William Willham, retired South District Association director of missions, died on Aug. 4. He was 87.

In addition to his position as South District’s DOM from 1982-1993, Willham served as their consultant from 1994-2001 and as director of missions consultant for Mercer Baptist Association from 1990-2001. In these roles he was active in establishing a deaf ministry and a Hispanic ministry.

Willham was named Kentucky Director of Missions of the year in 1996. He served as former president of the Directors of Missions Fellowship and as president of the Retired Directors of Missions Fellowship of the Kentucky Baptist Convention.

Additionally, he had served in leadership roles with the Florida and Alabama Baptist conventions, and was pastor of churches in Alabama and Florida, as well as being involved in mission work in New York.

He served on the staffs of Harrodsburg Baptist Church and Parkville Baptist Church. He also was involved in the establishment of Ellers Memorial, Fellowship, Shakertown, Pioneer and Dry Branch Baptist churches.

A former Kentucky State Militia Sergeant, he graduated from Harrodsburg High School, Georgetown College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also did post graduate archeology work through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

At the time of his death, he was a member of First Baptist Church of Danville. He is survived by two daughters, two granddaughters and four great grandchildren. Memorials may be given to mission support of the South District Baptist Association or First Baptist Church, Danville. (WR)