Saturday, March 8, 2008

In Memory of Bill Eubank

William Donald Eubank (May 10, 1970 - March 6, 2008)

One of the members of my Bible Study (ever so briefly) died far too young on Thursday after nobly battling cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

EUBANK, WILLIAM DONALD (BILL) - beloved son, brother, uncle, friend went to be with his Heavenly Father March 6, 2008, after a two-year battle with cancer. Born May 10, 1970 in Dearborn, Michigan, he graduated from Dearborn High School, University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, Texas. Bill's heart was missions, serving with the International Mission Board in Edmonton, Alberta, and Paris, France, in addition to many volunteer mission trips all over the world. In December 2005 he moved to St. Jacob, IL to begin a new work with Bridge the Divide Ministries, a non-profit therapeutic riding program that exists to immerse young people with special needs in the unconditional love of God through horses. Three months later he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and returned to Knoxville for treatment. As health permitted, he volunteered and interned with students through Baptist Collegiate Ministries on the University of Tennessee campus until December 2007. Cards, calls, and emails from around the world these past two years attested to hid genuine love and friendliness to those around him and his faithfulness and dedication to the Lord. He is survived by his parents, Jack and Barbara Eubank; sisters, Jennifer(Scott) Moreland and Rebecca(James) Whitehorn, all of Knoxville; brother, Jay (Cheryl) Eubank of Collierville, TN; nieces and nephews, Shannon, Paige and Sydney Eubank of Collierville, TN, Allie, Ben, Crista Moreland of Knoxville; Zachary, Andrew and Lindsey Whitehorn of Knoxville. "Uncle Beel" was always a hit of family get-togethers, as his adoring nieces and nephews loved to hear his songs and stories. Special thanks to Dr. Tim Pannella at UT Cancer Institute and his very caring staff, especially Ruth and the Chemo nurses; and the doctors and staff at Exodus Chiropractic in Farragut for their prayers and tender touch. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday at Highland Memorial Cemetery. In case of inclement weather the committal service will be held in the Chapel of Highland Memorial. Funeral and celebration of life service at 2:00 PM Saturday, First Baptist Church-Knoxville, 510 Main Street. Receiving of friends and a reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to the UT Baptist Collegiate Ministry, 1811 Melrose, Knoxville, TN 37916 or Bridge the Divide Ministry, 1729 State Route 4, St. Jacob, IL 62281. Bill's quest book is available at www.highlandmemorialparks.com for those wishing to share their thoughts. Highland Memorial is honored to serve the Eubank family. (588-0567)

2 comments:

Chandler Vinson said...

The direct link to Bill's guestbook is located at: http://highland.createatribute.com/registryGuestbookSign.php?i_memorialid=1204922532

Chandler Vinson said...

Bill Eubank was laid to rest on Saturday at Highland Park. His final resting place is fittingly near crosses.

He was not embalmed and viewing was made available only to family prior to the service.

Many people attended the funeral despite the fact that his obituary did not appear in the local paper until the day of the funeral.

Family and friends took solace in weather patterns related to his death. He died on a sunny day and the sun arose just as the coffin entered the church for the funeral. The family also found it ironic that it snowed the day of the funeral as Bill quickly grew tired of snow while living in Canada.

Bill died while walking to his bed with his mother on Thursday. He did not die alone and his mother could not have been more maternal as he died in her arms.

He "died" for 3-4 minutes on Wednesday night, but was revived. He finished his typical routine and said he experienced no typical near-death experiences such as a bright light.

We all take comfort in the fact that his pain has subsided and he is with his Heavenly Father.