Reverend Bill Earley

Reverend Bill Earley, age 69, of Butler Road, Forest City, died Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at Atrium Health – Cleveland in Shelby.

Bill was born September 12, 1950 in Onslow County, NC to the late George Washington Earley and Elizabeth Bowen Earley.  He was a graduate of Fruitland Bible College and served as an ordained minister for twenty-five years. He also worked as a cabinet maker for many years. He was talented at woodworking, especially carving and wood burning. He was an avid fisherman and a member of High Shoal Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Gale Earley.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 28 years, Melinda Wall Earley; step-daughter, Heather Anton (Tom) of Forest City; three grandchildren, Joshua Keeter, Morgan Keeter and Abbie Anton; a sister, Debra Earley Winters; three brothers, Ben Earley, Horace Earley and Tim Earley all of Jacksonville, NC. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at High Shoal Baptist Church with Reverend John Godfrey and Reverend Ray Hefner officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the church.  Burial will follow at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial donations are requested to the American Kidney Fund, www.kidneyfund.org