William Henry Coley

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.

William (Henry) was born September 1, 1947 to John Clarence Coley and Annie Mary Evington Coley in Campobello, S.C.

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 6 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 nick name 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 will be held at 2 pm Sunday February 20th followed by funeral service at 3 pm at Calvary Baptist Church in Cowpens, 451 Pleasant Valley Drive, Spartanburg 29307 with Rev. John Smith, Rev. Dennis Burger and Mr. Barry Edge officiating. 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.