Original memory Book for Ed Moxey

HOMEGOING CELEBRATION for B a h a m i a n

H a l l

o f

F a m e r

Sent into service: July 8th, 1941 Retired from active duty: August 24th, 2018 77 years The New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Blue Hill Road South Nassau, N.P. The Bahamas Officiating Reverend Alfred Stewart Assisted by Associates of the Gospel Moderator Bishop Helen McPhee Organist Mr. John Dennis Stewart Internment Woodlawn Gardens Soldier Road

F

or God’s Gift

On July 8, 1941 a precious, bouncing baby boy was born to Verlane and Herman Moxey of West Street, Bain Town, Nassau. He was named Edmondo Baby Moxey and was affectionately called “Ed” among his family and “Mondo” among his peers. He was the third of thirteen children. Ed matured into an ambitious young man through the values and principles provided in his home at a time of social and political unrest, educational, cultural change and progress. By virtue of his natural talents and discipline, he was able to put his shoulders to the wheel and placed his name in Bahamian sports history and indeed made The Bahamas a better place.

Ed was educated at the Western Junior and Western Senior High Schools. He was athletic from a very young age and became competitive in many sporting events. He excelled at swimming, diving and baseball. However, it was at baseball that he soared to his zenith locally and internationally.

As a young boy, he would spend an inordinate amount of time in the Straw Market with his mother who was a Straw Vendor. He would take this opportunity to go into the waters of the Prince George Dock where the cruise ships berthed and dove for coins thrown in by the eager tourists who were amazed at the sight. The proceeds from his diving adventure provided for his school lunch and other needed supplies. As a result, he developed into a prolific swimmer and achieved success as the Bahamas’ Swim Champion of 1960 and won many other swimming medals during that time.

His natural athleticism led him to an illustrious baseball career where he excelled. Ed, began playing in the local Baseball League for many of the teams, one of which was “Mary Kelley”. Subsequently, he was drafted in the early 1960’s by the Houston Astros Baseball Organisation where he played professionally for more than seven years. His versatility allowed him to play virtually any position on the baseball field but he excelled in the outfields and as a Catcher. Ed’s outstanding hand and eye coordination allowed him to reach Triple AAA league where he played at an extremely high level of competition winning back to back batting, home run and team championships over several years. Many eyebrows were raised when Ed was not called to the Majors but that did not diminish his tenacious character.

Several of his teammate who went on to play Major League ball with the New York Yankees had the tradition of calling him whenever they won the World Series to celebrate their achievement and that pleased him immensely.

For Faith

Most importantly, Ed was a man of faith and loved to serve his God. He encouraged his family to do the same through respect, kindness and generosity towards others. He was a quiet and unassuming man but had the heart of a giant and was most comfortable around children as they were the ones God admonished us to become the least of. He was familiar with the altar and ensured that his place around the eternal throne was secured.

For Family

In 1964 Ed met the love of his life, the gorgeous Patricia Smith. They married at an early age and had two sons and extended the family over the latter years with two daughters and three additional sons. This marriage would go on for fifty- three (53) years to the date of his passing.

This marriage in the eyes of families and friends was one in which they were one for the other and both for the Lord as they demonstrated at large the prayer of St. Francis, ‘ Lord, make us instruments of Thy peace.’ His wife Patricia would tell you that he idolised, adored, and supported her in all of her personal and professional ventures and did whatever he could to ensure her success.

Family was extremely vital to Ed and he exhibited this through the enormous time spent with his children; whether instructing them in sports, displaying his cooking skills in the kitchen or sharing his intimate knowledge about family members during his time as a boy growing up in Bain Town. He did not hide his affection for his children and would take any opportunity to prove this with enormous hugs and bold displays of his familiar grin that reached ear to ear. His sage council to his children about life and personal conduct is beyond admiration and his favourite line was that of the Royal Reader, “if it was not for the crows, I would be safe and sound” was often heard. He had a fabulous sense of humor

that was always on display around family members and for those special friends who became family. It was one of wry witty humor combined with fun poking jokes where he chuckled like a kid putting all at ease.

Ed’s vision for (Edmondo Jr.) his son’s athleticism success as he excelled in track and field at an early age brought him much joy. However, upon Junior’s untimely passing he was devastated but his commitment to the many younger family members never wavered as he was involved in teaching them swimming, softball and baseball.

For Country and Community

In the later part of 1971, Ed decided to move on from professional baseball due to several injuries and called it quits. He returned home to The Bahamas. He immediately involved himself with the Ministry of Education where he taught athletics at several schools namely, C.H. Reeves Junior School and the C.C. Sweeting Senior High School.

Notably, Ed was the first to introduce swimming to the Over-the-Hill communities to many underprivileged children through the formation of the Flamingo Swim Club. In 1976, The Bahamas Olympic Committee through its President, Sir Arlington Butler, provided Ed with the opportunity to officially train in Mexico as a Qualified Olympic Coach and Swim Instructor. As a result, scores of children throughout New Providence learned to swim competitively.

During the early 1980’s, he taught Officers of The Bahamas Custom Department, The Bahamas Defence Force, The Royal Bahamas Police Force and The Bahamas Correctional Officers during their basic training to learn to swim. Foreign physicians working in The Bahamas and Members of Parliament were also included in Ed’s list of training. The Lyford Cay Club engaged him as a swimming instructor; as a result of his success particularly with the children, he was further engaged to spend the winters in Canada so that a few of the Club members’ children could continue with their swimming instructions.

Ed served his country faithfully in tourism as well, and spent several years as a Manager at the Nassau Beach Hotel where he spent time travelling abroad promoting the hotel and The Bahamas at large. That winning smile and twinkling eyes were his signature look to say, “welcome to The Bahamas and welcome to the Nassau Beach Hotel, we are going to have a great time.”

During the 1980’s at the height of the drug infestation in The Bahamas, Ed decided that he would speak-out against the destruction that was being wreaked upon young Bahamian lives

in the community. Many friends and family members were concerned for him and his family’s welfare, but he displayed tremendous courage and carried on with his campaign known as ‘Fathers Against Drugs’ without a flinch.

As means to further enhance his community work, Ed found a doorway through politics and was an ardent worker in the Marathon Community helping to shape the decisions and policies that governed the Progressive Liberal Party’s work in the area and country at large. During the summer months he would organise summer programs so that children could learn how to swim. His favorite mantra was that no child should drown in the community under his watch. He was given the ‘Marathon Community Spirit of Excellence’ Award in 1990 as a testament to his work as a pioneer settler in the community spanning almost forty (40) years. He was also the recipient of the highest honour of the Progressive Liberal Party that of The Order of Stalwart Councillor.

For Eternal Rest

He passed peacefully into eternity on Friday morning the 24th August, 2018.

May this quiet, self-effacing Bahamian son of the soil find the Peace of Christ and inherit Eternal Rest. Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him. May his Soul and the Souls of All the Faithful Departed Rest in Peace. Amen He is survived by: His Wife of fifty-three (53) years: Patricia; Sons: Anthony and his wife Leisa, Joel and his wife Lolita, and Ricardo Moxey; Daughters:Cherese Moxey-Sands and her husband Shawn, and Estherlita Moxey; Grand Daughters: Chauntez Moxey-Turnquest and her husband Kristofer Turnquest, Celicia Moxey, Ashley Austin, Athena Moxey, Ashawntae Sands; Adopted Grand Daughter: Kayneisha Outten; Grandson: Shawn Jr.; Great Grand Daughter: Jazarra Turnquest; Sisters: Cynthia “Mother” Pratt and Patsy Parker of Ft. Pierce, Florida; Brother: Rev. Charles Moxey and his wife Sheila; Aunt: Pearl Moxey of Mangrove Cay, Andros; Brother-In-Laws: Leslie Williams and his wife Ruth of Miami Florida, Quinton Glover, Sr., Bradley, Wade, and Gregory Smith; Sister-In-Laws: Mary Thompson, Marsha Knowles; Nieces: Nicole and Dennise Pratt, Brianna Carey, Shandia Beneby, Samara Thompson, Marvallette Cox, Nikki Francis, Shenike Moxey and Sandra Lewis, Alvarshan and Alvanique Gaitor, Brianna Mackey, Paula Ranger, Daisy Knowles and Nelly Rolle; Nephews: Theodore and Quinton Glover, Jr., Don, Barry, Juan Carlos, Julian Pratt, Mario and Kevin Francis, Livingston and Jason Moxey, Anthony Lewis, Lloyd Jr., Darrell Ranger, Baron and Byron Smith, Donovan Thompson and Brandon Williams of Miami Florida; Numerous Other Friends and Relatives including: Langston and Sheila Longley, Judy and Lavarity Deveaux, Blight & Stephanie Duncanson and Family, Maxine and Ted Bethel, Pastor Alfred and Jackie Stewart & the New Mt. Zion Baptist Church Family and Men’s Fellowship, Lloyd and Sharon Turnquest, Nigel and Ann Smith, Mary Neilly & Family of Miami Florida, Patricia & Leonard Collins of New York, Bishop Helen McPhee and Family, Linda Demeritte, Lorraine & Kenneth Clarke, Penny & Elaine Thompson, Gale Smith and Family, The Cooper Family, Franklin & Jewel Major of Atlanta, Georgia, Patsy Lyles and Family, Terry Antonio and Family, Duke & Erma Demeritte, Ethel Sands & Family, The Rodgers Family of Nassau Street, Sharon Colebrooke, Sharon Martin & The Marathon Branch of the PLP, Jerome Fitzgerald & Family, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie and Family, the Hon. Philip ‘Brave’ Davis & The Progressive Liberal Party Family, Algernon Allen & Family, Nelta Morency, Bessie Smith & Family, St. Francis Roman Catholic Church Family, Annamae, Shirley, William & George Clarke, The Moxey Family of Mangrove Cay, Lundy Moxey, The Moxey Family of Lewis Street, Philip Baker & Family, Staff and Residents of Pat’s Senior Citizens Home. Special thanks to: Dr. Margo Brennan, Dr. Charles Johnson, Dr. Beverton Moxey, Dr. Leonardo Culmer, Dr. Fred Smith, Serenity Nursing, Staff and Care Givers of Pat’s Senior Citizens Nursing Home, The Princess Margaret Hospital and Doctor’s Hospital.

Praise & Worship | NMZ Praise Team Musical Prelude Processional | The Family Opening Words of Comfort | Reverend Alfred Stewart, Senior Pastor Congregational Hymn | ‘And Can it Be’ And can it be that I should gain An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?

Died He for me, who caused His pain?

For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! how can it be That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Amazing love! how can it be That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

’Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies!

Who can explore His strange design?

In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love Divine! ’Tis mercy all! let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more. ’Tis mercy all! let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more.

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!

Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness Divine, Bold I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Bold I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace; Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race: ’Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out me. ’Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out me.

Invocation | Pastor Cherece Evans Old Testament Reading | Athena Moxey (Granddaughter) Solo | Prisca Burrows (Friend) New Testament Reading | Ashley Austin (Granddaughter) Congregational Hymn | It’s Alright Now’ There was a time I traveled A lonely sinful road Beneath a heavy burden bending low But now all things are different For Jesus took my load It’s alright now I’m His I know

A-down a lonely pathway Without a friend to guide I walked in sin and sorrow all alone ‘Til Jesus came and found me And drew me to His side It’s alright now for I’m His own

Chorus: It’s alright now For I am in my Savior’s care It’s alright now My Savior hears and answers prayer He’ll walk beside me ‘Til I climb the heav’nly stair And ev’rything is alright now

(Repeat Chorus) No more in sin I wander No more in darkness roam The Lord has placed My feet on higher ground Each day new heights I’m gaining My soul is nearing home It’s alright now I’m heaven bound

Selection | NMZ Praise Team Eulogy | Reverend Alfred Stewart, Senior Pastor Prayer for the Family | Bishop Helen McPhee Prayer Response | ‘Be Still and Know’

Be still and know that I am God, Be still and know that I am God, Be still and know that I am God.

I am the Lord that healeth thee, I am the Lord that healeth thee, I am the Lord that healeth thee.

In thee, O Lord, I put my trust, In thee, O Lord, I put my trust, In thee, O Lord, I put my trust, In thee, O Lord, I put my trust.

Obituary | Please read in silence Tributes | (2 minutes please) Mr. Langston Longley (Cousin-in-law) Mr. Randy Rodgers (Friend) Mr. Charles Moxey (Brother) Mr. Jerome Fitzgerald, former M.P. for Marathon and former Minister of Education, Science & Technology Mrs. Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt (Sister), former Deputy Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas The Rt. Honourable Perry G. Christie, former Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas The Honourable Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, M.P., Q.C., Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition Special Tribute | Mrs. Patricia Moxey (Ed’s Beloved Pat) Recessional Hymn | ‘It is Finished’ There’s a line that’s been drawn through the ages; On that line stands the old rugged cross.

On that cross a battle is raging For the gain of a man’s soul or its loss.

On one side march the forces of evil, All the demons and devils of hell; On the other the angels of glory, And they meet on Golgotha’s hill.

Yet in my heart the battle was raging; Not all pris’ners of war have come home.

These were battlefields of my own making; I didn’t know that the war had been won.

Then I heard that the King of the Ages Had fought all my battles for me, And vict’ry was mine for the claiming, And now, praise His name I am free!

The earth shakes with the force of the conflict; The sun refuses to shine, For there hangs God’s Son in the balance, And then through the darkness He cries—

It is finished! The battle is over.

It is finished! There’ll be no more war.

It is finished! The end of the conflict.

It is finished! And Jesus is Lord!

It is finished! The battle is over.

It is finished! There’ll be no more war.

It is finished! The end of the conflict.

It is finished! And Jesus is Lord!

Hymn | ‘Glad Reunion Day’ There will be a happy meeting in heaven I know When we see the many loved ones we’ve known here below Gather on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow That will be a glad reunion day Chorus: Glad day (that will be a happy day yes), a wonderful day Glad day (that will be a happy day yes), a glorious day There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay That will be a glad reunion day When we live a million years in that wonderful place Basking in the love of Jesus beholding His face It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace That will be a glad reunion day Repeat Chorus (x2) Prayer Committal | Reverend Alfred Stewart, Senior Pastor Hymn | ‘I’ll Fly Away’ Some bright morning when this life is over I’ll fly away To that home on God’s celestial shore I’ll fly away I’ll fly away, oh glory I’ll fly away in the morning When I die, Hallelujah by and by I’ll fly away When the shadows of this life have gone I’ll fly away Like a bird from these prison walls I’ll fly away Benediction

I’ll fly away, oh glory I’ll fly away in the morning When I die, Hallelujah by and by I’ll fly away Just a few more weary days and then I’ll fly away To a land where joy shall never end I’ll fly away I’ll fly away, oh glory I’ll fly away in the morning When I die, Hallelujah by and by I’ll fly away

My Darling Husband...

My honey, how can I say goodbye?

The word of God tells us to give thanks in all things, and I am so gratefuI for having known you as I did. Darling you were the man of my dreams, And I am just as in love with you now as I was when I was 19. I will miss setting the table for you everyday.I will miss cooking your food and hearing you say, “Honey, nobody can cook like you,” or “No one can love love like you.” I will miss kissing you for no real reason, showing you my love out of the blue. How can I say goodbye to you? During the 53 years we were together I knew the time would come when one of us would have to say goodbye to the other, but oh my God, it is so hard. It hurts my heart to see us apart. 53 years is a long time, though it seems not long enough. Like every pair of love birds we’ve had our challenging times, but I’m grateful that those challenging times did not outweigh our good times.

I remember preparing your food and serving you up until the time you couldn’t eat. I remember the last I made you a Sunday dinner’s plate and instead had to fix you a bowl of Cream of Wheat. I never gave anybody else the privilege of ironing your clothes. You were mine to take care of because I was the one ​you c​hose. I think back to your days in the dugout and standing atop diamonds on the baseball field. Even back then you were a legend.

When you traveled to play you were gone sometimes for eight or 10 days, which to me felt like eight or 10 years. Back then I was just a young wife eager to be in your arms. It seems not much has changed in that regard. Wherever you were I felt at home. You were there for me and I was there for you. We laughed and we cried. And we both accomplished great things at each others’ side. Why must I say goodbye? In your fading days I would rest my head on yours just to feel your warmth, and I’d whisper to you “Honey if I could only make it all go away...” but everything was in the Master’s hands.

God saw you getting tired. You put up a good fight. Merciful as He is He took you out of your restless nights.

Sleep on and take your rest. For 53 years and a little more I’ve loved you, but darling Jesus has always loved you best.

With love, your other half.

D

addy I’m going to miss you and I will alway love you When we meet again in heaven we’ll be swimming in heavens beach and playing baseball in heavens parkAnthony Moxey (Son)

We Will Celebrate Your Life Today our hearts are filled with sadness And our souls are filled with sorrow You have left this world behind Because you ran out of time to borrow We’ll remember not your fight for breath We’ll remember not your strife We won’t dwell upon your death But instead we’ll celebrate your life We know you are at peace now There is no need for tears We’ll just be grateful to have had your love For all those many years Yes, we will miss you But go on, take your rest Although we love you Jesus loves you best!!!

Chauntez&Jazarra Turnquest Grand&Great Granddaughter

I

know that no matter what You will always be with me.

When life separates us I’ll know it is only your soul Saying goodbye to your body But your spirit will be with me always.

When I see a bird chirping on a nearby branch I will know it is you singing to me.

When a butterfly brushes gently by me so care freely I will know it is you assuring me you are free from pain.

When the gentle fragrance of a flower catches my attention I will know it is you reminding me To appreciate the simple things in life.

When the sun shining through my window awakens me I will feel the warmth of your love.

When I hear the rain pitter patter against my window sill I will hear your words of wisdom And will remember what you taught me so well That without rain trees cannot grow Without rain flowers cannot bloom Without life’s challenges I cannot grow strong.

When I look out to the sea I will think of your endless love for your family.

When I think of mountains, their majesty and magnificence I will think of your courage for your country.

No matter where I am Your spirit will be beside me For I know that no matter what You will always be with me Esther-Daughter