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EULOGY OF GEORGE FRANK LEFLER By Rev. Glenn H. Gould
In the passage from the gospel which was just read, Jesus proclaims, I am the Way ,the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by me. That passage has been used by a lot of preachers to mean a lot of different things, but it means that the way to the father is through JESUS-hE IS THE PASSAGE, THE GATEWAY, THE ENTRANCE INTO ETERNAL LIFE WITH THE FATHER. It also means that you dont get to heaven based on how many times you have entered a church, how many prayers you have said, how many good deeds you have done or how many sins you have repented of. No the way to heaven is Jesus not man made critera or rules and regulations. I want to talk for a few minutes about George. If I knew anything at all about George it was that he would want me to tell it like it is. He was fond of saying that to me. It may come as a surprise to many of you but not everyone liked George Lefler. It wasn't necessarily that they were crazy or confused that caused them not to like him. Some people had good reason not to like George. If you asked these people what George was like they would tell you. George loved to be the center of attention. He liked nothing better than to be surrounded by people who would play up to him, humor him and cater to him. e spotlight. He also loved his pleasure. George was known to take a drink or two or three...George liked money; he liked it a lot, too much probably. He really thought money was important. George loved to get his own way. He was stubborn, even bossy---he liked running the show. But you know what these people say about George isnt all there is of George even if he could be as they said. There was more to George than his shortcomings. There were people who were kept in groceries because of George. People whose rent was paid or electricity kept on because of George. The people who accuse George of wanting to be the center of attention could simply have said that he was creative and colorful. George was a very creative guy. George loved his church and was frequently quite generous with his money. Although George did seem to have the habit of telling you how generous he had been. He also contributed spiritually to the church. George also had a way of making you feel alive when you were with him. He would challenge you and keep you on your toes. He was good company. You know when all is said it comes down to this. George was a man--- a human being. In my opinion Georges biggest mistake was that he thought money was more important than it is--George really seemed to beleive in his money---it made him somebody. Even though it couldnt buy his health or the health of those close to him ; even though it couldnt buy him genuine love or friendship. However you know that what we have been doing here really isnt to the point. Its just something that people do when someone dies--we remember their good points and bad ones and try to decide in our own minds if they were really a good person (as if this was somehow important). Let me say something to you that is important. Jesus said that in his Fathers were many rooms. I can guarantee you-- I GUARANTEE you that there is a room in heaven with a lot of hats on the wall, a TV up over the bed, a phone close by for wheeling and dealing, an open back door for friends and a mirror. Did you know it had a mirror? A mirror where George can look and see for a fact that he didnt bring any of his money with him--he is broke--in the mirror is just George, a man God loves and thats why he is there so he can learn it better than he was able to here. George is with God becayse God wants him there--because God loves him. Georges good deeds didnt get him there and his sins didnt keep him away. Gods love is stronger than that.You see Gods love is strongest when we need it most. He is closest when we need Him most--when we least deserve it. The God who loves George has taken him home to be with him.
Last Will And Testament of George Frank Lefler Charlotte, NC ( Will read by lawyer on July 22, 1986 at 7:30 PM at the home of the deceased to the seven heirs ) 50% left to his church from his estate in cash and real estate 10% left to Robert Swartzlander, son of Tempe Lefler Swartzlander, McClure, decease 10% left to Marie Lefler, wife of Marvin Franklin (Buddy) Lefler, son of Paul Lefle deceased, Winston Salem, NC. 10% left to Elizabeth Hope Brewer Bridges, neice of his deceased wife, Roberta Widner Brewer L 5% left to Candy Bridges, daughter of Elizabeth, neice of wife. 5% left to Susan Bridges , daughter of Elizabeth, neice of wife. 10% left to Bobbie Almond , wife of LLoyd (Jack ) Almond $1000.00 to Wanda McBride, nurse to Roberta and George Frank Lefler $1000.00 left to the children of Martha Lefler Brown, daughter of LLoyd and Grac Lefler and neice to George and Roberta Lefler. Final settlement of estate and personal property made in 1989. On record at Mecklenburg, NC Courthouse in Charlotte,NC.
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