William Edward Witcher

Rev. William Edward Witcher, 68, met his Savior face to face on Monday, July 29, 2013, when he died peacefully in his sleep at his home. He was born December 16, 1944, to Clara and J. B. Witcher in Wynne, Arkansas. He was born again on October 31, 1962, when he accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. He married Esther Grogan Witcher on June 16, 1966. He is survived by Esther Witcher, his wife of 47 years, of Forrest City; his daughter, Andrea Brock and her husband Mike Brock of Forrest City; his three grandchildren, Josh, Jackson and Emma; his brother Terry Witcher of Indiana and his sisters Rachel Boruff, Judy Sarvela and Marilyn Qualls all of Michigan. Rev. William Witcher was the Pastor of Oak Hill Church of God. He preached his first sermon for that congregation on the last Sunday of July 1970, and he preached his final sermon for that congregation on the last Sunday of July 2013, exactly 43 years later. Oak Hill Church of God was the only church Rev. Witcher ever pastured and he dedicated his life of ministry to that precious family of God. Rev. Witcher was not only a pastor to Oak Hill church of God, but he was also a pastor to the entire community. He loved Forrest City and saw Eastern Arkansas as his mission field. He was a man known for his love of people. He was always available to minister to those in need. To those who were hungry, he gave good; to those who were sick, he visited; and to those who were lost, he shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. In addition to his service and ministry to this community, he served as District Bishop more than 20 years and he served on numerous state leadership boards for the Church of God over the last 43 years. Rev. Witcher loved to preach the gospel more then anything. He loved to sing (even though he said he ("couldn't carry a tune in a bucket"). He also loved antique cars and was a member of the Cross County Car Club. He enjoyed visiting the local coffee shops every day and his routine started with drinking coffee and visiting at Sawmill followed by breakfast and more visiting at McDonald's before he headed to his office at the church. Rev. Witcher also loved to work in his garden and to spend time with his three grandchildren. To say he will be greatly missed is an understatement. Funeral services for Rev. Witcher will be held Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Oak Hill Church of God, with burial to follow at Barnishaw Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m. at the Church, Friday. The family request memorials be made to the Oak Hill Church of God, 97 SFC 309, Forrest City, Ark. 72335. Visit online registry at stevensfuneralhome.net. Under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.