I got to know Bert when I attended GSW and I remember he was so kind and friendly. I also remember he tried to teach me how to drive a stick shift and he was so patient with me. I never got the hang of it and still don't know how to drive one. He always had a smile on his face I remember. May he RIP Sending prayers to his family.
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I had the opportunity to get know Bert through a men’s group at 12Stone some years ago. When I think about Bert, the words genuine and authentic come to mind, alongside his love of the Lord. He was simply a good dude and no doubt, a great husband and father. Praying for peace over the family during this difficult time. We’ll miss you my friend.
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I got to know Bert and Sarah Mae in college, and I knew them when he first started dating Sarah Mae. I served with him and Sarah Mae on the Leadership Council at the BSU. Bert was always smiling, had that witty sense of humor, and loved everyone he came in contact with. I loved hearing that laugh whenever I would see him and, in my best Ernie voice from Sesame Street, say, "Hey Bert!" If there was ever a person who showed joy and kindness and loved his Lord, it was Bert. I will never forget when we were going on the cruise, and it was cancelled, and we had to turn around and go back to Jacksonville. Instead of being sad, Bert decided to propose to Sarah Mae in the back parking lot of the McDonald's that we were at. He took a bad situation and still found the good in it. I also remember going on Beach Retreats, and one time Bert rode with me in my car with Sarah Mae and a few others. While I don't remember the conversation we had, he listened diligently and always had a way of keeping the conversation engaging. He loved his God, his family, and people.
Sarah Mae, I was honestly stunned when I heard he passed away. Know that you, your children, and your family are held in prayer during this time.
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Bert was such an incredible and encouraging guy. Sadly I only got to know him over the past 4 years or so through TMS Global events and gatherings, but he truly made me feel special and reminded me of the Good things that God was doing through me. I wish I could remember when the moment was, but I do remember feeling that he was the most generous person with his words, and it truly affirmed in me that God was still using me at a time where I really needed it.
I was looking forward to the day with Bert and Sarah (and maybe the kiddos too) were going to all come visit us in Thailand, and I’m just struggling to believe that it will never be the same. My constant prayers go out to Sarah and the kiddos and injust cannot begin to imagine how hard this is for them right now. We love you guys from the other side of the world and are standing with you as you walk through this unfathomable grief. Thank you for sharing Bert with us, and we will all miss him too.
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Bert was so easy to like and love. Im very thankful I knew him! Kathy and I are continuing to pray and especially for the children.
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2003, Plains Community Center
Bert and friends (Michael, Chris, & Blake)
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Bert was such an amazing and wonderful friend. We confided in each other, prayed together, and belly laughed together often. Some of my favorite memories are from when we served as Ushers at at Door 3 at the 12Stone Sugarloaf campus; honestly, we laughed so hard most of the time that if we’d been in school, the teacher definitely would have separated us!
Even the kids knew he was the life of the party. Just the other day we were talking about him and my son, Anthony, asked if Bert was the "poop bathroom monitor" running around with a fart gun making all the kids laugh at summer camp. I had to tell him—that was 100% Mr. Bert Parham! He brought so much joy to everyone, young and old.
Our church mom, Pamela Dozier Bell, said, 'God takes the best because He's working on the rest.' She's right.
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Caroline and I are praying for you and are so sorry for your loss. Bert was the man! He will be remembered for his contagious sense of humor, quiet peace, and adoration of his Lord and his family. I can't imagine his reward. I know his place will be better than mine when I get there but he will be cool enough to let me come visit.
When I think of Bert, for some reason, I recall Mr. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol: "The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune."
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Sarah Mae - Marshall & Becky here. You’re in our prayers - We love you and your beautiful family. We are so saddened and grieving over your loss of Bert. There are No Magic words to share - but know your friends and family are praying for you, and we’re always here for you and your family. A favorite memory of mine is Bert’s proposal to you - returning from our not-happening BSU cruise, to our favorite McDonalds parking lot. You’re so special to us - we Love you and hope to see you soon. The Kerlins
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Bert, my Brother in Christ, is truly a Man of God. I know him and his precious family through 12Stone Church, the Sugarloaf campus. They are so truly loved and we now do not mourn as those without hope but trust fully in Hebrews 12:1 that “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses“ and we have confidence that he is cheering on his dear family and all who are still running in our race to meet him there one day with Jesus. He now sees him, his Savior, face-to-face. To Sarah, Tempie, JJ, and Zeke along with his parents, Sarah‘s parents, and his siblings, please know that you are in my prayers that our Holy Spirit, God’s Comforter, will surround you with his love and mercy at this painful time.
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Sarah and family,
My heart is broken with yours. My wife and I are praying for you to be comforted and strengthened by God today and in the coming days.
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I’m grateful I got to know Bert, even though I did not know him well. We were on the same team at Global Gathering in Turkey 2022 when we were charged with making a commercial for chia pets. My role was to film the commercial. Even though Bert would have done much better, he was so gracious, humble and kind giving me tips and tricks. He taught me to keep the phone moving before I pushed record so I didn’t start with a “still frame”. I still think of that often, and will always remember him and lift up his family in prayer when I do.
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I cannot remember a time where Bert did not have a smile on his face. I enjoyed our quick greetings and interactions at Artios pick up. His words and presence were always kind, gentle, encouraging. It was a bonus joy every time he and the kids would show up to a TMS event. I know he loved his family deeply.
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