Bishop William Clayton Beasley

Bishop William “Bill” Clayton Beasley, 91, of Hortense passed away Sunday morning, December 7, 2025 at Bayview Nursing Home after a short illness.

Born in Townsend, GA his parents were Bartlett Sumter and Mary Mertie Young Beasley. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Vera Davis Beasley; one daughter, Vera Alethia McDaniel; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Edward Beasley and Tommy C. and Jo Beasley, and Faye Beasley; one sister, Geraldine Drury.

He lived in Brunswick for many years and worked at Seaboard before receiving the call to Pastor. Bishop Beasley started and built the St. Mary’s Church of God of Prophecy Church and served there from January 15, 1970 until July 31, 1973. He then served Tifton Church of God of Prophecy from August 1, 1973 until July 31, 1974, Augusta Church of God of Prophecy from August 1, 1974 until July 31, 1976, Suwannee Chapel Church of God of Prophecy from August 1, 1976 until July 31, 1978, Claxton Church of God of Prophecy from August 1, 1978 until July 31, 1983, Hortense Church of God of Prophecy from August 1, 1983 until July 31, 2001. After retiring a few years he served the Brunswick Church of God of Prophecy from August 31, 2004 until January 1, 2006 and retired after over 43 years of serving in the Church of God of Prophecy. In his spare time he enjoyed woodworking, painting, gardening, and anything outside.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Amy Beasley Flowers (Chris) of Hortense; three grandchildren, Chad and Jennifer McDaniel of Adel, Jeanna Tucker of Jacksonville, FL, and Kelli and Brandon Evans of Hoboken; five great-grandchildren, Kirstin and Michael Bush of Dothan, AL, Abby Tucker of Jacksonville, FL, and Emory Tucker of Jacksonville, Lincoln Evans of Hoboken, and William Evans of Hoboken; one great-great grandchild, Miley Bush and one on the way; one brother, Maurice O. Beasley of Franklin, NC; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Visitation will be held Wednesday evening (December 10, 2025) from 6 pm until 8 pm at Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

A funeral service will be held Thursday morning, (December 11, 2025) at 11 am at Frye Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harold Hand and Rev. Lamar Lee officiating. Burial will follow in Hortense Cemetery with Bishop Raymond Willis officiating.

Pallbearers will be Rev. Chris Boyd, Rev. Johnny Taylor, Rev. Matthew McEachern, Rev. Ricky Knox, Rev. Randy Dockery, and Rev. Dannie Hicks. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Staff of Bayview Nursing Home. 

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.