Fighting the Good Fight to the End: In Memory of Pastor Bill Randles (Freeper pastorbillrandles)

Medium ^ | 01/28/2022 | Jamie Northrup

[Jan_Sobieski]

“If you are only born once, you are going to die twice. But if you are born twice, you only die once (John 3:3)” — Pastor Bill Randles

William Arthur Randles was born into a large Southern Minnesota Dutch-German-Irish Catholic Family of 10 children in 1959. Those familiar with this part of the country know that this area routinely produced families with 10–20 children. Bill had 2 sisters and 7 brothers (5 older), it was not unexpected that with the family moving south to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that Bill would take up wrestling at Prairie High School. (Note: Prairie High School was a powerhouse of wrestling in the late 1970s and 80s with alumnus like Barry Davis, Jimmy Zalesky, Lennie Zalesky, and other talents.)

In 1976–77, Bill would captain the wrestling team that would start a 20 year undefeated streak against all local schools. I am told he was a good Captain and leader of the team. After graduation he enrolled at Iowa State and walked on to the wrestling program, while pursuing liberal arts and philosophical studies. Being on one of the greatest wrestling teams in Division 1 sports helped Bill recognize quickly that his main talent was not in Division 1 wrestling. After 1 year of Gladiator training he decided to discontinue wrestling.

Around this same time his mother took ill with cancer that would eventually take her home to the Lord. Broken and hurting, he responded to a Bible Study invitation by his dormmates at Iowa State. Like many of us ex-Roman Catholics, we knew about God and Jesus Christ, but we didn’t know Jesus Christ personally nor the power of His Holy Spirit in our lives to transform us from our sins...

[Jan_Sobieski]

2 Timothy 4:6 “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing”.

[Dacula]

+1

[dadfly]

i’m sorry to hear that Pastor Bill has passed on to his reward. may God bless and comfort his family. i found him to be a great teacher and interpreter of the Word. i followed him here very frequently. i will miss him and his posts. RIP, brother.

[left that other site]

We were blessed to have him as a regular contributer to FR.

RIP, Pastor Bill.

[gloryblaze]

...

[MurphsLaw]

R.I.P. indeed !

He was always a good guy, good read...

[easternsky]

His Words of Wisdom will be Greatly Missed Here.

[no-to-illegals]

Rest In Peace Sir. Prayers for each individual of your family

[spacejunkie2001]

This is super sad!! I get Bill’s devotionals via email and read them all. How did he die?

[bella1]

Covid

[Wilhelm Tell]

So sorry to hear that unexpected news. R.I.P.

[bray]

May the Lord Jesus comfort and strengthen his family and friends.

In Jesus’ Holy Name,
Amen

[Tennessee Nana]

Bill was a blessing to the FReepers ...

RIP Bill ...

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

This is sad! I learned and enjoyed his posts. He was 62 years of age;

More information:

https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=34475

[rightwingintelligentsia]

Prayers for his family.

His posts were a blessing and an inspiration.

[Kevmo]

In remembrance, a tribute

I knew a man, Bill Randles and he’d preach for you
In worn out shoes
Silver hair, a ragged shirt and baggy pants
The old soft shoe
He reached so high
He reached so high
Then he’d lightly touch down
I met him in a house in New Orleans, I was
Down and out
He looked to me to be the eyes of age
As he spoke right out
He talked of life
He talked of life
He laughed, clicked his heels and stepped
He said his name, Bill Randles and he danced a lick
Across the cloud
He grabbed his pants, a better stance
Oh, he jumped so high
Then he clicked his heels
He let go a laugh
He let go a laugh
Pushed back his clothes all around
Pastor Bill Randles
Pastor Bill Randles
Pastor Bill Randles
Preach
He preached for those in minstrel shows and county fairs
Throughout the south
He spoke with tears of fifteen years how his dog and him
Traveled about
The dog up and died
He up and died
After twenty years he still grieves
He said I preach now at every reach in honky tonks
For drinks and tips
But most the time I spend behind these county bars
He said I drinks a bit
He shook his head
And as he shook his head
I heard someone ask him please
Please
Pastor Bill Randles
Pastor Bill Randles
Pastor Bill Randles
Preach

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Jerry Jeff Walker
Mr. Bojangles lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc

[drone]

I’m so sad to hear he died. I really appreciated Pastor Bill and his commentary. How sad to hear of his passing. I pray God will comfort his family and friends. We have lost the leadership of a great man of God. He was a beacon of truth in this mixed up world. He was a wonderful example of a good Christian. He has left a legacy of writings to comfort us and guide us home with him. Thank you Pastor Bill.

[af_vet_1981]

May the Holy One of Israel comfort all who mourn Bill and may he rest in peace.

[Carriage Hill]

RIP pastorbillrandles...

[Cincinnatus.45-70]

Sad news. He will be missed. I thank the Lord for the time he was with us here.