William Allen Macaulay, Jr.

Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, The Reverend Dr. William ("Bill") Allen Macaulay Jr., went home to be with the Lord on January 25, 2026. He passed away peacefully at home in Fort Mill, South Carolina, surrounded by family. Bill lived a long and faithful life, marked by deep love for God, devotion to family, and service to both church and country.

A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service. Bill will be laid to rest at Timber Ridge ARP Church near Lexington, Virginia, with military honors, February 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Bill—known as "Billy" to family and childhood friends—was born on February 17, 1928, in Greenville, South Carolina, to the Rev. William A. Macaulay, D.D., and Margery Moore Macaulay. Some of his happiest memories came from summers spent working on the family farm in Huntersville, North Carolina. Those years shaped him in lasting ways, teaching him the value of hard work, the beauty of the outdoors, and a quiet appreciation for simple things. He spoke of those days often and with great affection.

Bill's early life was deeply influenced by his father's ministry in the ARP Church and by the profound loss of his father when Bill was just sixteen years old. After his father's death, his mother Margery returned to teaching—something she loved—at Montreat College, having previously taught at Erskine Women's College, Valdosta College, and Georgia State University. Her strength, intellect, and faith left a deep imprint on Bill's own calling and character.

Bill graduated from Erskine College in 1950 with a degree in Chemistry and was soon drafted into the U.S. Army. He served as a Ranger in the 187th Airborne Division during the Korean War. During that time, a chaplain's words—"to be in the world without being of the world"—stayed with him for the rest of his life. Bill remained proud of his military service and deeply connected to his fellow Rangers, attending reunions for many years and cherishing those lifelong bonds.

Two years after returning from Korea, Bill entered Erskine Seminary, where he met Vivian Jarvis, the woman who would become his wife and partner in ministry for 56 years. They married in the summer of 1960 in Lexington, Virginia, and soon settled in Philadelphia while Bill continued his studies at Westminster Seminary. Over the years, Bill earned a Master of Divinity from Erskine Seminary, a Master of Theology from Westminster Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Covenant Seminary.

Bill's ministry spanned decades and many communities. He served churches across North and South Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia, and West Virginia, in both the ARP and PCUSA denominations. He was a pastor who truly loved his people—never content to do the bare minimum. He added services when needed, started small groups and lecture series, and faithfully visited shut-ins, believing that pastoral care happened not only in the pulpit, but face to face.

Alongside his civilian ministry, Bill also served as an Army Chaplain during the Vietnam War and later in the National Guard. He retired from the military in 1988 as a Colonel, following his final tour of duty in Egypt. He saw both his pastoral work and military service as callings, and he gave himself fully to each.

In retirement, Bill continued supplying pulpits, remained active in Army Ranger reunions and historical efforts, and devoted time to researching and preserving Macaulay family history. His lifelong love of the outdoors kept him active and engaged for many years, and he never lost his curiosity or sense of purpose.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife Vivian Jarvis Macaulay; and his siblings Gwynn Crawford, Ruth McNeil, Sidney Macaulay, and Jane Petty. He is survived by his children David Macaulay (Margaret) of Fort Mill, South Carolina; Cynthia Larson (Toby) of Fredericksburg, Virginia; and John Macaulay of Washington, D.C.; his sister Winnifred Jackson of Greenville, South Carolina; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, who were a great joy to him.

Bill's life was one of faithful service, quiet strength, and enduring love. We are grateful for the years we shared with him and take comfort in knowing that he now rests in the presence of his Savior.

Memorials may be made to Erskine Seminary, Due West, South Carolina.