William H. Dougherty

William, affectionately known as Bill, was born on June 12, 1945 in Camden, New Jersey. After his graduation from Woodrow Wilson High School, Bill pursued higher education at Detroit Bible College in Michigan. While there he met and later married Kathryn (nee Shenkel). Soon after they began serving small churches in Michigan and New Jersey with youth ministries while working during the day to supplement their income. Early in their marriage, Kathryn was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and began to steadily decline in health. Bill became her caregiver until she passed away in June of 1992. During the caregiving time, Bill decided to finish his college school work by enrolling at Liberty University, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. His academic journey was marked by a deep commitment to his faith and a desire to serve others. Bill was ordained in July 1992 at Genesee Independent Bible Church in Flint, Michigan. He subsequently joined the Fellowship of Fundamental Bible Churches which owns Tri-State Bible Camp in Montague, NJ. Bill has served at Tri-State Bible camp as a camper, counselor, staff member and administrator over the years and has lived at the camp since November 2010 in the retirement apartments.

Despite this profound loss of Kathryn, he found love again and married Gloria (nee Harman) on July 3, 1993. Their nearly 31 year marriage was a testament to their unwavering love and partnership. Their love of ministry, missions and music allowed them to serve in several churches in New Jersey including Calvary Bible Church in Deptford, Berean Baptist Church (Milestone Church) and Milford Bible Church in Milford, PA touching countless lives with his kindness and spiritual guidance. Bill's ministry in each of these churches included directing holiday cantatas with dramatic plays blended into the presentations. Alongside Gloria, he embarked on numerous missionary trips, sharing his faith and compassion with communities around the world.

From 2001 to 2002, Bill and Gloria traveled to Dakar, Senegal, West Africa for missionary work through New Tribes Mission (Ethnos360) in Sanford, FL. This experience was one of many that highlighted their commitment to serving others. Their joint passion for travel took them on an impressive journey around the world, which they completed in one month’s time. Bill’s love for travel also brought him to Israel on four separate occasions, and various countries including the United Kingdom, Europe and South America.

In addition to his ministerial and missionary work, Bill had a love for model railroading and miniature golf. He also enjoyed dining out and exploring new cuisines. Bill and Gloria also enjoyed at least seven cruises together and with friends. In his later years, Bill’s greatest joy came from spending time with his beloved grandchildren, cherishing every moment with them. He made a point to attend as many of their school sporting events as he could. In recent years Bill loved vacationing with their grandchildren in Branson, Missouri; Orlando, Florida; and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Bill's legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria Dougherty; his son Robert Butts; his grandchildren Joshua Mueller, Caleb Mueller, Mariah Butts, and Harley Butts; his brother James Barr; and his sister-in-law Edith Barr as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Letitia Dougherty; his sisters Florence Foster Beck and Elizabeth Barr; his brothers Albert and William Barr; and his first wife Kathryn Shenkel.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Milford Bible Church, 110 Foxcroft Drive, Milford, PA, on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM. A fellowship luncheon will be provided after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Tri-State Bible Camp in Montague, NJ; Milford Bible Church Benevolence Fund, Milford, PA; The Gideons International; Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice in Newton, NJ; or the charity of your choice.