A joyous, God-praising time highlighted the homegoing service of Dr. Rickey Rene Grundy on August 8.
The award-winning musician, composer, director and producer passed away on July 27. However, thousands gathered at Mount Moriah Baptist Church to celebrate his enduring legacy.
The spirit-filled service featured moving tributes from his parents, the Rev. Dr. James and Mrs. Evelyn C. Perkins, pastor and first lady of True Friendship Baptist Church in Inglewood; his brothers, Ruel and Rafael Grundy; and his god sister, Susaun Wade. Also, his daughter, Vanessa Grundy, sang an electrifying rendition of “To God Be the Glory,” and his son, Elder Chrystopher Grundy, preached a dynamic eulogy for his father entitled “The Testimony of a Good Man” based on Psalm 37:23.
Serving as worship leaders were the Rev. Dr. Melvin V. Wade, Sr., pastor of Mount Moriah and Grundy’s godfather; and the Rev. Dr. Gentre Adkins III, pastor of Faithful St. Mark M.B. Church where Grundy was a member.
A number of clergy participated including Dr. Marvis L. Davis, Grundy’s cousin; the Rev. Xavier L. Thompson, the Rev. Jeffrey M. Lewis, Dr. Robert A. Williams, Dr. Cecil ‘Chip’ Murray, the Rev. Auty N. Williams, the Rev. Chris LeGrande and the Rev. Anthony Pigee. Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, who was out of town, sent a video message recalling his years of playing with Grundy while both were musicians at Mount Moriah.
Grundy, who was often described as a ‘musician’s musician,’ was also saluted by Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux of the Gospel Music Heritage Foundation and Dr. Rodena Preston of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Sharifa Norris of Faithful St. Mark M.B. Church and Mrs. Mary Cotton, president of Minister’s Wives and Widows of Inglewood and Vicinity along with many churches and organizations presented honorary resolutions. In addition, Dr. Betty Price of Crenshaw Christian Center and Mrs. Togetta Ulmer of Faithful Central Bible Church were in attendance.
Reminiscing about his relationship with Grundy, Dr. Wade said, “Ricky lived in our home for a number of years and we helped to nurture and raise him in the way that he should go. We love him and our hearts are just as heavy as any member of his family starting with Rev. and Mrs. Perkins.”
Longtime friend, Quaford Coleman, said, “I was blessed to have known Rickey and had a front row seat for nearly 45 years to witness the evolution of an extraordinary individual and a rare musician/producer.
“One memory stands out, the ‘Crown Prince of Gospel’ and close friend, Rev. James Cleveland wanted to do a solo album and with all of the musicians and producers he knew around the country, he asked Rickey to produce his only solo album in his 50+ year career. That underscores the type of musician/producer he was. I will miss Rickey very much.”
Following the service, Grundy’s remains were interred at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Cemetery.
