William Frank Dougherty – 78 years old – Passed on 03.26.2021 at Orange Park Medical Center. Bill was passionate about ministry and people knowing God’s Word and accepting Jesus as their Savior. He began his journey at Baptist Bible College where he met his wife and best friends. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from BBC and later in life received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Louisiana Baptist University & Seminary.
He served as a Youth Pastor for many years and then as a pastor for most of his career. His first church (where his kids grew up) was Westfair Baptist Church where he built and started a school, Westfair Christian Academy, that still continues to this day. He served at several other churches until he was called to be the pastor at his home church, First Coast Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL, which was a dream come true for him!
After his wife Joy passed away, he spent a few years going back and forth to Sierra Leone, and planted many churches with his good friend, Mike Peper and team. In his last years, he enjoyed spending time with his family and with ‘the Florida girls’ and their families and friends, eating BBQ any time he could :) He loved his Sunday School class at Hibernia Baptist Church and they welcomed him with open arms.
Bill was known for having a generous heart and helped many people over the years. He was fun-loving and loved to tell stories of his adventures in life and how God was working through each season of life.
Predeceased: Bill’s wife, whom he adored, Joy Dougherty, his beloved son Tim Dougherty. His amazing parents, John & Ola (Mae) Dougherty, and his sweet sister Susie Davis Joyner. Survived by: his daughters Michelle Daniel from Dallas & Tami Ward and husband Dale Ward from Orlando. His grandchildren: Austin Ward from Orlando. Aubree Ward from Chicago, Brianna Sharpless and husband Chris Sharpless from Denver, Kerstin Dougherty and Clay Dougherty both from Florence, SC. He had 2 great-grandchildren in 2020: His only great granddaughter Indigo Ward, 10 months old and Indigo’s mom, Rilee Faircloth. And his only great grandson Aden Ward Sharpless, 6 months old. He is also survived by his sister, Debi Dougherty. Plus his nieces and nephews: Jenny Jockisch, Kristen Jockisch, Steven Jockisch, Jimmy Davis, Pamela (Kayla) Davis Morrison.
We will celebrate Bill’s life and all that he meant to us beginning at 3:00pm on Sunday, April 25th, at Hibernia Baptist Church 7100 Highway 17, Fleming Island FL with Pastor Scott Yirka and Dale Ward officiating
Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME OF MANDARIN, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. (904) 288-0025.
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