Reverend William “Bill” E. Van Dyke, Jr

Reverend William Edward “Bill” Van Dyke, Jr., 65, of Columbus, GA, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2015, at Midtown Medical Center in Columbus, GA.

A funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Thursday, July 9, 2015 at Vance Memorial Chapel with burial to follow at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday night from 6 until 8 at Vance Memorial Chapel.

Pastor Bill was born on January 16, 1950, in Ft. Jackson, SC, to William E. and Delores Van Dyke, Sr. He was honored to serve as pastor of Benning Hills Baptist Church for over 19 years. Bill also served many families as a chaplain and bereavement coordinator with Gentiva hospice for over 10 years. He served his country in the US Army and received a degree from Mercer University in Macon, GA. He is preceded in death by a grandson William.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathy Van Dyke; parents, William E. and Delores Van Dyke, Sr.; children, Nikki Dugger (Andy) their children, Jessica, Kyle, Joshua and Ezekiel; William E. Van Dyke III (Lize-Mari) their children, Rayyel and William”Quattro”; and Melissa Austin (John) their children, Israel, Josiah and Abel; extended family and many caring friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gentiva Hospice at 3615 South Railroad St, Suite 3, Phenix City, AL 36867.