge Falcons fan, I have very fond memories of Ray and the Gritz Blitz. I applaud you, Mrs. Easterling, for continuing the fight on these type of injuries. It is about time that closed head injuries get the attention they deserve. I will be praying for you and your family during these difficult days ahead.
April 23, 2012
my heart felt sympathy goes out to you and your family.Jessie
April 23, 2012
Mary Ann and Elizabeth, our prayers are with you all during this time of sadness. Praying God's peace and comfort be with you.
Barry, Kareen Arnold and Adria Moore
Conrad Dobler
April 23, 2012
RIP Conrad Dobler
April 23, 2012
MY BE MAIL IS [email protected] JIM EASTERLING
JIM EASTERLING
April 23, 2012
TO THE EASTERLING FAMILY: MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO MARY ANN AND FAMILY. MY NAME IS JIM EASTERLING AND MY DAD WAS BORN IN FLORIDA . ARE WE RELATED IN SOME WAY? MAY GOD BLESS RAY.
M Birdsong
April 23, 2012
Your Legacy will live forever!!
"Beyond the sunset, o blissful morning...when with the Savior we live anew! Beyond the sunset, o glad reunion...
Mema Sandra
April 23, 2012
April 23, 2012
My condolences to the Easterling family. May God grant you peace. (I knew your family many years ago when Ray's mom took my family under her wing.)
Welcome Home
April 23, 2012
Carl Barzilauskas
April 23, 2012
May God Bless Ray and all of his family.
Sincerely,
Carl Barzilauskas
David Stephens
April 23, 2012
I'm truly sorry for you and your family at this time! I didn't know Ray but feel God's plan in Ray's life has only really begun in his death.Stay strong for his cause now.God bless you...
April 23, 2012
Mary Ann,
I pray that the God of all grace, the God of comfort and love, fill your every need as you walk with Him through this time.
Looking unto Jesus,
Wallace Francis, a teammate of Ray
April 23, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out the family.God Bless.
Doug Donley
Cindy Lacy
April 23, 2012
Mary Ann my prayers and deepest sympathies go out to you and your family, you and Ray were role models to me and my husband and it is a honor to have been apart of Ray's life as he was a powerful influence on the two of us and our family.
Zoey presley Sunset
April 23, 2012
Rest in peace .we will miss you :-(
April 23, 2012
I am so sorry for your lost. May you and your family rely on God in this time if grief.
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