With the report today of the home going of one of my longtime friends, I am reminded of words from that great Hymn “Softly and Tenderly.” It was written by Will Lamartine Thompson (1847-1909) who was a composer of gospel, secular, and patriotic songs.  The words that come to mind are these from verse three – “Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing, Passing from you and from me; Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming, Coming for you and for me.”  The man who died was a Deacon in the first Church I was allowed by God to Pastor so long ago. He was a wonderful man – kind,…