Hugh's News & Commentary

Christopher David Carnes, 26, died in his sleep on Sunday, October 17, 2010.

Tribute written by David Carnes, Christopher's father:

On Sunday, October 17, 2010, Christopher David Carnes, 26, suddenly, unexpectedly, and mercifully passed away in his sleep. He had suffered debilitating pain almost every day of his life.

We often characterized our beautiful son as a "hero" whether he was in our presence or not. The grief we suffer today is not new for us.  For many days and nights we have grieved and prayed over the extraordinary unrelenting physical pain in the body of our son, Chris.

Chris was physically unable to pursue his education, music and art giftings, and other dreams. He never lost hope even when no medical hope was offered. He would get up early every morning and force himself to go to pain therapy. As his father I would hear his exclamations of pain as he would shower, get dressed, and treat his wounds.

Chris would work at Uncle Zack's CPA firm when he could force himself to do so. He had big, generous heart. Despite his intense pain he loved and cared for his friends and family. He would also tell us that he loved us when saying "good-bye." He would often greet me when I got home in the evening with a grin beneath his grimacing eyes and say, "Hi, Dad. How's it goin?"  I knew he was really having to make an effort to smile through the pain.

Chris maintained his great sense of humor. He never met a stranger and formed many deep friendships. He had a kind heart and often wanted to "rescue" people. In fact, Chris invited friends to stay in our home when they were facing difficult circumstances. A few actually lived with us in our modest home for several months. Neither Chris nor our family would say he always made the best choices, but His relationship with His Savior preserved him through many precarious situations. Through it all, he was a gracious, grateful and caring young man.

We sought help from medical experts at the Mayo Clinic, and Emory University Medical Center. Numerous specialists, alternative practitioners and dietitians indicated that there was no "fix" for his healing and health. Chris never gave up believing that God would intervene on his behalf supernaturally or through medical science.

Well, our Christopher's chains were freed on Sunday, October 17th while his mom was away with me (his proud dad) as I played a piano concert. We received the call from his devoted brother Patrick who found him.

We grieve from so, so deep within that we won't see his smile or hear his voice or feel his hugs. But we would not wish for him one more hour in the bodily form he has now transcended. We are thankful that through his pain and suffering, Chris never denied or lost his faith. We are confident that he is now in the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ.

A memorial service will be held at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, 850 Mount Vernon Hwy, NW, Atlanta (Sandy Springs), 30327, at 1 p. m., Friday, October 22, 2010, with the Revs. James P. Wood, Bryan Pillsbury, Dean Ropp. Mark Miller, Dr. Jon Duncan, and Dr. Aaron Menikoff leading.

Christopher is survived by his loving father and mother David and Tricia of Marietta, GA, a devoted brother Patrick of Marietta, GA; Grandparents Mrs. G. C. (Betty) Carnes of Marietta, GA, Dr. and Mrs. Lonnie (Betty) Rex of Spring, TX; Uncle Royce Rex of Spring, TX, Aunt Debbie Parker of Tulsa, OK, Aunt Cathy and Uncle Ricky Bennett of Acworth, GA, and Uncle Zack Carnes of Kennesaw, GA; and cousins he loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Vernon Baptist Church, reference: The Christopher David Carnes Music Missions Fund for the furtherance of his church's regular, ongoing work with orphanages, children in prison, drug rehab centers and other works in Ukraine as well as spreading the Love of Christ here and in other parts of the world through music, spoken word and relief efforts in which his mom and dad and brother plan to continue leadership.

You may mail your gifts to:

Mount Vernon Baptist Church
850 Mount Vernon Hwy, NW,
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30327

Gifts should also be made to Wears Valley Ranch, 3601 Lyon Springs Road, Sevierville, TN 37862-8257, which provides Christian homes, education, and counseling to children from families in crisis.

[Editor's Note: It is apparent that David Carnes, the father of Christopher Carnes, wrote this deeply moving tribute to his loving son, Christopher. It was sent to me on Wednesday morning, October 20, 2010, by his aunt, LaDonna Rex Scott of Oklahoma City via e-mail.

I deeply appreciate David sharing his heart with us about his oldest son. I sense his great loss and the pain he and Tricia, and Patrick must feel. Our hearts go out to the entire family. Melvine and I plan to attend the funeral service on Friday, October 22, 2010.

We have known the Rex family for many years. Lonnie and Betty Rex, loving grandparents, have come to Atlanta from Spring, TX, for this funeral. We thank God for this wonderful family that has blessed us all with their music, great convention and general conference choirs and orchestras. While Lonnie directed the choirs and orchestra, Betty was always at the concert grand piano. Absolutely no one can play gospel music with the style and competence as Betty Rex. When I visit them in their home, she always goes to her grand piano to play "I'll See You in the Rapture" and other favorites I enjoy hearing her play. They are the best of the best. Lonnie and Betty have often played twin concert grand pianos in concerts for large audiences.]