William "Bill" Edward Claffey

Pastor William "Bill" Claffey, 92, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 5, 2024. He was born October 16,1931 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania to the late William L.Claffey and Clare Herwick Claffey. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanne Alford Claffey, who he considered to be his best friend and guardian angel. Those left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Debbie Poland (Stuart) of Liberty, NC, and Jeanne (Eddie) Brown of Greensboro, NC. He has three grandchildren Bill Poland (Catherine) of Greensboro, NC; David Poland of Liberty, NC and Jessica Brown, also of Greensboro. He has two great-grandchildren, John and Sarah Poland.

He was known for his service to God and country. He served four years in the US Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. Afterward, he worked in electronics repair. He made a profession of faith at 22, led to Christ by his wife, Jeanne. He later felt called into full-time ministry while attending Baptist Tabernacle Church in Wendell, NC. He was licensed in Gospel Ministry in 1956. He studied at Campbell College where he received an Associates degree in 1957 and then his Bachelor's degree at Atlantic Christian College in 1970 where he graduated Cum Laude in Religion and Philosophy. He was ordained by Highland Baptist Church in Raleigh in 1960. Then he was called to his first pastorate, Wilson's Mills Baptist Church near Smithfield, NC. He then served at Hephzibah Baptist Church near Princeton, NC, and West Mount Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC. He came to Greensboro, NC in 1975 to be the first full-time pastor of Gate City Baptist Church. Later, Bill also served at Jessup Grove Baptist Church and retired from Hillcrest Baptist Church in 1996. After he retired, he provided Pulpit supply to area churches and faithfully taught Bible School, Bible Study, and Sunday School for many years. Since 1975, he spoke in more than 20 churches in the Piedmont Triad. He returned to Gate City Baptist Church where he was a member until his death. In addition to his work as a pastor, he also served in the Piedmont Baptist Association as Moderator, Missions Committee Chairman, World Missions Conference Director, Pastor's Conference President, Missions Search Committee member, and Church Extension Counsel and Credentials member. He also supported a local Cambodian church ministry and did Prison Outreach. He also served his community as Trustee of the Christian Action League of NC, a member of the Board of Ministers at Campbell College, and Secretary of the Coalition of Concerned Churches of Guilford County.

In addition to his public service, Bill was privately a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather (PawPaw). He spent 71 blissful years with his wife whom he said he fell in love with at first sight. He was known for his warmth, quick wit, and sage wisdom. He started every day with coffee and prayer. He enjoyed walking at the mall with his wife and friends, bird watching on his porch, writing inspirational stories, thrift shopping, photography, fishing, and avidly loved music and played guitar. He also loved building computers with his grandsons. Most of all, he loved quality time with his family and spending time with his Lord. He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed both as a spiritual leader and devoted friend.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 2:00pm at Gate City Baptist Church located at 5250 Hilltop Rd., Jamestown, NC 27282, with Pastor Michael Owens officiating. Visitation for friends and loved ones will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 pm in the church sanctuary one hour prior to the service. Bill will be laid to rest next to his wife in Guilford Memorial Park Cemetery, 6000 West Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27407, immediately following the funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Gate City Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhsedgefield.com