a r

Family and Friends Family and Friends

Don’t remember me with sadness,

Don’t remember me with tears,

Remember all the laughter,

We’ve shared throughout the years.

Now I am contented

That my life it was worthwhile,

Knowing as I passed along the way

I made somebody smile.

When you are walking down the street

And you’ve got me on your mind,

I’m walking in your footsteps

Only half a step behind.

So please don’t be unhappy

Just because I’m out of sight,

Remember that I’m with you

Each morning, noon and night.

The family of Reverend John Preacher, Jr. extends their gratitude for all of the prayers, support, and expressions of love shown during this

time. It was comforting knowing that God’s grace and love is real through it all.

Services Entrusted to:

Columbia Office 2930 Colonial Drive

Columbia, South Carolina 29203 803.254.2000

Sumter Office 353 Manning Avenue

Sumter, South Carolina 29150 803.848.4002

Reverend John Evans Preacher Jr, was the third child and only son born

to Mr. and Mrs. John Preacher Sr. of Bamberg, South Carolina. Reverend

Preacher departed this life on Monday, May 25, 2020, in Columbia, South

Carolina.

Reverend Preacher grew up in the city of Bamberg, South Carolina where

he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age. He was

baptized at Honey Ford Baptist Church, located in Denmark, South

Carolina. He attended public schools and graduated from Richard Carroll

Memorial High School, located in Bamberg, South Carolina. He

matriculated to Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina, where he

earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in English and a minor in

Social Studies. Reverend Preacher earned the Master of Education

Degree in English Education from South Carolina State University in

Orangeburg, South Carolina. He also earned the Master’s degree in

English from The University of South Carolina, in Columbia, South

Carolina. Reverend Preacher was a member of the Phi Beta Sigma

Fraternity Inc.

Reverend Preacher married his high school sweetheart, the former

Modestine Franklin. There were two children born to this union, Antony

Preacher and Chanda Mirette (Edward) Hill. Before her passing, they

were married for forty-one years.

With reference to seminary training, he pursued graduate studies at the

(ITC) Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia where

he earned the Master of Divinity Degree in Pastoral Counseling. Before

being called into the ministry, Reverend Preacher was an ordained

Deacon at the Antioch Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia where he was

also licensed to preach. Rev. Preacher pastored churches to include,

Lockhart Missionary Baptist Church, located in Saluda, South Carolina.

While under his leadership major renovations were made and a new

church edifice was constructed. There is a stone marking located on the

church in his name, dating the reconstruction. He also pastored

Bethlehem Baptist Church Newberry, South Carolina. Second Union

Baptist Church Columbia, South Carolina. McBranch Baptist Church

Branchville, South Carolina, and Greater Carolina Baptist Church

Columbia, South Carolina. He was one of the Associate Pastors at First

Calvary in Columbia before his passing. Reverend Preacher was in the

ministry for forty-seven years.

Reverend Preacher was an extensive traveler in the continental United

States and abroad. Having visited principal cities in the following

countries: Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Japan, Canada, South Korea, and

the British Crowned Colony of Gibraltar.

Reverend Preacher was a Beloved and Distinguished high school and

college educator. He was an educator in Southwest Georgia prior to

residing in Augusta, Georgia. While in Augusta, he earned the title of

Teacher of the year. After his tenure at T.W. Josey High School, Reverend

Preacher moved his family to Columbia and he became a Professor of

English at Benedict College. He educated students for over thirty years.

Prior to his retirement from Benedict College, Reverend Preacher was a

tenured member of the English faculty. One of his favorite words of

endearment to his students that were late for class was “You’re too late

for today and too early for tomorrow”. He was also an Associate Professor

of English at Allen University.

Reverend Preacher was preceded in death by his wife Mrs. Modestine

Franklin Preacher. He leaves to mourn and cherish precious memories

his loving and devoted children, Antony Preacher and Chanda Mirette

(Edward) Hill; four grandchildren, Antony Preacher II, Xavier T.

Preacher, Justice J. Hill, and Autumn-Grace Modest Hill; great-

grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

One of Reverend Preacher’s many biblical passages; “Brethren, I count

not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting

those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things

which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the calling

of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14.

Prelude ............................................................................................................................

Processional ..... Reverend Dr. Samuel K. Lewis & The Preacher Family

Hymn of Praise ....................................................................... First Calvary Choir

Scripture Readings ............................................. Reverend Edward L. Hill Sr.

Old Testament .....................................................................................................

New Testament ...................................................................................................

Prayer of Comfort ................................................... Reverend Frank Houston

A Tribute to Our Grandad .......................................... Justice Jeremiah Hill &

Autumn-Grace Modest Hill

Reflections from “Daddy’s Girl” ....................................... Mrs. Chanda P. Hill

Solo .......................................................................................... Dr. Edward L. Hill Jr.

The Eulogy ........................................................ Reverend Dr. Samuel K. Lewis

Celebration of Life Presentation ..........................................................................

Final Farewell to Our Beloved .......................................................... BTFH Staff

Recessional ....................................................................................................................

982 Honey Ford Road | Denmark, South Carolina