William A. “Billy” Sandifer of Blackville, 92, died Aug. 21, 2015.

Sandifer was a farmer who was called to the ministry at the age of 33. He worked his way through Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to serving churches in North Carolina while attending school, he also later pastored the following South Carolina churches: Hagood Avenue Baptist in Barnwell, Amelia Street Baptist in Orangeburg, Nixville Baptist in Estill, Double Pond Baptist in Blackville, and Govan First Baptist. He also taught carpentry at the Barnwell County Career Center.

Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Virginia M. Sandifer, six children and stepchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife (of 52 years), Annie Margaret Hartzog Sandifer.