Rev. Bill Lark

Rev. Bill Lark, 81, of Boiling Springs, South Carolina, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Our family celebrates the life of a man who loved God with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength. He loved his family in the deepest of ways, and he loved people with a love that thoroughly mirrored the love of Jesus. While we grieve his passing, we rejoice knowing that he is now with the Savior that he so faithfully trusted throughout his life.

He was a humble man who never sought attention for himself. He quietly looked for ways to encourage others, pray for them, and help whenever he could. The Bible was absolutely central to his daily life, and he loved reading, studying, teaching, and sharing God's Word. Prayer was perhaps his greatest ministry, and countless family members, friends, and even strangers were lifted up in prayer by him over the years. When he told you he would pray for you, you could always walk away knowing that he would – not just once, but multiple times. He would often pray for people right on the spot when someone had a need.

Nothing brought him greater joy on this earth than his family. He was a devoted husband, loving his wife Barbara for over 57 years. He was also an amazing father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and much more. He deeply treasured the time with those he loved, and they treasured every moment with him. He was a trusted confidant, a faithful encourager, and someone people naturally turned to for love and prayer.

He was a servant's servant. He faithfully served our nation in the United States Navy. He also faithfully served as the Pastor of Cherokee Springs Baptist Church for twenty-two years, caring deeply for his church family and preaching God's Word with love, humility, and conviction. Even in retirement, his love for serving never faded. He volunteered for more than ten years at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, participated in mission trips to West Virginia, Montana, San Francisco, and Brazil, and continued serving at Northbrook Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher and leader in the senior adult ministry.

He believed that learning was a lifelong pursuit. He graduated from Hillcrest High School, Anderson Junior College, Baptist Bible Institute, Covington Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree, and later received a Doctor of Ministry degree from Lake Charles Seminary.

He never lost his playful spirit and was well known for his corny jokes, silly sense of humor, and ability to make people laugh.

His greatest legacy is not found in the positions he held, the degrees he earned, or the jokes he told, but in the quiet, faithful way he lived every day of his life. He loved God, he loved people, and he finished his race so well. We trust he has heard the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." He has finally had the privilege to cast all his crowns at the feet of Jesus whom he has longed to see for so many years. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Rev. Lark is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Matthews Lark; daughter, Sherry Lark Hughes and husband, David; son, Bryan Lark and wife, Rachel; sister, Nancy Lark; grandchildren, Janie Lark, Bryan Lopez, Jennifer Blasingame, and husband, Joey, Jasmine Lopez, Cross Lark, Kip Lark, and Mally Lark; great-grandchildren, Rockell Baker, Paisley DeLeon, Ridge Blasingame, and one great-grandchild expected in September; a sister-in-law, Diane Lark; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tommy Alfred and Lorriane Babb Lark, he was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Mahaffey and husband, Billy, and a brother, Rick Lark.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Northbrook Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary with Bryan Lark officiating.

Pallbearers will be David Hughes, Cross Lark, Kip Lark, Bryan Lopez, Jay Lark, and Rusty Mahaffey.

Interment, with United States Navy Military Honors, will follow at Good Shepherd
Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the Billy Graham Library at Billy Graham Evangelistic Association https://giving.billygraham.org/honor-memorial/

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)