by Harry Ledbetter

DENTON, Tex. (BNc) — A great and godly man has gone home. Brother Joe Chism passed from this life July 28, 2012. Joe had served faithfully as an elder in the Lord’s church at Sherman Drive for many years. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and his guidance and leadership will be sorely missed as the congregation moves forward.

Brother Chism was an avid student of the Bible and, although an outstanding teacher of the Old Testament, he also had a deep, thorough knowledge and understanding of the New Testament. He was a man “steeped in the Scriptures” with a ready answer for any question concerning doctrinal matters or congregational involvement in the Lord’s work. Joe was a man of sound judgment and deep conviction who had a direct approach in problem solving. Although he was a kind and gentle man, you always knew where he stood when controversial problems arose. Strong in the faith, he never wavered from the Truth even when sharply criticized and falsely accused by those in the brotherhood who had once been his friends.

Joe was interested in a great many things and his life could well be called a continuous adventure. He had a keen sense of humor, enjoyed laughing and loved a good joke. He was easily coaxed into telling stories of his adventurous life. Some of his most interesting (and funny) stories involved working with automobiles—when he “repossessed” cars from delinquent owners for General Motors and when he was a guard/driver for an armored car service. His work with the armored car service involved his use of guns with which he was an expert— although on one occasion he proved that he was faster on the shot than on the draw. He also had many stories of his flying lessons early in his life. He was very interested in sports and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns. Although he enjoyed hunting, he had a real passion for fishing which he did at his every opportunity with his four brothers and son, Brad. Sometimes, however, it is rumored that he had difficulty locating some of the crappie brush piles he had plotted on his GPS. He also knew that sometimes the big one gets away from even the best fisherman.

Joe had a deep and abiding love for the Lord, His Word, and His church, but he also had a deep unsurpassed love for his family and friends. He could always be counted on to be there for them when needed. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. His life was a living example of what a Christian’s life should exhibit—love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. The Lord surely had pleasure in the passing of His great servant.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Verda and the family and pray that the Lord will richly bless and care for them in this time of sorrow.

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