Dr. William "Billy" Strother II

Dr. William (Billy) Henry Strother II, of Clark, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the age of 66. Born in Greencastle, Indiana, on June 13, 1958, Billy graduated from Plainfield High School in 1976 and served as a German Translator and Course Developer in the US Army Military Intelligence from 1977-81.

After returning from the military, Billy completed his BA in Christian Ministries from Cincinnati Christian University (Ohio) in 1984 and was then ordained into the Christian ministry at Camden Avenue Christian Church (Louisville KY) on July 15, 1984. He then continued his education, earning an MDiv in 1987 from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville KY) in 1987, and then continued at the Seminary to earn his Doctor of Philosophy in Preaching in 1995. Soon after receiving his PhD, Dr. Billy married Carol on June 14, 1997.

Dr. Billy wore many proverbial hats in his ministry career, serving as a senior minister, teaching pastor, interim pastor, as well as academically as a professor of preaching and New Testament studies.

In his Christian higher education career, Dr. Billy served as Professor of Preaching and New Testament with Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, MO (2020-2025) and at Point University in West Point, GA (2004-2014). He served as Associate Professor of New Testament and Preaching (Chair of Biblical Studies) at Cincinnati Bible Seminary (1989-1995).

In his ministry role, Dr. Billy served as the Senior Minister of Harmony Christian Church in Georgetown, KY (2015-2020); as the Teaching Pastor at Indian Creek Christian Church in Indianapolis (2003-2004); as Senior Minister at Northview Christian Church in Danville, IN (1996-2003); as Lead Church Planter at Southwest Christian Church in Harrison, OH (1990-1995); as Senior Minister of Glenview Christian Church in Glasgow, KY (1988-1989); and as Senior Minister of Camden Avenue Christian Church in Louisville, KY (1984-1988). Throughout his 40 years of ministry, Dr. Billy served as an interim/guest speaker at numerous churches throughout Georgia and Missouri, while also serving as a leadership coach with E2: Effective Elders in Indianapolis. Whether teaching in the classroom or preaching in the church, Dr. Billy had a passion for urging people to understand life is “All About Jesus.” Billy always enjoyed time spent hunting, fishing, and memories being made with family and friends.

Billy is survived by his wife Carol Strother; his son William (Trey) Strother III (wife Aubrey); his daughter Prisca Strother; his grandsons Leo and Fox and granddaughter Harlow; his sister Jamie Sage (husband Chuck); his brother-in-law David Owens (wife Teresa) and brother-in-law Steve Owens (wife Shanee); and is survived by his aunts, uncles and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Billy is predeceased by his father, William Strother I and his mother, Evelyn Strother, and by his siblings: sister Julie Herrick, brother Brian Strother and brother Bradlee Strother.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at The Creek Church, 6430 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis, IN 46259. Visitation is from 9:00am - 11:00am and the Service will begin at 11:00am.

Billy will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery, 700 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN.