Rev. Garland Adolphus Fountain

Rev. Garland A. Fountain was born on January 2, 1934 to Thelma Aretha Fountain and the late Joseph Fountain. He was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School. Following inthe Fountain family tradition, He attended Virginia Union University, where he majored in History and received a Certificate in religious studies from the School of Theology in 1978. He also attended the Fredericksburg Bible Institute and Seminary where he obtained an Associate's Degree in Theology. He received a Bible Teacher Diploma from the International Bible Institute and Seminary of Plymouth, Florida. I-le was also a member of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Richmond. Having been reared and nurtured with a strong and non wavering Christian foundation, Revered Fountain was called by God at an early age. He joined First Union Baptist Church where his grandfather, the late Rev. Dr. J.E. Fountain was the pastor. Following in his grandfather's footsteps He would continue to carry the torch through pursuing the ministry where received his license to preach in 1956. He was ordained in 1967 at First Union Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Dt. William L. Henderson. Rev. Fountain has ahvays had a strong and dedicated work ethic. One of his first jobs was delivering groceries while a student at Virginia Union University. It was at that time that he met the love of his life, the former Earnestene Rutledge of Loris, South Carolina. They would later wed in holy matrimony in 1958. During that same year, Reverend Fountain and his First Lady Eamestene Fountain would give birth to their eldest daughter and also from this union, two additional daughters were born. Reverend Fountain continued to provide for his family and maintained his diligent and dedicated work ethic. He worked as a mail clerk at the Baptist Book Store for over 30 years until his retirement. Rev. Fountain, was a preacher's preacher, a true man of God, with non wavering faith and Christian value, who was the epitome of Gods servant. Reverend Fountain proudly and faithfully served as pastor at the Beulah Baptist Church in Tappahannock, Virginia for 39 years (1968-2007) and the Lovely Zion Baptist Church in Rawlings, Virginia (1972-2005) where he served for 34 years. In 2005, Revered Fountain received a proclamation from former Virginia Governor, Mark R. Warner congratulating him on his exemplary service, dedication, leadership and spiritual guidance to the ministry and on his 37th .Anniversary at the Beulah Baptist Church. In 2005, Reverend Fountain .became Pastor Emeritus of the Lovely Zion Baptist Church and also Pastor Emeritus at Beulah Baptist Church. Reverend Fountain not only served as a pastor and spiritual leader, he was also a counselor, teacher and friend to many and with his humbleness and his compassion he touch the lives of all of those who had the pleasure to be graced with his presence. During his 34 years of leadership at Lovely Zion Baptist Church, Reverend Fountain licensed one minister, ordained five deacons, consecrated three deaconess and appointed many trustees under his leadership and guidance. On Saturday July 16,2016,as a reward for his faithful service, God called our beloved Rev. Garland Fountain to his Heavenly Home. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 58 years Eamestene Fountain; daughters, Karen Fountain,Belinda (Craig) Johnson, Tina M. Fountain; stepson, Aaron Davis; mother, Aretha Fountain; sister,Rebecca Randolph; grandchildren, Joseph (Anna) Fountain, Jolita Fountain, Letrice Johnson, Christian Johnson, Natasha Davis; cousin Marva Colston; two sisters-in-law, Garlean Rutledge and Alicetine Hemmingway; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Reverend Garland A. Fountain was a one-of-a-kind true man of God ,who was loved by all ,who met him. His love and devotion will always be remembered and cherished and never forgotten.

Tributes

Rev. Garland Adolphus Fountain

January 2, 1934 - July 16, 2016