Williams, Bill (William F.), 1931–2024

Dates

• Existence: March 11, 1931 - September 3, 2024

Biography

Rev. William F. “Bill” Williams passed away on September 3, 2024, following a lengthy illness. He spent a lifetime dedicated to delivering the Gospel of Jesus Christ as an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God, serving in numerous capacities of leadership and pastoral ministry.

A native of Olcott, West Virginia, Bill was the 6th of 10 children. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he was an instructor in the 3770th Tech Training Squadron, teaching airmen operating systems on B-29 bombers, C-125 cargo planes, B-47 bombers and F-80 fighters. He was called to preach in January 1954 after receiving the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and licensed as an Exhorter in the Church of God later that year. He received his ordination in 1961. Upon discharge from the Air Force in August of 1954, Bill enrolled at Lee College in Cleveland, Tennessee, receiving a degree in 1956. After graduation, he married Rose Marie, and the couple began evangelizing in West Virginia.

In 1958, the Williams felt God calling them to ministry in the western part of the United States. They moved to Texas and spent two years ministering and evangelizing until May 1960 when Bill was selected to serve as Youth Director for the Church of God in Texas. Bill spent less than a year in the post, accepting the appointment as lead pastor of Brownfield Church of God, also in Texas.

The Williams served as pastors at Brownfield until August 1964 when they were appointed to Iowa Park Church of God in Central Texas. During their 18 years of ministry at Iowa Park, the Williams mentored many and from that congregation 26 ministers now serve as pastors.

In state leadership, Brother and Sister Williams served the Church of God as state overseer of Colorado/Utah from 1982-1986, Oklahoma (1986-89), Texas (1989-1994), and South Georgia (1994-1998). Brother Williams also served on state youth boards, evangelism boards, state councils, and on the General Board of Benevolence.

Following their tenure in South Georgia, the Williams retired from full time ministry in 1998 and moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, where their son Mark and his wife, Sandra Kay, were pastoring the South Cleveland Church of God. When Mark and Sandra Kay moved to Tampa, Florida, to serve as lead pastor at the Riverhills Church of God, Brother and Sister Williams relocated to serve with them as Ministers of Pastoral Care. In 2004, the Williams returned to Cleveland, Tennessee, where they have lived in retirement.

Gender

• male

Occupations

• Clergy

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