Funeral of Pastor Zachery Tims
On August 20, 2011, the Orlando Sentinel was one of the few media outlets to get videos of members and mourners as they approached the First Baptist Church in Orlando, Florida to attend the funeral service for Dr. Zachery Tims. Tims – a charismatic preacher was found dead in a New York hotel room on August 12, 2011; the cause of death remains unknown as medical examiners are performing toxicology results. Frequently appearing on Christian television networks such as TBN and The Word Network, Tims’ congregation was approximately 8,000 but his reach was far greater. Though many across the nation hoped his wake and funeral service would stream live, Tims’ family decided to keep the services private. The church were thousands lined up hours before the 11:00 am, August 20, 2011 funeral was the site for another famous memorial service – that of Caylee Marie Anthony.
First Baptist Church in Orlando or FBC as it is known seats approximately 6,500 people and streams many of their sermons online. They frequently attract well known guests and have an impact on the community; as does New Destiny Christian Center. Though NDCC is a large church, they were concerned about the large attendance for Dr. Zachery Tims’ funeral and made arrangements with Pastor David Uth to hold the service there. The wake and tribute service that was held on August 19, 2011 took place at New Destiny Christian Center.
Interestingly, Zachery Tims preached a sermon where he stated: “After Casey Anthony’s trial is over, he is going to be the next big thing on the news.”
Some Christians are asking if he had prophesied his own death.
Not only was Zachery Tims the “next big thing in the news,” but his funeral was held at the same place where Caylee Anthony’s memorial service took place. His death took place 37 days after the Casey Anthony verdict was read.
Zachery Tims.
The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that thousands have gathered for the 11 am funeral for the late pastor of Among those expected to participate in the homegoing services are Paula White of Without Walls International Church in Tampa and Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter’s House in Dallas.
Invited speakers include Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Commissioner Tiffany Moore Russell and Democratic Republic Corrine Brown. The family has requested that the funeral services be closed to the media.
Many news organizations have posted video clips of the wake and tribute. You can see them at WFTV, WESH TV and the Orlando Sentinel.
Pastor Zachery Tims was found dead in a New York Hotel room on August 12, 2011. The 42 year old pastor was the leader of ‘New Destiny Christian Center’ in Apopka.Tims is survived by his ex-wife Riva and their four children.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday for prominent Orange County pastor Zachery Tims. Tims was found dead in a New York City hotel room on Sunday.
Thousands of church members, friends, and family members gathered at First Baptist Church of Orlando Saturday morning. A viewing was held at 10:00 a.m., with funeral services following at 11:00.
A procession will take place after the funeral, traveling to Woodlawn Cemetery in Orlando.
The cause of Tims’ death is still unclear, as an initial autopsy was ruled inconclusive.
The New York media has been reporting details surrounding Pastor Zachery Tims’s death that involve drugs and rumors that he wasn’t alone.
While the investigation continues more than 1,000 miles away, the more than 7,000 faithful of the New Destiny Church must begin rebuilding without knowing what happened to their leader. Tims’ former wife Riva was among the followers who gathered inside the church to honor him.
Meanwhile, detectives in New York told WFTV that they are reviewing video and phone records because their investigation into his death is still open.
Several published reports said on Tuesday that New York City police believe the ‘white substance’ found on Tims was drugs. Officials with the medical examiner’s office said only toxicology reports will determine how he died and if there were any chemicals in his body.
Members of the New Destiny Church, along with Central Florida pastors were still honoring his memory with services on Tuesday.
‘What’s your reaction to something like that?’ WFTV reporter Daralene Jones asked Orlando Pastor Randolph Bracy.