Vondel Smith Mortuary at South Lakes

Funeral Service: 10:00AM Friday March 25th 2011

Location: South Lakes Chapel (at the funeral home)

Dr. J.R. Church was called to glory on March 22, 2011, at the age of 72. He was born November 17, 1938, in Abilene, TX, to his parents, Henry Gant and Jewell Marie (Deatherage) Church. After his high school graduation, J.R. attended Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Having accepted the Lord's calling on his life at a young age, J.R. spent his entire life serving the Lord and others with all of his heart. J.R. married his lifelong companion, Linda Clarice Jordan on Aug. 16, 1958, in Lubbock, Texas. Together they invested their lives in ministering to others for over 50 years. He served as the pastor of Western Hills Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, for nearly 18 years and also founded Western Hills Baptist Academy before moving to Oklahoma City in 1979. While in Oklahoma City, J.R. and his family attended First Southern Baptist Church of Del City and started "Prophecy In The News" television ministry and diligently pursued its outreach until his health declined. J.R. touched countless lives throughout his ministry. He was a loving husband, devoted father, adoring grandfather and faithful servant to the Lord & others. Although J.R.'s presence on earth will be deeply missed, we rejoice in knowing he has received his eternal glory in heaven.

J.R. was preceded in death by his:

Parents;

Sister, Katherine Sirpless;

Brother, Bobby Gene Church.

He leaves behind his:

Loving wife of 52 years, Linda Church;

Son, Jerry R. Church, Jr.;

Daughter, Terri J. McInnis;

Twin brother, Terry Nolan Church;

5 Grandchildren: Brittany Erin Church, Molly Ann Jewel Church, Sarah Dawn Church, James Matthew McInnis, and Jordan Randolph Church