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GASTONIA - The Rev. Jimmy Ray Painter, 58, went home to be with his Lord on Dec. 7, 2010, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born March 21, 1952, in Gaston County
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Over in the rolling hills of the Piedmont region of N. Carolina stood a man. In the shadows of what use to be the PTL network, not far from the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, is a small, country church., the Freewill Church of Jesus Christ. The pastor was virtually unknown outside the Gastonia area. I'd venture to say I am the only one on this forum that knew Pastor Jimmy Painter. To those who knew him he was Bro. Jimmy. Because thats exactly who and what he was. He was Brother Jimmy, a brother whos smile would light a room. A man who spoke softly, but preached and sang the Gospel with a voice that rang loud and true. A brother that came to me when I really needed someone to come to me the most. He spoke two words that day. Just two. "Jesus cares". With those two words, Bro. Jimmy said more than I will ever be able to say. Those two words gave me hope in a hopeless time. It gave me courage to face the uncertainties of the time with a certain trust in a God who never fails.
I learned the day after Christmas that Bro. Jimmy Painter, pastor of the Freewill Church of Jesus Christ in Gastonia, NC, ceased from his earthly labors on Dec. 7, 2010. Another soldier has laid his Bible down and has left a legacy of saints and preachers that he brought to the feet of Jesus. They will continue on in the fight, because Bro. Jimmy encouraged them, and inspired them to fight on. Rest well, my brother, and may we who stand together under the blood stained banner of Jesus' Name honor your memory by continuing on to tell the world as you did... that "Jesus Cares".
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