As he would
always tell everyone, "If you've heard that Rev. William Henry Coley is
deceased, don't you believe it. He's more alive than he's ever been!"
After a long battle with cancer, on Wednesday, February 16, at age 74, William
Henry Coley passed over into Heaven - HOME - where he will spend eternity with
his Father God and Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He is survived
by his loving wife, Jenny; his two children, Mark Coley of Canton, GA. (Maria)
and Amy Coley Vernon (Chris) of Campobello. Also surviving are grandson, Nuggie
Vernon (Kasey); granddaughter, Presley Coley; great-grandson, Kastahn Brock;
and great-granddaughter, Addy Vernon; two sisters, Jean Solesbee and Mary Ann
Mitchell.
He was
predeceased by six brothers, JC Coley, Oneal Coley, Joe Coley, Fred Coley,
Leonard Coley and Charles Coley.
He was a
graduate of Chapman High School. He went on to study at Tabernacle Baptist
College. For years, he was a faithful member and Sunday School teacher of
Parkway Baptist Church until 1985, when God called him into ministry to preach
The Gospel at Calvary Baptist Church in Cowpens, S.C.
It is at Calvary
that he faithfully served and pastored for nearly 37 years. Before he became
sick, he had only missed one service in just shy of 30 years. Every Sunday and
Wednesday, he was devoted to being in his place in the pulpit, preaching The
Gospel with excitement and teaching his congregation how to become better
Christians and encouraging them to love and pray for one another - and others.
The rest of the week, he was out visiting those in the hospital and those who
were sick or home-bound, showing support to those in need, calling to check on
his flock, on his knees fervently praying, and witnessing and testifying to
anyone who would listen. He sacrificed so much of his time and denied himself
daily in order to serve God and others. He had a special love for people and a
gift for being able to share their joys and sorrows and found great joy in
seeing people's lives changed by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Rev. Coley loved hard, and he preached hard. He preached The Truth and never
apologized for it, because he loved people enough to. He also possessed a
playful sense of humor, always sharing his good old Coleyology! He was blessed
with wisdom, blessed with love, and blessed with a gift for sharing both. He
always said, "When I'm in the pulpit, I'm your preacher and I'm gonna lay
it on you, and when I'm not in the pulpit, I'm your pastor and your best
friend."
Henry Coley
loved being a pastor, and he loved his family! If you had a nickname from him, you know you were loved!
Until his very
last breath, he remained in the humble spirit of the Lord. With his hand
holding on to his Bible, he was praising our Lord and giving Him glory! He was
a man of great unwavering faith on which he built his life, who always strove
to remain in close fellowship with the Lord and truly desired to live a great
life of purpose - in God's will. Well done to a good and faithful servant!
Visitation was held at 2 pm Sunday February 20 followed by funeral service at 3 pm at
Calvary Baptist Church in Cowpens, 451 Pleasant Valley Drive, Spartanburg
29307. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.
In lieu of
flowers, those who desire may donate to Calvary Baptist Church in effort to
carry on his legacy and love for the church.
Seawright
Funeral Home, Inman SC
