John William “Preacher Bill” Ellison, 73, of Williamston, died Feb. 15, 2014.

Born March 21, 1940, he was a Southern Baptist minister for 50 years, having served Friendship Baptist Church, Abbeville, for 18 years, Bountyland Baptist Church, Seneca, for 19 years and in 15 interim positions since 2000. He was active in Beaverdam Association, having preached the annual sermon in 1982 and serving on the personnel committee in 1997.

“Preacher Bill Ellison always went the second mile when fulfilling a pastoral interim,” said Delano McMinn, retired director of missions for Saluda Association. “He loved people wherever he went.” Even in the last days of his life, while in hospice care, Ellison shared his faith with several nurses, McMinn said.

Survivors include his wife, Robbie Hart Ellison, a son and a grandson.