wfn.org | Memorial services held for former BCE president

["Wilma Shuffitt" <WILMAS@oc.disciples.org>]

Date: April 9, 1998
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Email: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the web: http//www.disciples.org

98b-22

    INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Memorial services for the Rev.
William T. Pearcy, 96, were held April 2 in Tucson, Ariz., and
April 4 in Indianapolis. 

    Pearcy, a longtime leader of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ) and retired president of the Board of Church
Extension, died March 31 in Tucson following a brief illness.

    A native of Anderson, Ind., Pearcy  joined the staff of BCE
in 1932 as assistant treasurer. He served in several positions before
becoming executive secretary in 1948 and later being named
president.   

    "Bill Pearcy had a vision for church growth and vitality that
never left him even in retirement," said the Rev. James L. Powell,
BCE president. "His legacy across the continent is of new and
revitalized churches made possible by Bill's deep faith and
enthusiastic persistence. 

    "Over the years, so many of us have been strengthened by
Bill's energy and optimistic expectations for the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)," Powell added. 

    Pearcy was a member of First Christian Church, Tucson. In
Indianapolis he was a member and leader of Downey Avenue
Christian Church.  

    Pearcy graduated from Shortridge High School in 1918 and
Butler University in 1923 where he earned a bachelor's degree. He
received a law degree from Indiana University Law School in
1926. In 1957, he received doctor of divinity degrees from Phillips
University, Enid, Okla., and Christian Theological Seminary,
Indianapolis.  

    Prior to joining BCE, Pearcy was employed by Washington
Bank and Trust Co. and the Equitable Life Assurance Society in
Indianapolis.

    Pearcy is survived by his wife, Dottie of Tucson; a
daughter, Mary Gilbert of Tustin, Calif.; and a son, James of
Houston, Texas. He is also survived by several grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife,
Amelia Crim Pearcy in 1988.
 
    Memorial gifts may be made to Disciples Seminary
Foundation, Claremont, Calif.; Board of Church Extension,
Indianapolis, or First Christian Church, Tucson, Ariz.  

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