Longtime Lavonia Pastor Richard Bielski Passes Away

Sad news for citizens in Lavonia who have lost a longtime pastor and friend to the community, the Rev. Richard Bielski.

Reverend Bielski passed away Saturday at his home after a long illness.

Originally from Michigan, Rev Bielski came to Lavonia in 1978 from a pastorate in College Park, GA and served as Pastor of First Baptist Lavonia until he retired in 1995.

After being named Pastor Emeritus, he also continued to serve as interim pastor at several local Baptist Churches and until his death, remained active in the community – serving, among other things, as the chaplain for the City of Lavonia City Council, and as one of the original members of the Land of Spirit plays.

In 2005, Rev Bielski and his wife Anne were named the recipients of the Margaret Ayers Award for Community Service.

In 2008, December 22 was designated “Richard Bielski Day” in Lavonia to recognize his many years of dedicated service to the community.

Prior to moving back to Georgia, Rev Bielski was named a Kentucky Colonel while serving as Pastor of a Church in Crestwood, KY where he was recognized for his civic involvement, including serving as a volunteer firefighter.

A visitation will be held Tuesday evening at the Lavonia Chapel of Strickland Funeral Home from 6p to 8p.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 11a at First Baptist Church of Lavonia.

Rev. Bielski was known for his love of life and his love of people and one of his last wishes was that those attending his memorial service wear brightly colored clothing and men wearing suits are asked to wear a brightly colored tie – no black or brown attire; even a Hawaiian shirt is fine.

The Rev. Bielski wanted everyone to reflect his love of life  celebrate it through a joyful expression of color.

The family requests donations be made in his memory to the Diabetes Association of Georgia in Athens.

The Reverend Richard Bielski was 85.