Thomas Ray Raper

Thomas Ray Raper, 76, went to be with the Lord on April 14th, at Holy Cross Hospital, in the year of our Lord 2015. He was born in Richmond, IN, on October 21, 1938, and was residing with his wife of 46 years, Suzanne Raper, in Ft Lauderdale, FL.

At every opportunity available, Tom was always ready to share the gospel with someone, even taking the opportunity going down the elevator. He was a wonderful, compassionate, and caring soul winner.

He was deeply interested in everyone, no matter whom it was, or what stage in their life.

The Lord led many people into his life, because of his boldness in his witness for God. Tom believed deeply in Proverbs 11:30 that he that winneth souls is wise.

The Lord gave Tom many opportunities to speak to churches and colleges to encourage everyone to steer a path toward the Lord.

Tom prayed every day for wisdom over his business and all aspects of life for the Lord to guide him. As James 1:5 says, “If anyone of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all liberally.”

Tom followed the Lord with great humbleness doing the work that God called him to do. As it says in Revelations 13:14 “ Your works do follow you”.

Tom was a great philanthropist, and his desire was to bring glory to the Lord. Tom was honored to be asked to serve on many boards including:

1. The University of the Cumberlands (Formerly Cumberland College), Williamsburg, KY, where he received his Honorary Doctorate Degree.

2. Crown College, Powell, TN.

3. IU (Indiana University) East, Richmond IN.

Tom loved buying Christian books and Bibles so he could give them away. He would carry an assortment in his trunk so that he would always be prepared to give at any time.

Whatever success Tom may have attained through his business, Tom Raper RVs and Mobile Homes, this paled in comparison to the joy that he had in the Lord. Tom felt rich in the Lord’s work.

Suzanne Raper wants to extend her most sincere, deepest gratitude for all the volunteers who visited and sat with Tom in the hospital, and all of those who cared and prayed for him.

Public visitation services will be held at Gracepoint Church located at 5590 NE 6th Ave, Ft Lauderdale, FL, 33334, on Saturday, April 18th, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., with the Service immediately following.

Officiating over the services are:

• Stephen Geiger, Pastor of Gracepoint Church, Ft Lauderdale, FL,

• Tom Odom, Pastor of First Baptist Church of SW Broward,

• Also, Clarence Sexton, President of Crown College and Pastor of Temple Baptist Church, Knoxville, TN

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Mildred Raper, and his Sister, Sally Fares.

Tom’s Survivors are his wife, Suzanne Raper, sisters, Nancy Brookbank and Carolyn Runzer,and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to:

Tom Raper Foundation Inc

43 South 8th Street

Richmond, IN 47374