Church Elders

Derricke Gray has been a part of the River of Life family for 28 years, serving faithfully as an elder for 25 of those years. Married to his wife, Kathy, for 41 years, Derricke is the proud father of two sons, Josh and Micah, and loves spending time with his grandchildren.

Before entering full-time ministry, Derricke worked as a computer engineer. Today, he serves as both a pastor and teacher at River of Life, pouring his heart into helping others grow in their walk with Christ.


In his free time, Derricke enjoys fishing, golfing, and making memories with family. His favorite Bible verse, Galatians 2:20, reflects his life’s passion: living fully in Christ.



Chuck Coburn has been part of the River of Life family for 23 years, serving faithfully as both an elder and staff member throughout that time. He and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 27 years and are proud parents to three adult children—Jaelynn (25), Carlee (24), and Preston (22).

Over the years, Chuck has served in a variety of ministry roles, including Associate Pastor/Life Group Pastor, Associate Pastor/Administrator, Senior Pastor, and Youth/Education Pastor. At River of Life, he is actively involved in Life Groups, the Tech Team, IT, and many other areas of church ministry.


In his free time, Chuck enjoys playing golf. His favorite Bible verse, Zephaniah 3:17, reflects his passion for seeing God’s people strengthened, encouraged, and filled with joy.




Wade Hilton has been part of the River of Life family since 1994 and has served as a board member since 1997. He and his wife, Margaret, have been married since 1964 and are blessed with three children.

Wade’s career was with the U.S. Postal Service, and in retirement, he continues to serve faithfully at River of Life as an usher. He enjoys woodworking, traveling, and using his time and talents to bless others.


His favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:1, is a reminder of the freedom believers have in Christ: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”



Ron Huddleston has been a member of River of Life since 1996 and has served as an elder since 2018. He and his wife, Carol, have been married since 2007, and together they enjoy a large, loving family of seven children, thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Ron’s career spans decades of service and leadership. He served as a Naval Officer from 1970 to 1996, followed by nearly 20 years as an NJROTC instructor. Since 2016, he has continued to invest in others as a math tutor.


At River of Life, Ron is actively involved in the Every Man A Warrior discipleship program and prison ministry. In the past, he has served as a praise team vocalist, adult and teen Sunday school teacher, and youth ministry helper. His life and ministry are deeply shaped by his favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”


Ralph Oliver


Ralph Oliver has been a devoted member of River of Life for 20 years, where he has faithfully served as a church elder for 18 of those years. He is married to his wife, Etta Jo, and together they have raised three children—sons James and Wesley Oliver, and daughter Wendy Paterson. Their family has grown to include seven grandchildren and two great-grandsons, who bring joy and blessing to their lives.

Ralph’s professional career was spent as a forester with St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. In addition, he is a licensed and ordained minister and a graduate of Holmes Bible College, where he earned a Bachelor of Theology. Over the years, he has pastored six churches across Florida, faithfully shepherding God’s people.

His ministry involvement has been wide-ranging, from teaching Bible classes and serving on the visitation and welcome committees, to prison ministry in Franklin County. He has also been active in missions, serving in Mexico for several years alongside River of Life, and ministering internationally in Africa, Jamaica, and Haiti.

Outside of ministry, Ralph enjoys camping, traveling, and farming. He especially loves working the land—growing hay and sugar cane and making syrup.

Ralph’s favorite verse is Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This verse reflects his lifelong commitment to living fully for Christ.


James Parker


James and Janice Parker have been married for 47 years and are the proud parents of three sons—Adam, Joshua, and Kyle Parker. Their family has grown to include 17 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, bringing them great joy and fulfillment.

For the past 24 years, James and Janice have been faithful members of River of Life, even helping to build the Dome. James has served as an elder for over a decade, offering wisdom and leadership to the church family.

James is the owner of Parker and Sons Lawncare, providing professional lawncare services for both residential and commercial clients. He enjoys working alongside two of his sons in the business, and occasionally, his grandchildren as well.

The Parkers have a deep heart for ministry. For more than 20 years, they have hosted a small group in their home each month, creating a warm space for fellowship and spiritual growth. James also leads the Monday night prayer meeting in the Dome and sometimes plays acoustic guitar with the ROL Praise Team.

James’ favorite Bible verse is Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”



Bryan Camp 


Bryan Camp has been a member of River of Life since 1994 and has served as an elder since 1998. He and his wife, Suzanne, have been married for 32 years and are blessed with two children, Casey and Brianne.

Bryan is a dedicated school teacher and also owns and operates Bryan’s Lawn Care. In addition to his role as elder, he serves on the church security team, helping to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.


An avid outdoorsman, Bryan enjoys hunting and snow skiing in his free time. His favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:5–6, reflects his commitment to trusting the Lord in all aspects of life.


Todd Meyer 


Todd Meyer has been a part of the River of Life family for 18 years and has faithfully served as a board member for the past 10 years. He and his wife, Angela, have been married for 27 years and are blessed with a daughter, Ania, who is 23 years old.

Over the years, Todd has been actively involved in many areas of ministry. He and Angela lead the marriage class, and he also serves in men’s ministry, security, membership classes, and helps lead the offering and counting team. His heart for service and dedication to the church family are evident in the many ways he contributes.

Professionally, Todd works as a Production Supervisor. In his free time, he enjoys reading the Bible, golfing, and spending quality time with his wife.

Todd’s favorite verse is Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This scripture reflects his desire to live a life fully surrendered to God’s guidance.


Kyle Jones 


Kyle Jones has been a part of the River of Life family for 22 years. He and his wife, Susan, have been married for 23 years and are blessed with two children: their daughter, Molly BoWell, and their son, Kyler Jones.

Kyle previously served as a federal employee and now owns his own business. Beyond his career, he is deeply committed to ministry at River of Life, where he serves faithfully as an usher and helps lead the College & Career class, mentoring young adults as they grow in their faith.

In his free time, Kyle enjoys spending time outdoors, especially fishing and hunting.

His favorite Bible verse is 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This verse is a constant reminder of the power of the gospel and the grace we have through Jesus Christ.


Travis "Scooter" Perez


Scooter Perez has been a part of the River of Life family for 25 years and has faithfully served as an elder for the past 17 years. He and his wife, Cynthia, have been married for 25 years and are blessed with three sons and six beautiful grandchildren who bring great joy to their lives.

Professionally, Scooter works in construction, but his heart is deeply invested in ministry. He is actively involved in leading men’s ministry and facilitating the Love and Respect class, where he and Cynthia minister to couples and families with a passion for strengthening marriages and encouraging spiritual growth.

In his free time, Scooter enjoys spending time on the water with his family, cherishing the moments that bring both relaxation and connection.

His favorite Bible passage is 2 Peter 1:3-5, which reminds him of God’s divine power, the promises we have in Christ, and the call to grow in faith, goodness, knowledge, and perseverance.


Josh Gray has been a member of River of Life for over 20 years and serves in ministry by leading life groups for families with young children. Married to his wife, Brittany, for 13 years, Josh is the proud father of three daughters.

He works for the State of Florida and, in his free time, enjoys fishing, golfing, and spending time with his family. Josh is passionate about building community within the church and helping families grow together in faith.