CROMIE, REVEREND DR. RICHARD MARLIN 76, of Matthews, died February 9, 2013 at Carolinas Medical Center-Mercy, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 9, 1936, son of the late Harry Marlin and Margaret Acker Cromie. Dr. Cromie is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He received his Ph.D. degree at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. In 1981, Dr. Cromie received the Doctor of Divinity degree from Grove City College in Western Pennsylvania. In 1982, Dr. Cromie founded Desert Ministries, bringing the Living Water of Christ to people everywhere. Dr. Cromie retired from his pastorate at the Royal Poinciana Chapel in Palm Beach, FL in January of 2004. Prior to his retirement, he served pastorates in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Mt. Lebanon, PA, Pittsburgh, PA and Allison Park, PA. He also served at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Cromie was a Moderator of the Pittsburgh Presbytery and was a published author. Dr. Cromie left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His faith, love and compassion touched the hearts of everyone and brought Christ's love into their hearts. With just a look, word or a prayer he could alter the course of their lives. Dr. Cromie is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Margaret Good Cromie; daughters, Catherine C. DeCramer (Michael) of Charlotte, NC, Anne C. Cromie of Gainesville, FL and the Rev. Courtney B. Cromie of Jackson, NJ; and two grandchildren, Madeline and Wil DeCramer; and his sister, Alice Williams of Pgh., PA. He was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Williams; and his brother, Robert Cromie. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at Sardis Presbyterian Church, 6100 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC, with The Reverend Dr. J. Thomas Kort officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall. Additionally, services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the Southminster Presbyterian Church, 799 Washington Rd. (Mount Lebanon), Pittsburgh, PA, and in South Florida at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Desert Ministries, Inc., P.O. Box 747, Matthews, NC 28106 or Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 140, Jackson, NJ 08527. Notes of encouragement and condolences may be left at www.desmin.org. J.B. Tallent Funeral Service is assisting the family.