Dr. Jimmie E. Harley

Jimmie E. Harley died peacefully on February 16, 2025. Jimmie, the son of tenant farmers, was born nine miles from the small town of Denmark, South Carolina. His mother and daddy were Lyra S. Harley and Wilber W. Harley. Only by the love, grace, and miraculous work of God, he received his education at Denmark Public Schools, Mars Hill University, Furman University, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition, Jimmie was so pleased and honored to have received honorary Doctorate degrees from Furman University and Charleson Southern University.

Jimmie is survived by his wife, Gayle, whom he met his second semester in college. He is also survived by his two daughters, Deborah H. Carico (Tom) and Rachel H. Rish (Preston), and two sons, J. Michael Harley and David A. Harley. He and Gayle were blessed with ten grandchildren, Andrew and Caroline Harley, Will and James Harley, Ben Carico, Sam Carico, Raleigh David Carico, Hayden Rish, Noah Rish, and Anna Katherine Rish. Jimmie is also survived by sister, Linda H. Still (Rudy), and many nieces and nephews. Three brothers and one sister preceded Jimmie in death, Gerald H. Harley, Thomas L. Harley, Willie W. Harley, and Anna H. Haskell.

Jimmie was both humbled and honored to have served his churches and denomination faithfully and well. While in seminary, he served a nice church in Commiskey, Indiana, The Commiskey Baptist Church. After finishing seminary, he was called home to South Carolina where he served as pastor of four churches, Welcome Baptist in Anderson, First Baptist of Wagener, Eastlan Baptist in Greenville, and First Baptist of Florence. After retiring in Florence, Jimmie was called to Taylors First Baptist Church where he was interim and associate pastor. He then retired in 2018, but continued to help with funerals, weddings, and pastoral care.

Jimmie was also thankful to be able to serve his denomination. On the state level he served as moderator and other committees in the association. He served on the executive board, Trustee of the Baptist Foundation, Trustee of Charleston Southern University, and Trustee of Ministry on Aging. Jimmie was elected and served as President of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Jimmie loved the Southern Baptist Convention and was honored to serve as a Trustee of GuideStone Financial Resources, as well as a Trustee of the Stewardship Commission where he served as chairman. He also served on The Committee of Committees.

Jimmie gave his best to whatever he was blessed to do and believed “Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10) Jimmie was highly honored by the states of Kentucky and South Carolina to be named a Kentucky Colonel and given The South Carolina Order of the Palmetto.

Funeral services will be held at Taylors First Baptist Church on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM led by Dr. Frank Page, Reverend Jerry Long and Pastor Josh Powell. Music will be provided by Kevin Batson, Jeff Hensley, Lindsay O’Rear, and the Legacy Choir. The family will receive friends following the service in the Welcome Center at Taylors First Baptist. Live stream will be available at https://watchlive.taylorsfbc.org/

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made on behalf of Jimmie to Taylors First Baptist Church, 200 W Main St. Taylors, SC 29687 or to the Jimmie E. and Gayle Harley Furman Scholarship at Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway Greenville, SC 29613.