Bob’s legacy lives on because of his unwavering faith and the beautiful hymn he sang with all his heart.
“How Great Thou Art” is a powerful song, but it’s more than that – it’s also a great hymn for seeing a glimpse of God’s beauty that’s hard to come by!
It is a classic hymn that can best express God’s majesty and power than anything imaginable in men. I almost never got tears in my eyes while singing the lyrics.
I honestly didn’t think the anthem could be any more poignant and meaningful until I heard Robert Earl, or Bob for short, deliver it on another level.
It takes courage and faith to continue singing those familiar lines, “How Great You Are” from a hospital bed as your life draws to a close. Singing about God’s majesty while life is going well are two different things indeed.
One Thursday evening at Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital, Melissa Walter’s Moss caught her husband, her 97-year-old grandfather, singing a hauntingly beautiful song. She then filmed it and shared it online. I’m not ashamed to admit that I shed more than a few tears while watching the video. He was surrounded by all his friends and family.
Belief and happiness are evident forces in Walters’ voice, much like the conviction he had for every single phrase that came out of his mouth as he played the song.
An update was provided by his daughter, who revealed that her much-loved grandfather tragically passed away on Friday, January 12, untimely after a beautiful song he performed that night, which appeared to suggest he was calling out to heaven.
“I caught the sweetest moment when they sang the hymn together. Just listen to his sweet voice praising Jesus.”
With Uncle Rick by his side, “this morning my dear grandfather met Jesus face to face as he peacefully went home to be with Him.”
He performed “How Great Thou Art” as his final song, and I sincerely hope that before I die, I will be able to defend his convictions and beliefs. Walter was an excellent man throughout.
After Walter’s video of him singing the hymn in the hospital was posted on the “Love What Matters” Facebook page, many other people contributed stories of singing this great hymn with loved ones in various circumstances.
Another lady recounted how, just before her grandfather died, her family gathered by his hospital bed and sang a song.
Oh yeah, we sang this at my grandfather’s hospital bed, she remarked, “That’s why we should still sing hymns in church… they bring the generations together,” my oldest daughter said when she was four (she’s now eight flight).
In conclusion, the hymn “How Great Thou Art” holds a special place in many people’s hearts, and its power is amplified when sung in moments of personal struggle and reflection. 97-year-old Bob’s touching rendition of the hymn from his hospital bed serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the profound influence of music. Bob’s heartfelt performance touched the hearts of many and serves as a reminder of the comforting and unifying power of hymns in times of joy and sorrow. His legacy lives on because of his steadfast faith and the beautiful hymn he sang for the last time, expressing his deep desire to be in the presence of the Lord.
We send our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Walters that they may be strong and keep their faith during these difficult times. Walters left a significant impact not only on his family and friends, but I believe on God before he met him in heaven.