The man whose story reminds me of these verses is Alfred B. Smith. He spent many years sharing beautiful hymns with the American people. And he helped people to understand the Scriptural foundation of many of these hymns.
He went home to be with the Lord on August 9, 2001, just about month before terrorists destroyed the Twin Towers, just about one month before America was changed for ever. It appears that Al Smith was one of those righteous men whom God took away from the evil to come. Praise God for His merciful kindness.