Today ... Community says goodbye to Mark Tinsley and C.D. Sprouse

"Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees." -- Stonewall Jackson

Today's partly cloudy skies in the central Shenandoah Valley seem fitting for two funerals in the community of two people who touched many lives in one way or another. Our prayers go to the families and also to the church leaders at Memorial and Joyful Sound whose hearts are breaking as they face congregations looking for words of comfort at such a difficult time. Pastor Temple Myers, Minister of Music Kathy Lafone, and Associate Pastor Ben Sprouse at Memorial Baptist ... Pastor Mike Herring and his wife, Tammie, who is Youth Minister at Joyful Sound ... you are treasured and we thank you for all you do.

Mark Tinsley: Many in Staunton were touched by businessman Mark Tinsley in one way or another. Owner of the very popular Depot Grille at downtown Staunton's train station, one of my favorite local restaurants -- closed today so that the Depot Grill family can take part in Mark's funeral, he was a pillar at Memorial Baptist Church and a supporter of many events and activities throughout the area. On Saturday he lost his battle with cancer and will be remembered today with a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. Leaving us at the age of 53, he accomplished much during his life. Prayers to his family and friends at this sad time.

C.D. Sprouse: On Friday the community lost 15-year-old C.D. Sprouse, a gifted musician who was very active with the youth group at Joyful Sound Church in Augusta Springs, when an oncoming car forced the vehicle he was riding in off the road into a tree. A sophomore at Buffalo Gap High School, he was known for the ever-present smile on his face and for playing the guitar everywhere he went. His funeral is this afternoon at 2:00 at Joyful Sound Church ... and something tells me there will not be nearly enough room for the number of people who want to show their respect for this young man, one of the good ones who was lost too soon. Prayers to his family and friends for the difficult days ahead.