William F. Harrell was called into the gospel ministry at the early age of 14 yrs. After seventeen years of struggle and searching, he submitted to the Lord’s will and entered the ministry. He and his wife, Carolyn, entered Southeastern Seminary in August of 1973 and he was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in December of that year. In February of 1974, Burnell Baptist Church in Four Oaks, NC called him to be their Pastor. After leaving the seminary he was Associate Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville, GA for two years. The next point of service in his ministry was as the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Metter, GA for four years. On January 18, 1981 he assumed the pastorate of Abilene Baptist Church in Martinez, GA (greater Augusta area) and remained their pastor until July 31, 2012.

Abilene prospered under the ministry of Pastor Harrell. It grew from 940 members in 1981 to approximately 2800 members when he retired from the active pastorate. Many people were saved during those years with many others joining by letter or statement.

The educational background of William F. Harrell is as follows: Graduate of Tifton High School in 1961. In addition, he graduated from Abraham Baldwin College in 1970 and of Valdosta State College in 1972. He also has a Master of Theological Studies degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

William F. Harrell has served in many capacities for the Georgia Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention as well. He served on the Executive Committee for a total of 16 years (two separate terms of 8 years each) from 1986-1994 and from 2003 to 2011. The service issue will not be belabored, but suffice it to say, the Lord placed him in many places of service.

In June of 1962, Brother Bill married Carolyn Gibbs in Tifton, Ga where both of them were born and raised. To this union was born three daughters; Georgia, Paige and Amanda. They now have seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Both Brother Bill and Carolyn are looking forward to serving the Lord in the coming years. Additional information may be gathered from his resume’ which is found on this website.