Ray McCauley’s second wife, Zelda Ireland, appeared as the grieving widow at this memorial service on Thursday, 17 October, at the Rhema Bible Church.
Holding the hand of Basetsana Kumalo, the blonde former model, who sat in the front row, was praised for standing by the pastor in “difficult times.”
This included his high-profile divorce from his first wife Lyndie and his controversial lifestyle, which was described as “flashy.”
Ray – who died last week at the age of 75 years old – will be laid to rest this weekend.
RAY MCCAULEY’S WIDOW PRAISED BY PASTORS
During the memorial service, which was attended by Gauteng MEC Penyaza Lesufi and former minister Tokyo Sexwhale, the family of Ray McCauley was praised for their support of the popular pastor.
Ray’s son Josh and his wife Tara, who both took over the helm of the church in 2022, were also thanked for “standing together with Zelda” through difficult times.
The reference was to his second wife, Zelda Ireland, whom he married in 2001. Their marriage came just months after he announced his divorce from his first wife, Lyndie, the mother of his two children.
Zelda – dressed in all black – sported red lipstick and matching nails.
One pastor – At Boshoff – addressed the blonde woman, saying: “You were the love of his life. He loved you and treasured you”.
According to Josh, Zelda was with him in his dying moments and even prayed over him before he passed.
The blonde woman appeared alongside Ray McCauley in many pictures in a special slide-show tribute ahead of the service.
However, his first wife, Lyndie, was notably omitted.
Images via YouTube screenshot: Rhema Bible Church
DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE
While Ray McCauley was known for his path as a pastor to a thriving church, he also made headlines for his somewhat controversial private life, which included a “flashy” lifestyle and two dramatic marriages.
In 2000, Ray announced his divorce from his first wife of over 20 years, Lyndie. A year later, after a whirlwind romance, he married model Zelda Ireland.
Before signing his divorce papers, Ray claimed that Lyndie had refused to reconcile, as advised by Rhema church elders.
Addressing his congregation, he said during one sermon: “Lyndie has not found it within herself to follow this counsel. And, so it is with great sadness and regret that I have to announce that Lyndie has initiated divorce proceedings.”
Their marriage breakdown – and Ray McCauley’s romance with Zelda – led to a split in the church, with many leaving as a result.
Images via Facebook: Ray McCauley/ Lyndie McCauley
Lyndie later described her marriage to Ray as “emotional torture” and described him as an “angry man who loses his temper a lot.”
She also claimed that Ray had “excommunicated” her from family.
Fast forward to 2010, Rhema Church announced that Ray and Zelda were to divorce. However, a few years later, the couple “reconciled,” and in 2013, they remarried, announced the Citizen.
WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT RAY MCCAULEY?
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