Garfield Pinder Obituary (1932

To many the date 9/11 invokes dreadful dreams of a devastating disaster that defies definition; however those who had the privilege of knowing him, that date 9/11 invokes tremendous thoughts, beautiful brotherhood, family, faith, friendship, caring companionship, heavenly husband and life long love, for this is the day in 1932 that Garfield Leroy Pinder was born. On May 19, 2010, Garfield, while at the Dorchester General Hospital in Cambridge, MD with his caring wife at his side, was extended and invitation to join in the heavenly horticulturists who so dutifully maintain the grounds of the Supreme Kingdom; and he willingly and quickly accepted the invitation. He spent a life time rehearsing for this call by particularly planting beautiful flowers around his earthly home, tediously trimming the shrubbery and trees, precisely pruning at the right season, effortlessly edging where needed and meticulously mowing and manicuring both his lawn and the church's parking lot. Garfield's penchant for working with such great pride was derived from his loving parents, Thomas and Lenora Pinder who preceded him in death. They taught him that "Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence." He received his elementary and high school education in the public schools of Dorchester County and graduated from the Frederick Douglas St. Clair High School (Cambridge, MD) in 1949. While contemplating his goal in life, he was called to serve a short tour of duty in the United States Army. When this obligation was fulfilled, he returned home and enrolled in a trade school in Baltimore, MD where he graduated as a certified welder. This education prepared him to be a successful employee of R.J. Reynolds for 29 years, retiring as a Maintenance Supervisor. Garfield, with his easy going manner, quiet sense of humor and genuine love for people enjoyed life to the fullest, but his crowning joy came from knowing the Lord as his Savior. His thirst for biblical knowledge was evidenced by his love of Bible study, his yearning to hear the Word and by his passion for receiving the message through song. His favorite hymns were "The Light House", "Face to Face" and "Ride Out the Storm". Throughout his sickness, he never complained. Whenever he was asked how he was doing, his answer, always with a smile, was "I'm Riding Out the Storm." Not only was he a receiver of the Word, but also, he was a faithful servant of God. He carried out the duties of Trustee chairman devotedly, faithfully and devoutly. Other things that brought him tremendous joy were fishing, planting flowers and hunting. He leaves to cherish his memories, Esther Pinder, his loving and devoted wife for forty-five years; one son, Curtis Jews (Priscilla), Gaithersburg, MD; three grandchildren, Curtis Jews Jr. (Christina), Fort Washington, MD, Christopher Jews (Donielle), Daytona, FL and Adrianna Jews (Gaithersburg, MD); two great grandchildren, Kristopher Jews (Fort Washington, MD and Londyn Jews (Daytona, FL); two brothers, Dr. Thomas Pinder, Jr. (Esther M.D.), Silver Spring, MD, James Pinder (Angela), Lake Zurich, IL; five sisters, Doretha P. Jones (Elisha) and Doris P. Jones (James), all of Salisbury, MD, Evelyn P. Burns (Dotson), Fort Washington, Elizabeth P. Pinkett (Denton, MD), Joyce P. Farrare (Reginald), Millersville, MD; Other survivors include two god daughters, Trudy Waller (Vienna, Md) and Sonya Farrare (Cambridge, MD); one god granddaughter, Leyonna Waller (Vienna, MD); two aunts, Mildred Brookins (Princess Anne, MD) and Lillie B. Anderson (Salisbury, MD). He also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family members and friends. Garfield, you have left to each of us a special and indelible legacy which we will forever cherish. Today we are experiencing two opposite emotions. From the human aspect, we are so suddenly laddered realizing that your cheerful face is no longer visible, your voice will no longer be heard and your touch can be felt no more. However, from the spiritual aspect, we are experiencing exceedingly, great joy knowing how you did so courageously "Ride Out Your Storm" which landed you in "The Lighthouse", where you are as last seeing your God "Face to Face." Thanks so much for such precious memories. We will forever love you. Hallelujah! Praise God! Amen. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2010 11am at Wesley United Methodist Church (Vienna, MD) with a viewing Wednesday evening 6-8pm and two hours prior to the services only. Interment in the Veteran's Cemetery in Hurlock, MD