Zachery Tims Dead: T.D. Jakes to Deliver Fla. Pastor's Eulogy?
A source familiar with the funeral arrangements for the late Zachery Tims has told The Christian Post Thursday that the Florida megachurch pastor's family has yet to make known who will be delivering his eulogy, despite rumors that Bishop T.D. Jakes had been tapped.
Despite initial reports claiming Jakes was to eulogize Tims, a representative with First Baptist Church of Orlando told CP that several ministers have expressed interest in speaking at the late pastor's funeral.
Tims' funeral is to be held at First Baptist Church this Saturday.
"We're going to consult the family as to the order [of] who will speak," the representative said, wishing to remain unnamed.
Jakes will likely be one of the guest speakers put in rotation at New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC) until church administrators decide on a new leader, according to Orlando news station WESH-TV.
Jakes, who expressed grief over NDCC's loss when Tims' death was first confirmed Monday, told followers on his Twitter page Thursday afternoon that he was heading to Orlando to be with the late pastor's family.
"Pray for me as I head to Orlando to join countless others bringing comfort to the Tims family and New Destiny," The Potter's House pastor tweeted .
Tims, 42, was senior pastor of NDCC in Apopka, Fla. Tims and his ex-wife, Riv Tims, founded the ministry in 1996.
Tims was found dead in his room at the W Hotel in New York City last Friday, August 12.
An autopsy conducted Saturday failed to reveal what may have killed Tims. Officials were now looking to toxicology tests to explain what may have led to Tims' tragic demise.
The wake at NDCC is now scheduled for Friday when Tims' body will be lying in state from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. A tribute service has also been scheduled for the same day from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tims' funeral is taking place on Saturday at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Orlando. A viewing on Saturday has also been scheduled for 10 a.m.
