October 2, 2026
William Lee (Bill) Clinton, age 101, of Hiram, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Pastor Bill” was known for and proud of his Christian faith and influence during his life. He was born July 3, 1925, in Cedartown, Ga., to his parents, James William Clinton and Nettie McCown Clinton.
After one year at Piedmont College in Demorest, Ga., he was drafted into WWII. It was at Piedmont that he met his future wife, Marion Hulme. They were married upon his return from war on November 2, 1945.
During his time in the military, he was a tail gunner on a B-24 bomber, where he flew numerous missions in Europe. His service strengthened his faith as he relied on Jesus to see him through this time, which led him to his calling to be a preacher.
Bill graduated from Mercer University and seminary at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. From there, he volunteered to the mission field in Brazil.
Upon his return to the US, Bill became the pastor of the Bremen First Baptist Church in Bremen for 16 years. Afterward, he was appointed Director of Evangelism for the Georgia Baptist Convention. After retirement, he pastored several small churches, including Mars Hill and Eureka
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Marion, whom he loved dearly and was blessed with 69 years of marriage. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in law: Sandra, Sharon (Bob King), Laurie (Jim Bailey), and Priscilla (Rodney Barry) ; 10 grandchildren: Clint Cetti (Jocelyn), Katherine Cetti Partidge (Callen), Sean King (Micelle), Ryan King (Carrie), Terri King, Jonathan Bailey (Cristina), Lt. Col. Jarrod Bailey, Dr. Lindsay Bailey (Sean), Ben Barry, and Christina Barry and 12great-grandchildren: C. J. and Lake Cetti; William, Charles and Aaron Partridge; Sawyer and Charlotte King, Ethan King; Parker, Hayden, Skylar, and Duncan Bailey.
Bill’s interment will be held on Tuesday, July 21, for family. A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, July 25, at 2:00 in the First Baptist Church in Bremen. The service will be directed by Keith Moore, pastor of Dogwood Church of Tyrone, Ga. All who knew Pastor Bill and were influenced by his life are invited to attend.
“…God has a plan for me and daily it unfolds before me. Doubts, doubts, but faith must overcome all doubts.” (From Bill’s WWII journal)
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