Zachery Tims Death: Fla. Pastor's Wake Changed to Private Event
Despite earlier announcements that both the wake and funeral for Zachery Tims would be streamed online Friday for visitors to New Destiny Christian Center's (NDCC) website, the Florida pastor's family members have decided at the last minute to make both events private.
Tims' wake, scheduled for Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., was no longer available for viewing on NDCC's website, www.ndcc.tv.
The late pastor's family requested that both the wake and funeral, scheduled for Saturday, be closed to members of the media, according to a newly-edited flyer posted the Florida megachurch's website.
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The tribute service for Tims, however, was still scheduled to be streamed live Friday on www.ndcc.tv starting at 7 p.m.
Thousands were expected to be in attendance Friday at NDCC, located in Apopka, Fla., to pay final respects to Pastor Zachery Tims, who was found dead Aug. 12 in a New York City hotel room.
Tims' funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, at First Baptist Church of Orlando. A viewing is also scheduled for 10 a.m.
The late pastor's supporters, unable to view the wake online, had taken to NDCC's Facebook page Friday to express their disappointment that Tims' family had decided to keep the wake private.
"Sorry it wont be streammed (sic)... we respect wishes of family, for those who cannot be there would have helped us in our grief as well," wrote Christina Asher Jones.
Other users, however, thought Tims' family members made a wise decision in keeping the wake private.
Karaya Gage, commenting on the issue on another Facebook page, wrote, "It should be off to media. Let the family grieve in peace. They don't need the world sharing in this personal matter."
Another commenter, Keairra Bolden, wrote, "I believe it should be private. The family has not even had time to heal but only deal with negativity. I believe there are reasons to why they want it private. I wish people will let this situation be and leave it alone."
Tims, 42, was senior pastor and CEO of NDCC. The late pastor 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 on August 12.
Officials, who have ruled out any foul play, were still investigating what may have caused Tims' tragic demise.
