Saying Goodbye
Author: Pastor Mitch Williams
October 01, 2026
This Sabbath, we will say goodbye to a beloved member of our church family. Many of us knew David Watkins as the friendly musician who brought so much joy to our worship. On Sabbath mornings, you could often find him behind the piano or singing with his praise team. David didn’t just play the piano; he made the instrument come alive as he helped lead our church in enthusiastic praise to the Lord!
Many will also remember David as the talented music teacher at Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy. His leadership of the elementary choir last year led to an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. And this school year, the PHAA high school choir was invited to sing at Loma Linda University Church in the spring of 2027.
But everything changed when David underwent a kidney transplant on August 21. The surgery itself went well, but tragically, he later suffered heart failure. Years of dialysis had taken a tremendous toll on his body. David, a man who never complained, served in countless ways, and did it all with a smile, fell asleep in Jesus on September 4.
He leaves behind his dear wife, Tiffany, and their two wonderful sons, Myles, 12, and Matthew, 8.
This Sabbath at 4:00 PM, we will gather to celebrate David’s life. And as we do, we will remind ourselves that this is only goodbye for now. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated death once and for all! Therefore, the Bible promises that one day soon, Jesus will return for His friends like David. He will breathe life into him again, and we will be reunited! What a glorious day of rejoicing that will be!
But for now, may we surround Tiffany, Myles, and Matthew with our love and prayers. And may we hold tightly to our faith in Jesus, the One who promises to one day make all things new!
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”?
Revelation 21:4
BACK