Rev. Freddie Ray Bales of Friendship, Ohio gloriously went to be with the Lord at 4:15 PM Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at SOMC in Portsmouth, Ohio after a brief illness at the age of 83. We would like to thank the staff at SOMC for their generosity and kindness. Rev. Freddie Ray Bales was born December 12, 1937, to the late Glenn and Leafy Bales of Chillicothe, Ohio. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings; Robert Bales and James Bales.
Rev. Bales is survived by the love of his life, Ida Mae Payne Bales of 62 years, his son, Pastor Mark Ray (Joy) Bales of Stout, Ohio, 2 daughters; Nancy Mae (Ray) McGinnis also of Stout, Ohio, and Joy Kay (Tucker) Jones of Wheelersburg, Ohio. 7 grandchildren; Andy (Jessica) McGinnis, Wesley (April) Bales, April (Gary) Chaffins, Wade (Brianna) Bales, Whitley (Madison) Bales, Derec (Shana) Jones, Ryan Jones (Fiancé Taylor McNichols), and 7 great-grandchildren including little Angel Faith in Heaven who he is holding in his arms today.
Rev. Bales was miraculously saved at the age of 17 at Mount of Praise Camp Meeting in Circleville, Ohio, and went from a barstool to a Bible school within one week as heard in his life story on “Unshackled” a worldwide radio program. After Fred and Ida were married in 1958 the Lord led them into full-time evangelistic work as they traveled across America and other countries holding revivals for the next 20 years. Rev. Bales has also served as a Pastor, Hospital Chaplain, jail/prison minister, and most recently he proudly served alongside his son as the assistant pastor at 3:16 Ministries. His dedication to the Lord, his family, and others was proven through his Christ-like influence.
A celebration of life service will be 3:00 PM Sunday, January 17, 2021, at the Nauvoo United Methodist Church (5th St, West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663) with Pastor Mark Bales officiating. Family and friends may call at the church starting at 1:00 PM.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com. We request that CDC guidelines be honored throughout the visitation and service. Masks are required.
Donations can be made to Rev. Bales’ home church: 3:16 Ministries, P.O. Box 355, Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694, or the Ida Bales GoFundMe account. https://gofund.me/bacfc50d “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10 KJV
