Honoring the Life of Bishop Michael Ray Couch
Bishop Michael Ray Couch, 70, of Winnsboro, Louisiana, passed from this life on July 31, 2026, after a courageous battle with a brief illness, concluding a life well lived, in which he kept the faith and now awaits his rightful place in glory.
Homegoing service for Bishop Couch will be held at Apostolic Tabernacle in Liddieville. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 5 to 9 p.m., and the memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at New Life Cemetery in Liddieville under the direction of Young’s Community Memorial, Winnsboro.
He was the founding pastor of Apostolic Tabernacle in Liddieville, Louisiana, served as director of Apostolic Independent Missions (AIM), Philippines, and was a widely sought-after camp meeting and conference speaker and a highly regarded Bible teacher. Bishop Couch stood out as a giant among preachers, unmistakable in his clarity, conviction and unwavering commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Acts 2:38 Oneness message.
Bishop Couch is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara Kay (Chandler) Couch; his children: Stephen Couch and wife Kandy of Winnsboro, Louisiana; Shawn Couch and wife Deena of Guthrie, Oklahoma; and Marla West of Winnsboro, Louisiana; his son-in-law, JT West of Hickman, Kentucky; grandchildren Madeline Brooks and husband Josh, Mallory Couch, Merriel Couch, Ashlee Kelley and Ally Williams; great-grandchildren Colten Brooks, Ella Brooks and Bently Beaupre; and his grand-dog, Dasher Fritz. He is also survived by his sister, Sue Engebretson and her husband, Russel; Linda Sampson; Glenda Severs and husband Brad; Brenda McCormack and husband Nathan; a host of nieces and nephews, and by Mark Batterton, whom he regarded as the brother he never had. He was supported throughout his ministry by his secretary of more than 45 years, Marie Stephenson; his ever-present “man Friday,” Paul Dale Mixon; and too many faithful church congregants and friends across the world to name, along with a host of bonus children and grandchildren near and far.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Delores Couch; his grandson, Michael Chandler Couch; his father-in-law, Rev. Bobby Chandler; his mother-in-law, Patsy Ann Chandler; his brother-in-law, Marvin Sampson; his nephew, Bobby Joe Sampson; his “little brother” Rev. Bruce Campbell, and with his lifelong friend and pastor, Elder Eddie Jones of Gilmer, Texas, whose daily fellowship and prayerful support shaped his life and ministry.
Born Aug. 7, 1955, in Oklahoma City, OK, Bishop Couch’s early life reflected the discipline and drive that would define his ministry. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts. He attended public school through the 10th grade and completed the 11th and 12th grades at Bro. Eddie Ray’s Christian School.
He received the Holy Ghost at age 13 in an Assembly of God church and having later received the revelation of One God, he was then baptized in Jesus’ Name by Brother Goss. Called to preach at age 14, he began evangelizing at 16 and continued until age 24.
He met Barbara Chandler, who would later become his wife and partner in evangelistic travel, at the Racine, Missouri, camp meeting in July 1974. After he followed the Chandlers home for revival services, they began corresponding, were engaged in March 1975, and married on June 6, 1975, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, with Rev. Jim Triplett officiating.
In 1979, Bishop Couch founded a storefront church in Gilbert, Louisiana. The congregation later transitioned to Liddieville, where he built Apostolic Tabernacle in 1980. During construction, services were held in the home of Bro. and Sis. Junior Parks. That same year, he started a Christian school. After receiving $50,000, he intended to build a house for his family, but when he felt directed by God, he used the funds to build the school instead. As the work continued to grow, he oversaw the construction of a 34,000-square-foot, $8 million sanctuary in 2004.
In 2010, at the direction of AIM founder Donald Lance, Bishop Couch energetically assumed the role of General Director of Apostolic Independent Missions (AIM). His deep love for the Filipino people was unmistakable. He poured himself into the work building lasting friendships, strengthening pastors, and investing in churches across the Philippines with a faithfulness that became one of the defining marks of his ministry. In 2017 he led AIM to buy and renovate a national headquarters in Lapu Lapu City, just outside of Cebu, that became homebase for the AIM Aflame Bible Institute, while drawing overflow crowds in excess of 1,300 for the annual national convention.
His interests were as wide-ranging as his abilities. He held a pilot’s license and enjoyed aviation, hunting, fishing, skiing, scuba diving, traveling, and music.
Whether in the air, on the water or behind a pulpit, he approached everything with the same enthusiasm and excellence. Among his favorite sayings were: “The best is yet to come,” “Serving the Lord is not always easy, but it’s always right,” and “The reason God honors faith is faith honors God.” These words were not mere expressions; they were convictions he lived by and imparted to countless others.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” —2 Timothy 4:7
These words written by the Apostle Paul beautifully and accurately reflect the life of Bishop Couch. He fought faithfully, served humbly, loved sincerely, and finished honorably.
Pallbearers will be Berry Kellum, Eric Andrews, Garrett Andrews, Dustin Spence, Ray Addison, Chris Hunter, and Danny Young. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Batterton and Paul Dale Mixon.
The family extends special thanks to Bro. and Sis. Greg Johnson, of Ogden, UT for their loving support during this difficult season, and to the entire congregation of Apostolic Tabernacle for all the meals, care, love, prayers, and support through it all.
The Memorial Slideshow for Bishop Michael Ray Couch is available on YouTube. This video pays tribute to his life, ministry, and legacy. [1]
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DXecHOFUV0Fk&ved=2ahUKEwit5NjQwJKWAxXtB4YAHUVZJOwQy_kOegoIAggACAAIBhAC&opi=89978449&cd&psig=AOvVaw2BoXAz8o_hB6iO8FE11Yq1&ust=1786329107895000
