Rest In Peace, Pastor Richard Dortch!
Today, I went with my sister and mom to a eulogy/honoring session for pastor Dortch, who died in his hometown in Florida on June 15, 2011. From the things that were said of him, he seemed to be a truly humble man. He treated his employees like friends, and even expressed genuine concern for each of his employees. He never threw his weight around them and jelled with them as if he was one of them. Pastor Dortch was also full of surprises, always giving his employees treats every 3 pm. He was a delight to be with wherever he was and whenever. He was always jolly and at peace even amidst all the sicknesses that he had acquired prior to his death.
From the stories that I hear of pastor Dortch from my family over the years, as well as the eulogies, I felt that he had a kind of attraction to people, which draws them to him no matter where they are from. It was confirmed at the service by the people who shared good things about him. To most, being with pastor Dortch felt like being with Jesus, and this is how we should be too, if we want to be called Christians. He has touched many people’s lives with both his words and actions.
To be identified as someone as great as Jesus is a divine thing, worthy of God‘s praises. We should emulate our Lord in our actions, thoughts and words, and lead by example to others.
May God rest your soul, pastor Dortch! Rest in peace!
My Daily Reflections 
Several years ago I called the show for prayer. I was a young Pastor who had been put out of his church, I was hurting and questioning my purpose along with my call. This fine man made arrangements for me to call him off the air the next day and he was my friend and brother from that point on. He was real, I think the best thing that can be said about his life is HE WAS REAL. I’m so thankful to have known him.
Richard Nichols
June 24, 2011 at 5:23 am
Yes, to many, pastor Dortch made them feel like he was Jesus, and not just being Christ-like! It was a wonderful eulogy by someone close to him.
June 24, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I LOVE PASTOR DORTCH, HE PRAYED NIGHTLY WITH ME FOR MY DADDY WHILE I CARED FOR DAD AND I AM HURT TO JUST TODAY, LEARN OF HIS PASSING. A FATHER FIGURE TO ME AND I’D BEEN SEARCHING FOR HIM, I EVEN WENT TO FLORIDA A FEW TIMES. GOD BE WITH HIS FAMILY AND GOD BLESS YOU.
December 9, 2014 at 9:02 pm
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of this great prayer icon. Though we know he has returned to God, the feelings of loss are still great. Where else can we ever hope to find one who takes the time to pray and council as diligently as he did. I communicated with him online with prayer requests and even just my own thoughts, and to my great surprise he would send personal replies. Outstanding!!!!
I told him how wrong I thought it was that he was pushed into such a terrible time slot as though his work was nothing, but he only assured me that God’s work was being done by the programming that shoved him into that spot. But I still feel that one who did so much for others deserved much better treatment Mr. DeAndrea.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Sincere condolences to the family.
June 26, 2011 at 1:58 am
Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
June 27, 2011 at 1:00 pm
I agree that the time slot was undeserving, and I also believe that the prayer meeting was just as needed as the Revival. I believe Pastor Dortch
felt misguided. I also believe that it was getting harder and harder to get the funds necessary to keep the prayer meeting on at that hour.
I am deeply sorry for the loss of a man who pulled me through bad times. I prayed for myself, my family and also Pastor Dortch almost evey night. That he have the strength to go forward.
He was a saint in my eyes and totally committed to his craft. No one but no one could replace him. His strong guidence,patience and calming
voice will be missed forever and ever.
We all love you,rest and pray for us all pastor from heaven until we meet again my hero, there are no word for the dedication this man of GOD
has projected on the world.
With great love and admiration,
Dennis, Cape Coral Florida
Sincere condolences to the Dortch Family
July 12, 2011 at 8:19 am
Pastor Dortch was in peace with everything, and took everything as guidance from the Lord. He worked humbly and made the best out of what he could and I believe God is pleased with him. The problems that he hurdled in his mission were part of his life’s work, and he did everything successfully in peace with the Lord.
July 12, 2011 at 12:10 pm
The world has lost one of it’s greatest prayer warriers in the passing of Pastor Dortch. What an encouraging Saint of God. He’s rejoicing with his loved ones and many friends who have gone on to be with the Lord. He will truly be missed by countless individuals who considered him as family. He always cared about the hurting people of this world. He led many people to the Lord not only thru his church involvement but thru the “You and Me, America’s Prayer Meeting. He was truly a blessing to our family and his personal letters and emails meant so much.
Mildred, your son, daughter, and grandchildren, we will keep you in our prayers. May God comfort and strengthen each of you as only He can.
What a Great Reunion we will all have in heaven someday. Pastor Dortch is with the One he loved so dearly, Jesus Christ.
June 27, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Amen!
June 27, 2011 at 1:11 pm
I was surprised to hear about the passing of Pastor D. I was wondering why others were doing his time-slot. Rest in God, you True and Faithful Servant! We shall miss you on the air. May God Grant Comfort and Peace to his family.
July 2, 2011 at 12:13 am
I just came across this post doing a google search for my grandfather’s name. Thank you for your kind words. I miss him a lot.
March 9, 2012 at 2:59 pm
You’re welcome!
March 22, 2012 at 10:55 pm