INDIAN BOTTOM ASSOCIATION
Old Regular Baptist of Jesus Christ
Held with the
Doty Creek Church
Jeremiah, Kentucky
September 2,3,4 1988
OBITUARIES

Provided by Peggy Mullins Brock

Adams, Elder Arlie-With many fond and loving memories I will try to write the obituary of Elder Arlie Adams.  Brother Arlie was born August 8, 1903, and departed this life. October 14, 1986, making his stay here on earth 83 years, 2 months and 6 days.  Early in life he married Sister Gustava and they lived many happy years together.  To this union were born 10 children. At the time of his passing he had 5 sons and 2 daughters living; they are:  Claudia, Noah, Odell, Napoleon, James, Deloris Greenlee and Ernestine Bishop. Brother Arlie felt the need of a savior, being lost and undone he begged the Lord to come in and take up his abode.  After much suffering he came willing to die for a home in heaven. He was such a dear brother to me, as I look back over his life, he reminds me of a real old time Regular Baptist.  He kept the faith until the end, undoubtedly there's a crown laid up for him, and not him only, but all that will love the Lord and keep his commandments. It behooves us all to walk honestly in this life before man and especially God, who shall bring all things into judgment.  So dear chil­dren be good to Mom and remember the walks of Dad, but most of all try with all your hearts to meet them again in heaven, where parting will be no more. Sisters in Hope of Eternal Life in Heaven 

Back, Lora- entered eternal life on Wednesday, February 17, 1988 at her residence. Lora was the daughter of the late Sam and Elizabeth Hampton Blair. She was born on August 8, 1894 being 93 years, 6 months and 9 days of age at the time of her passing. Lora was the wife of the late William Riley "Willie" Back. Lora was a member of the Doty Creek Church approximately 30 years. Surviving are 2 sons:  Benton Back of Jere­miah and Bertie Back of Blackey; 1 daughter Gracie Day of Blackey; 1 sister - Una Short of Jeremiah; 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren along with a host of other relatives and friends to mourn her passing. Why do we mourn departing friends? Or shake at death's alarm! 'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends, To call them to His arms.

Bedwell, James "Jimbo" -the son of Spencer and Mildred Caudill Bedwell, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 24, 1958. He passed from this life on August 11, 1988 making his stay here on earth 30 years, 6 months and 17 days. He leaves to mourn his passing his father and mother; brothers: Spencer Bedwell, Jr., and Edwin Dean of Mallie, John P. of Whitesburg; sisters: Patricia Mullins and Doreen Noble of Mallie; and Jenny Mae Taylor of Seco. Grandmother, Ellen Fields of Ulvah; two nephews, five nieces and a host of uncles, aunts and friends. He was preceded in death by brothers Roger Dale Caudill and Robert Lee Bedwell. James was sick most of his life. When the Light shined around his heart, he put his trust in the Lord and wanted to be baptized. He wanted to go all the way under so Brother Alonzo Watts, Brother Curt Caudill, Jr. and Brother Ronnie Combs took him out and fulfilled his desire. He lived a humble life and loved everyone and everyone who met him shared that love. So children and friends get ready to live as James did, so when this life is over we can all meet God for ourselves. After death its too late to cry for mercy. Make "Jimbo's" God, your God.
Written by his broken-hearted Father and a brother in hope, Spencer Bedwell

Bedwell, Ruby Noble -daughter of Roscoe Noble and the late Celia Fugate Noble was born at Seco, Kentucky on September 30, 1952. She passed from this life tragically on Saturday, November 15, 1986, making her stay here on earth 34 years, 1 month and 15 days. Ruby married Spencer Bedwell, Jr. at Clint-wood, Virginia on January 24, 1978.Ruby didn't attend any certain church but it is felt that she had made peace with her maker. She is survived by her husband, Spencer Bedwell, Jr. of Seco; daughters: Mildred Lynette and Rosetta Kay Bedwell, both of Seco; son: Robert Lee Bedwell also of Seco; parents: Roscoe and Hester Noble of Seco; mother and father-in-law: Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Bedwell, Sr.; sisters: Belma Whitaker of Little Cowan; Ada Ann Sizemore of DuPont, Indiana; Joyce Banks of Seco; brothers: James Noble of Evansville, Indiana; Vernon Noble of Whitesburg; Roscoe Jr. and Clable Noble, both of Knott County; Roger Noble of Dry Fork; David Noble and Wade Adams, both of Seco, Kentucky. Also surviving are a host of other relatives and friends to mourn her passing.

Caudill, Byron -son of Henry H. and Ellen Caudill was born August 22, 1906 and passed from this life November 16, 1987, making his stay on earth 81 years, 2 months and 24 days. Early in life he met and married Ettie Caudill and to this union was born 12 children He leaves his wife, Ettie Caudill, 5 sons,' and 3 daughters to mourn his passing. The sons are: Harold and Carl Caudill of Bates-ville, Ind., Bert Charles, Burch and Burnett Caudill of Jeremiah, Ky. The daughters are-Imogene Pierce of Charleston, Ind., and Adeline Hampton of Letcher, KY and Rebecca Jane Caudill of Jeremiah, KY. Two daughters: Beatrice Caudill and Elaine Caudill preceded him in death along with two sons, Earl and Haskel Caudill also preceded him in death. He leaves two sisters, Lora Adams and Ermia Steely and one brother, Bert Caudill, with 33 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren to mourn his passing, along with a host of friends and relatives. Byron saw that he needed the deliverance of the savior from his sins. He prayed and begged until he felt deliverance came. Then he came out from the world to show that he was no more of the world and became a member of the Doty Creek Old Regular Baptist Church. He lived a faithful member as long as he was able to go. He and his wife laid the example before their children and Bert has followed in their footsteps and I pray that others will I follow their example. The Church has lost a faithful member, Ettie I has lost a faithful husband and the children ' a loving father and grandchildren a loving grandfather. May God bless and keep us all until he says come home to that blessed land is my prayer.
Written by Elder Monroe Caudill

Combs, Shiloh-With great fear I will try to write the obituary of a blessed old brother, who has outstripped us and gone to rest from his troubles and suffering. One that tried to serve the Lord from the day of his repentance until the day he had to leave us. He could quote many scriptures by heart and was a great counselor and adviser to me as well as the old church. He served like a father to me; as we talked so many times and he would tell me how it vexed his righteous soul to hear and see the sinful things that men and women were following after and enjoying. He dearly loved little children as well as he did the old church. He wept and cried many times when trouble would come between the brothers and sisters - wondering why they could not show more love for one another and the order of the church. He dearly loved his children and family and often told me how they tried to help him and please him - just their presence was a great joy to him. Many times he told me how much he missed his companion, who had preceded him in death. He had the greatest memory of any brother I ever knew. His great love for his friends and family and the old church was shown to many until the day and hour that God sent his conveying angels to bring his spirit home.Shiloh Combs was born April 2, 1886 and deceased this life March 17, 1987 making his stay here on earth 100 years, 11 months and 15 days. Four sons are left here to mourn for the absence of a blessed father: S.D. Combs, Shiloh Combs, Jr., Clayton Combs and Morton Combs. Two daughters are weeping for the absence of a dear father: Hazel Combs and Nancy Fugate. Two sisters were left here at the time of his death: May Fuller and Cumine Martin. Since his death, one sister, Cumine  Martin, has passed on to the great beyond. Twenty grandchildren are left here to mourn the absence of a good grandfather. Also, forty great grandchildren and one great great grandchild will greatly miss the loving kindness of a grandfather. Without number are the many friends that miss Brother Shiloh. Also, his brothers and sisters in the old church greatly miss his presence, his advice, and loving kindness in the old church.

Noble, Celia -daughter of Tom Fugate and Nancy Ann Sizemore Fugate was born April 16, 1920. She passed from this life March 19, 1972. Early in life she met and married Roscoe Noble. They lived a happy life together and had a large family. She is survived by her husband Roscoe Noble; five sons: James T. Noble, Vernon Noble, Roscoe Noble, Jr., Roger Dale Noble and Clark Stephen Noble; four daughters: Velmarie Noble, Ada Ann Noble, Ruby Noble, Joyce D. Noble; One brother: Clabe Fugate; two sisters: Drucilla Smith and Cora Mullins. One grandson preceded her in death. She leaves a host of friends and relatives. Sickness came to Celia and took her away. But we feel she is just sleeping, waiting for the Lord to say, "Son, go down and get my children and bring them home." So sleep on Sister Celia until that glad day.
Written by a brother in Hope, Elder Spencer Bedwell

Noble, Grover-was born December 10, 1916 and passed from this life February 12, 1988, making his stay on earth 71 years 2 months and 2 days. He was the son of Jim and Winnie Messer Noble. To this marriage was born five other children. His dad and three of his sisters preceded him in death. Sometime later Grover's Mom married Harmon Combs. To this marriage was born six other children. Five of these preceded him in death. Grover stayed single until he was forty five years old. At this time he decided to settle down. He married Orpha Smith, the daughter of Simon Smith and Equilla Prater Smith. Orpha and Grover had a happy life together. They both became interested in church. After going to several different churches Grover found that he was more satisfied with the Old Regular Baptist. There was hardly a Sunday that he didn't attend church. He loved to hear the gospel preached and really enjoyed good gospel singing. I feel that Grover had God's love in his heart. He showed his love for people whom he met. He always had a smile and a handshake for his friends regardless of where he met them. Grover didn't belong to any church organization on this earth but I feel that his name is written on the Lamb's Book of Life. Information gotten from Orpha Noble and written by Mary Combs, her sister.

Owens, Francis - was born September 7, 1886 to Thomas Owens and Melda Combs Owens. Francis passed from this life on Monday, August 29, 1988, making his stay here on earth 101 years, 11 months and 22 days. Francis was a retired farmer and a member of the Clear Creek Regular Baptist Church for 64 years. He leaves to mourn his passing 2 sons: Robert Owens of Hamilton, Ohio and Henry Owens of Fisty, KY; 4 daughters: Amy Miller of Mt. Vernon, KY, Marie Ritchie of Griffin, Georgia, Roberta Hudson of Dwarf, KY and Irene Stacy of Dwarf, KY; 1 brother: Watson Owens of Lexington, KY; 3 sisters: Tina of Washington, Abby of Ohio and Vina of Ohio; a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive. Francis will be missed here on earth but we hope that our loss is Heaven's gain. Brother Francis was a deacon for 31 years in the Clear Creek Church and he loved his brothers and sisters. He always wanted the brothers to keep order in the church. He loved good preaching and the old time songs. Every year we would go to his home and hold him a meeting and he would always meet us with a smile and when we would start to leave he would hug us with tears in his eyes and say I hate to see you all go. So believe that soul is in heaven. I know that we will miss him but by the help of the good Lord we will meet him again where no trouble can ever come. So children if everyone wants to meet Daddy again you must repent of your sins and be born again. To Marcillin Irene I want to thank you for keeping your Dad. Being so good to him and thanks for all the good food that you cooked for us and the friendship you gave us. So you will get a reward some day for all you have done.
A brother in hope, Carter Hicks

Petry, Raymond By the help of God I'll try to answer the request of the family and write an obituary of my dear friend and brother in Christ. Raymond Petrey was born December 14, 1923 to Annie Petrey and the late Brad Petrey. He passed from this life October 31, 1987 making his stay here on this earth 63 years, 10 months and 17 days. He leaves to mourn his death his mother, Annie Petrey, four brothers: Glen Petrey, Cincinnati, Ohio, Cecil Petrey, Junction City, KY, Willie Petrey, Stanford, KY and Freddie Petrey at home; two sisters: Thelma Rogers, Junction City, KY and Christine Pendygraft, Danville, KY. Raymond and I were close friends for many years but he was special for the last few years. I think that was when he started seeking the mercies of God there was a change came over him. When he would come in the Crab Orchard Church it looked like his face would just light up. We had so many good talks together. He wanted to talk on the goodness of God and how merciful God had been to us. We had a good meeting as we drove along the highway just the two of us. He talked about his heavenly home that he would go to when this life was over. Raymond laid his treasures up in heaven where no one could ever take that away from him. He knew he couldn't live long but he didn't complain. He told Sister Thelma so many good things that happened to him on his travel from nature to grace. He told me of a vision he had one day while he was sitting in his chair. He said we were leading him down to the most beautiful pool of water as clear as a crystal he was so happy. I believe with all my heart he went down to that beautiful river of water that flows from the Lamb and from the throne of God,, and had his soul washed in the blood of the Lamb. He liked the old time way and the old time songs. Now I must say to his family and friends if you haven't repented. I pray that you will turn to the Lord before it is too late and repent of your sins and be born again. Don't settle down on anything short of God's grace for there are so many good things that can be written about Raymond. But the life he lived tells more than I could ever say.
Your friend, Elder Murl F. Caudill

Ritchie, Clyde-I was sitting and thinking of a mountain. It was always on my mind. It was the one that led up to Heaven The mountain that was so hard to climb. I went to the foot of this mountain. I fell down on my knees and prayed. To God to help me conquer this journey. And help me safe on my way. So I started to climb up this mountain It was so steep and so rough. He said, Son just keep on trying. For child you must not give up. So I started up this mountain. I sat down and prayed a humble prayer. I said, "Oh God, I am trying." He said, come on my son you are almost there So with faith and love in my Jesus. I just kept going, I would not stop And then I heard a voice saying Don't give up my son, you are about on top. And then off in a short distance A heavenly sight I could see It was the hand of my Jesus He was reaching out for me. He said, you have made it my son. You won't have to climb it no more. You are now in Paradise. You are on the Heavenly shore. We'll just go through this gate, he said. That goes into your new home. I will introduce you to all the angels. Around the great white throne. And then I heard sweet singing Like I had never heard before. And all the angels are rejoicing And their gowns were white as snow. And on their head they wore a halo That shines brighter than the sun. And they gathered all around me And on my head they placed one.
This was written by Clyde Ritchie himself before he died.

Ritchie, Sister Elsie - was born December 6, 1922. Died July 7, 1988. Early in life Sister Elsie met and married Troy Ritchie. To this union was born eight children. Four sons: Ralph, Afton, Elijah and Oscar; four daughters: Nonnie Hicks, Luna Rose, Shirley Franklin and Lois Tibbs. One sister, Eltra Hicks. She had 25 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Sister Elsie joined the Clear Creek Church of Old Regular Baptist, July 23, 1973. She was a good member and would always fill her seat even when she was not able. Sister Elsie loved the old church, she loved her brothers and sisters but there was one she loved most of all, The Lord. She loved her children so much and told me plenty times that if it were not for them, she would like to go on over Home, but wanted to stay with them as long as she could. Sister Elsie loved everybody and everybody loved her. She would always meet you with a friendly smile and handshake. Sister Elsie and Troy worked hard to raise their children. Troy was a coal miner until he became disabled. They had three boys driving coal trucks and would set on the porch until they came home from work. So I want to say to her children, if you haven't made peace with God, seek him while he may be found. Repent of your sins and get a new Birth in Christ and meet mother in the glory world above. I believe with my whole heart that she is in that new city whose builder and maker is God. It is not His will that any should perish but that all would come to Him and be saved. So Sister Elsie, I don't want to say farewell forever, for I believe with my whole heart I will meet you again. I believe she is one of God's angels. I felt so close to her the night she passed away. I believe she has gone to Heaven and is now a beautiful rose resting around the throne of God where no more sickness or death ever comes.
A precious one from us is gone
A voice we love is stilled.
A place is vacant in our House
That never can be filled.
We loved her, but Angels loved her more.
They have come and called her
To yonder shining shore
The golden gates are open
A gentle voice said come in
And farewell unspoken,
She gladly entered Home.
Written by a Brother in Hope Carter Hicks

Terry, Pearson-I will try to write the obituary of my Uncle, Pearson Terry. He was born June 18, 1927 and died March 8, 1988, being 60 years, 8 months and twenty days of age at the time of his passing. He was the son of the late Leburn and Rachel Napier Terry. Pearson did not belong to any church but believed in Old Regular Baptist. It broke my heart so, but I believe that Pearson is at rest, that helps me so much. He was loved by so many people. .My uncle lived a good life. Left to mourn is one sister, Luvernia Terry and a host of nieces and (43jnephews left to mourn his passing.
His niece, Maxine Ritchie.