Obituaries

Dr. Marion Woodrow Church, MDiv 1974, known to friends as “Woody,” passed away on November 3, 2018, at the age of 75 years. Woody lived his life with a passion for sharing God’s love and teaching God’s Word. A native of Ashland, Kentucky, Woody attended Ashland Senior High School, University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Asbury Theological Seminary and Lexington Theological Seminary. Woody was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. In 1970, he was ordained in the United Methodist Church and served in pastoral ministry in the Kentucky Conference. He was the founding pastor of both St. Luke UMC in Lexington, Kentucky and Church of the Savior in Nicholasville. In 1990 he moved to Greenwood, Indiana to serve on staff at Community Church of Greenwood. In 1996, he founded Rod & Staff Biblical Counseling Center. Upon retiring from Rod & Staff he returned to pastoral ministry at Stones Crossing Church, a church he helped plant, in Greenwood. Woody was honored to be a Kentucky Colonel and a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash. As a Biblical Counselor, he was a certified trainer for both the International Association of Biblical Counselors and the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. Woody is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy, daughters Marianne Cox (Joe) and Luann Luck (Scott). He is much beloved by his four grandchildren: Madeline & Hayden Cox, and Harrison and Ryan Luck. He is also survived by sisters, Garnet Gordon, Mary Robinson, Betty Widener and brother, Jack Church.

Barry Dickens, MDiv 1983,  passed away December 25, 2018 following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 62. Barry was born in Albuquerque. As his father was active duty Air Force, Barry dubbed himself a “military brat” and the family lived in a variety of places as he grew up, moving from Albuquerque to Germany, to Virginia, to Ohio, then returning to Albuquerque in 1972 when his dad retired. Barry met Susan at Del Norte High School, where they started dating in 1974. They married in 1977. His love of God and his love of people led Barry to be called to the ministry. After he gr aduated with his Masters of Divinity from Asbury Seminary in 1983, he served multiple United Methodist Churches in the New Mexico Annual Conference – Cedar Crest, Santa Fe, Tucumcari, Carlsbad, & Los Alamos. Barry then served 6 years as the District Superintendent of the Clovis District, being the “pastor’s pastor” for 52 churches and their clergy. He took disability from the Conference in 2012 and moved back to Albuquerque with his wife. Barry led a compassionate and passionate life. He reached out to everyone he met, including strangers, and strived to help others in any way that he could. He was always a kid at heart, never having truly grown up, and loved being involved in children & youth ministries. Barry conducted a backpacking ministry for the conference for 20+ years, touching the lives of many youth throughout New Mexico. During these backpacking trips, many young people discovered God for the first time. Barry’s passion for the mountains, hiking, and the outdoors went hand-in-glove with his love of photography. Barry loved to capture the beauty of God’s creation as well as friends and family living life to the fullest. He loved adventure, traveling to new countries and experiencing new cultures (though his severe lack of foreign language skills often made the trips interesting). Barry was also an accomplished woodworker and spent any free moments he had working on projects in his shop. He loved teaching – the research involved in preparing for the course, the opportunity to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for many topics, most of all biblical subjects, and the excitement on the participant’s faces as they enjoyed what he had to share. He loved to preach and he loved to tell stories. Barry’s greatest passion was for his family. He is a treasured husband, father, son, and brother. Barry is preceded in death by his son, David, who died in 2003 in a hiking accident. He is also preceded by his parents, Pete and Mary Jane Dickens. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan; and his children, Kimberly (Matthew Casiano), Rachel, and Peter (Sara); and one granddaughter, Thea Dickens, 10 months. He is also survived by his sister, Gwen Zollars (Chuck) and his brothers, John (Jeanne Banks) and Owen (Jenny). 

Reverend James Hillis Humphrey, MDiv 1982, 61, of Guilford Lake, Hanoverton, Ohio, died on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center in Canton, Ohio, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Canton on December 23, 2018. Jim Humphrey was born on July 25, 1957, in Salem the son of the late Don W. and Elinor (Gray) Humphrey and grew up on the family farm at Adair. Jim graduated from United Local High School in 1975; received a bachelor of arts degree from Mount Union College in 1979 and a Master of Divinity Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1982. Recently retired, Rev. Jim was a United Methodist pastor for more than 35 years. He was a joyful servant of God with a passion for mission work, leading youth retreats and singing in church and community choirs. As pastor, he served Canfield, New Philadelphia First, Doylestown, Shelby, Toronto and Coalburg United Methodist churches. Jim served six years as the Three Rivers District Superintendent in Coshocton supervising more than 70 churches in that district. At that time he served as Secretary of the Cabinet. He was an integral part of establishing the Joshua Project, an urban mission outreach in Steubenville, Ohio. He volunteered many years at Camp Aldersgate on Leesville Lake. He currently was serving as Secretary of the East Ohio Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Rev. Jim led multiple youth and church groups on mission projects to North Carolina and Tennessee. He also led groups to New York City to learn about the United Nations and the United Methodist Church mission work around the world. An avid fan of musical theater, Jim never missed an opportunity to see the latest Broadway show. He also loved boating on Guilford Lake after his retirement. None of these activities can compare to his love of leading people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is survived by his brothers, Don W. Humphrey, Jr., of Adair and David L. (Joyce) Humphrey of Salem. Jim was a proud uncle of nieces and nephews, Bruce (Missy) Humphrey, Robin Park, Noemi (David) Arthur, Kris (Kayla) Humphrey, Raquel (Shawn) Fuhr, Don (Khris) Humphrey, Crystal (Candice) Humphrey, Julie Humphrey, Leslie (Michael) Pugh, Devin (Candis) Leggett and Garrett Humphrey and many great-nieces and nephews. Jim also leaves many dear friends and colleagues from his years of ministry and community service. Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Raymond E. Humphrey and a great-niece Hanna Belle Fuhr.

Rev. Joel Robert League, MDiv 1983, 71, died Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at his home in Louisville. He was a native of Florence, Alabama, and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Joel was the founding pastor of Living Waters Church just outside of Shelbyville. He also helped form the vision of Living Waters Christian School, which is now known as Cornerstone Christian Academy. One of his great loves was working with ministry groups for trips to Israel. He was the author of two books, Deliverance From Another Place and a devotional called Upon Further Review. He was known for his humor and loved to put smiles on people’s faces. As a pastor he was known for his in-depth study and teaching of God’s Word, but he was even better known for his love for God and his love for people. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol League of Louisville; his daughter, Delisa Riley (Stephen) of Shelbyville; his son, Jody League (Becky) of Shelbyville; and his grandchildren, Paul Riley (Haley), Daniel Riley (Parmela), Michael Riley, Jana Riley, Jessica League, Cristina League, and Elijah League.

Rev. Herschel Eugene Murray, MDiv 1957, 89, of Hagerstown, went to be with his Heavenly Father on the Lord’s Day, Sunday, July 22, 2018, following a lengthy illness. He was born in Hagerstown on July 15, 1929, to Marion and Hazel (Ulrich) Murray. Herschel was a United Methodist Minister for 37 years, having pastored churches in Byron Center and Coopersville, Michigan, and Upland, Gas City, Converse and Hamilton, Indiana. Upon his retirement in 1994 he returned to Hagerstown, where he remained active with Hagerstown First United Methodist Church. He was a former member of Hagerstown Lions Club and was an active volunteer with the Meals On Wheels program. He enjoyed all sports, particularly bowling, golf and basketball. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Betty (Williams) Murray; three children, Joyce Kierstead, David Murray (Connie) and Janelle Monin (Robert); four grandchildren, TR Knight (Angie), Chris Bradford, Joe Monin and Leslie Bullock (Paul); four great-grandchildren; a brother, William Murray; a sister, Linda Riley and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Miller.

Rev. Wiley L. Neal, BDiv 1949, 100 of Tannersville Virginia died Monday, Dec. 17th in Abingdon Va. He was a pastor in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church for 32 years, serving charges and churches in Woodlawn, Va, Buchanan County Va., Pearisburg, Va, Talbott, Tn, Bland Va, Wytheville, Va and Saltville, Va. Wiley attended Tennessee Polytechnic Institute and Hiwassee College, and graduated from Emory and Henry College and Asbury Theological Seminary. He was a veteran of WWII, having served various posts stateside, including on the island of Attu, Alaska, which experience he shared in a memoir published later in his life. Wiley was an unassuming man marked by the spirit. His life was lived in servanthood, because he answered “here am I, send me”. He is well remembered by many for his kindness, generosity, humor, intellect, integrity, dedication, love of music, and appreciation of God’s creation. Many call him blessed. His long life was a well-lived one, and he is greatly missed by all who knew him. Wiley is survived by his wife Marie Edwards Neal of Tannersville, daughter Jeana Rhyee Neal Borman and husband John of Stanley, Nc, daughter Leola Neal Griffin and husband Greg of Saltville Va; three granddaughters, Erin Marie Griffin, Lauren Griffin King and husband Matt, and Celeste Borman. He was also survived by one sister, June Neal Necessary of Tazewell Va. 

Rev. Richard Piscatelli “Pastor Dick”, MDiv 1983, age 82, of Chatham, was welcomed into Heaven on Friday, December 7, 2018 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. Pastor was born on February 15, 1936 in Watertown, MA, the son of Dominic and Ida (Scipione) Piscatelli. He married Carole Davis on August 30, 1963 in Newton, MA. Pastor Dick is survived by his wife, Carole; sons, James, Eric, Scott, John, David, and daughter, Karen Piscatelli Epley; grandchildren, David, Erica, Michael, Amy, Troy, Heather, Gray, Daniel, Lizzie, Justin, Jonathan, Kristin, Kimberly, Dominic, Rebekah, and Samantha; and several g reat-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by a son, Daniel; brother, Vincent; and sisters, Edith and Ruth. Pastor Dick has been serving Williamsville United Methodist Church since 2006. Dick was graduated from Asbury College in 1980 and Asbury Theological Seminary in 1983, in Wilmore, Kentucky. He began his ministry at Buffalo and Dawson United Methodist Churches, Trinity UMC in Paris, IL, First UMC in St. Elmo, and Roanoke and Secor UMCs. He was past president of the Lions Club in Paris, IL and past member of the Paris Rotary Club. Pastor Dick was a member of the PGA (Preachers Golf Association). He served for the US Navy for four years.

Rev. Dr. Charles Richard Sheesley, 81, of Indian Trail, NC died on Thursday, Dec. 20 at his home. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio to Earl and Ethel Sheesley. He married Ruth Barth on June 18, 1960, and they moved to Maine where they lived until 2014. Dick graduated from Houghton College in 1960 and from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1963. He and Ruth moved to Maine where he served as a pastor in the United Methodist Church at West Scarborough UMC, Chestnut St.UMC in Portland and Pownal UMC. He earned a Master’s degree from Boston University in Psychology and Pastoral Counseli ng in 1965, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Psychology and Clinical Studies at Andover Newton Theology School in Newton, Massachusetts. He was also the Director of Pastoral Care at Central Maine Medical Center for 18 years until he retired in 2000. His pastoral career included over 30 years of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) as an educator and CPE supervisor. He also developed a counseling center in Portland Maine which offered individual, marriage and family counseling. He enjoyed spending time with family which included many camping trips and a 4 month trip across the country to Alaska in their motor home. Dick also liked mountain climbing, rollerblading and woodworking. He was predeceased in death by his two brothers, Robert and Byron and his middle daughter, Melinda Kay. He is survived by his wife, Ruth of Indian Trail, NC; daughter, Shari Sobolewski of Matthews, NC; son, Rick and his wife Samantha Sheesley of Sarasota, FL and 4 grandchildren; Eric Sobolewski, Kate Sobolewski, Stephen Sobolewski and Sarah Sheesley.

Rev. G. William Sims, BDiv 1948, age 98, passed away on October 25, 2018. “Bill” was born a leap year baby on February 29, 1920 to Herman and Mabel Sims in Marion, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Ruby Esther “Besser” Sims and his son William Paul “Billy” Sims. He is survived by his daughter Jean Sims; three grandchildren: Cynthia Stine, Michael Stine and Shannon Jamison; and five great-grandchildren: Eric Serdar, Ethan Stine, Aiden Stine, Emma Story and Langston Story. Also preceding Bill in death are his parents, four brothers, Ralph Sims (Margaret), R. Paul Sims (Jeanne’), Byrl Sims (Augusta), Arthur Sims (Millie), and two sisters, Reba Sims and Fannie Sims. A faithful servant his whole life, Rev. Sims felt the calling early as a teenager. He graduated from Asbury University in 1941 and Asbury Theological Seminary in 1948. He served as an Army Chaplain with an Army hospital unit from 1944-1946 in World War II and an additional 28 years in the Reserves and National Guard, retiring with the rank of Colonel. Before transferring to Florida, he ministered in United Methodist churches in Illinois for 22 years, serving Galatia, Raleigh, Benton, and E. St. Louis First Church. During his ministry, he took mission trips to both Japan and Cuba. After his retirement, Bill served for 3 years as chaplain to the residents of John Knox Village in Pompano Beach where he lived for the past 30+ years. In retirement, he and his wife Besser traveled around the world and around the U.S.A. in an RV. He was an ordained minister for 75 years, the longest serving Methodist minister in the Florida conference. He had an extraordinary gift for connecting people to God and each other throughout his long life. He wrote a special Christmas letter every year since 1946 to the men and women in the “Fighting 138th” unit who he served with in World War II. Besides sharing what happened in his year, he kept the men and women up to date with each other. Later in life, he started a weekly email newsletter for his extended family to share birthdays, family happenings and. Even after he lost his eyesight, he continued both the family weekly email and the Christmas letter to the 138th with help from his children. He treasured the connection with his friends and family. Before he became blind, he was also a stained glass artist who created many lamps for family and windows at John Knox Village.

Minoru Tsukamoto, BDiv 1956, 92, died on Monday, December 17, 2018, at the Jenkins Living Center in Watertown, SD. Minoru was born on December 27, 1925, in Wakayama-ken, Japan. His parents Jusuke and Seki (Inove) Tsukamoto, were both Shinto priests. As a teenager, he was sent to Tokyo to study at a Shinto school with the hope that he, too, would become a priest some day. World War II broke out at th at time and found Minoru suffering with starvation. He was not drafted into the service because he was “too thin.” The doctor told him that he didn’t have long to live because of his condition. One day, as he received a small payment for his radio operator work, he walked on the streets of war-torn Tokyo and looked into a bookstore and found an interesting little black book called New Testament. He was impressed in his heart that he should purchase it, so instead of buying food to satisfy his hunger, he bought the New Testament and began reading it. He was amazed to read about this one God who loved the world so much that he gave Jesus Christ to come and die for his sin. None of the millions of gods that he had been taught to worship had done anything for Minoru, but Jesus had died to save him. As the war continued, he felt the distinct sensation that this God was watching over his life. After World War II ended, he gave his heart to Jesus and became a Christian. He continued his education at Waseda University in Tokyo and studied English. As he finished his degree, he received an invitation from someone whom he had never met in the United States to come to study at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky. After he finished his masters degree, he went to Sao Paulo, Brazil, as a missionary to work among the Japanese immigrants. There he met a young Japanese-Brazilian lady, Yoko, who later became his wife. The couple moved to Paraguay in 1962 as missionaries and ministered there for 26 years. Both their children, Ruth and Daniel were born there. As their time in Paraguay ended, they moved to Rapid City, SD, as Minoru received an invitation to join the pastoral team at First United Methodist Church. After two years, the door opened for them to move to Watertown, SD. Minoru worked as the chaplain for Jenkins Living Center until his retirement in 2014 at 88 years of age. Perhaps no one back in Japan during the war would have thought that there w as any hope for the little sickly teen, but God had other plans. Minoru’s life was spared and he experienced the saving grace of Jesus. He lived a life of joy sharing with others the love of his Savior. Minoru is survived by his wife, Yoko, one daughter Ruth (Vince) Archer of Argentina, one son Daniel Tsukamoto of Watertown, SD, and two grandchildren Joel (Shelby) Archer of Granger, Indiana, and Isaac (Hannah) Archer of Versailles, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers , and one sister.

Rev. Milton T. Vahey, BDiv 1962, 88, was called home to the Lord early Tuesday morning, October 30, 2018, at the St. Regis Nursing Home, where he had been a resident for the past 11 months. Rev. Vahey was born May 14, 1930, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth (Grinyer) Vahey. He attended schools in Ohio graduating from Wadsworth High School. He continued his education at Asbury College and earned his Masters of Divinity Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. While he was a pastor in Hornell, New York, he met his future wife, Joyce E. Benson. They were married August 22, 1964, in Hornell. They cherished 42 years of marriage until Joyce’s passing on January 25, 2007. Rev. Vahey was a minister with the United Methodist Church, pastoring in Ellicottville, West Valley; Elkland, Osceola UMC; Hornell, East Avenue and Big Creek UMC; Copenhagen UMC; Remsen, Prospect UMC; Little Falls UMC; Rome, Calvary and First UMC; Massena, Grace and Hogansburg UMC; Marcellus, Navarino and Cedarvale UMC until his retirement in 1993. After his retirement and the passing of his wife, Rev. Vahey moved to Acton, Massachusetts, with his daughter where he was an active volunteer at Household Goods and worshipped at Acton Congregational Church. He continued his ministry through music and worship throughout his life and most recently while at the St. Regis Nursing Home. As a younger man, he and his family enjoyed camping, hiking, and cross-country skiing. He particularly enjoyed photography, gardening, and bird watching. He had a great passion for music, never missing an opportunity to see a concert or show, and would burst out in song at any given moment. He was an avid sports fan, cheering for his Cleveland Indians and Browns, and the Syracuse University football and basketball teams. He also enjoyed rooting for the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots with his daughters. Rev. Vahey also had a great love for writing poetry and prose; his works were published within the United Methodist Book of Worship and the Journal of Pastoral Care. Surviving Rev. Vahey are his daughters, Cheryl Wooden of Acton, Massachusetts and Krista Marcello of Massena; his grandchildren, Ethan Marcello, Alyssa Wooden, Joseph Marcello, and Zachary Wooden; his sister, Ruby Piety of Terre Haute, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Joyce, and sisters Doreen Sayer, Miriam Jeffris, and Evangeline Peasley.

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