Remembering Ed Sullivan Grier: A Pillar of Faith and a Beacon of Inquiry

In the words of the book Ed loved so much, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing” (Proverbs 10:7). As we mourn the loss of our beloved Ed Sullivan Grier, who was called to his heavenly home on Monday, October 23, 2023, we also celebrate the indelible mark he left on our church community and on every life he touched. Born on April 12, 1960, Ed was a pillar in the Men’s Ministry and an irreplaceable presence in our Bible Study gatherings.

The Inquisitive Scholar

One of Ed’s most lasting contributions was his ability to deepen our Bible Study sessions with his incisive questions and sometimes confrontational—but always passionate—engagements. His zeal for understanding Biblical text was not just academic. Ed had a knack for making every lesson immensely applicable to day-to-day Christian living. His questions were often the highlight of our study sessions, piercing through theological nuance to arrive at the heart of practical faith. “Now Pastor, how can this help me in my everyday life?” he’d ask, embodying the earnest inquisitiveness that endeared him to all of us.

The Long-Distance Trucker with a Close-Knit Faith

In his professional life, Ed was a long-distance trucker, a vocation that required him to spend long hours on the road, often in solitude. Yet, he always carried his faith with him, fortified by his love for the Book of Proverbs. The wisdom he gleaned from those ancient verses not only guided him but also enriched our congregation. His job may have taken him miles away, but he always remained close to his faith and to his church family.

A Life Celebrated and A Legacy Remembered

Ed leaves behind a large extended family and a host of friends who miss him profoundly. His absence leaves a gap that cannot be easily filled. Yet, as we gather to honor his memory, let us also renew our commitment to live out the principles he so ardently believed in. Let us continue to be disciples in the truest sense—always questioning, always seeking, and always applying God’s word to our lives.

In the loss of Ed Sullivan Grier, we are reminded that our time on this Earth is finite, but the wisdom we impart and the love we share are eternal. As we mourn, let us also remember that, through his faith and his impact on each of us, Ed has achieved the only kind of immortality that truly matters—one that lives on in the hearts and minds of those he touched.

 

MOBC Communications Ministry