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William Amerson Obituary
WILLIAM AMOS, beloved pastor and friend to thousands, died in Clarksville, IN, Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at approximately 7:40 in the morning. He had just turned 92 years-old on Saturday the 19th.
Dr. Amerson was known by his initials, "W.A.", from infancy. Born on a cotton farm in Jones County, TX, on September 19, 1917, he was the fourth of six sons born to Amos George and Martha Gertrude Smith Amerson.
He grew up knowing the privations of the Great Depression and witnessing the economic tragedies of the Dust Bowl. W.A.'s family moved to the Texas Panhandle when he was young. From humble beginnings Amerson emerged as a "pastor's pastor," a spiritual and educational leader and a respected senior elder of the church.
His ministry as a United Methodist pastor spanned seven decades. As W.A. would quickly tell anyone, success in ministry was ensured and enlarged by his marriage to and partnership with Virginia Ruth Collins Amerson. Having met as students at Asbury College and Seminary in 1940, they together touched thousands of lives during their 62-year marriage. Virginia preceded W.A. in death on December 25, 2004.
W.A. had a remarkable memory and spoke clearly and easily of his faith. He seldom forgot a name or face and was truly one who "never met a stranger." His outgoing and caring manner resulted in a ministry that saw congregations grow in number and vitality under his leadership. He was known for his visits and spontaneous prayers in hospitals, homes, supermarket aisles, street corners or wherever he chanced to meet a "new friend." His smile, whimsical sense of humor and deep commitment to the Christian faith made him a precious friend to many around the world. W.A. and Virginia had a deep commitment to missions and were continually encouraging persons who were "called to ministry." It was common for gifts, large and small, to be sent to missionaries or to persons preparing for ministry.
W.A. was a diligent student with strong determination to acquire a good education. He was able to finish high school in 1935, assisting his brother on a milk route in the mornings on his way to Abernathy, TX and then walking the nine miles home every evening. He worked his way through college and seminary (milking cows, baby-sitting, waiting tables, washing dishes, janitorial and yard work) earning practically all of the funds required for tuition/room and board.
W.A. earned a B. A. from Texas Tech, 1940, an M. Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary, 1943, the B.D. from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, 1945. In 1979 W.A. received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Asbury College.
W.A. and Virginia's team ministry was largely in Indiana parishes: The Elizabeth Charge (1941-1943) - Woods Chapel, Ramsey (1943-46) - Wesley Chapel, New Albany (1946 - 1956) - East Columbus, Columbus (1956 - 1962) - Central Avenue, Indianapolis (1962 - 1966). In 1966 W.A. was appointed as Senior Pastor at the 1,800 member Dueber United Methodist Church in Canton, Ohio (1966 - 1983). Returning to Indiana in 1983, W.A. has served on the staff and then as a volunteer at New Albany's Wesley Chapel since his retirement.
Dr. Amerson served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Asbury College and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Good News organization. His ministry continued up to his death, often leading Bible Studies or Sunday School class, assisting at funerals and writing a morning devotional that was sent via e-mail to scores of friends.
Dr. Amerson is survived in death by three sons and their families including six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The sons are Philip Amos Amerson (wife Elaine) currently serves as president of Garrett-Evangelical Seminary in Evanston, Illinois; William Thomas Amerson (wife Ruth), Assistant Principal of New Albany High School in New Albany; and Stephen Wesley Amerson (wife Kristine) concert and performing artist and the founder of Amerson Music Ministries of Granada Hills, CA.
Visitation: Friday, 2 8 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. 2 p.m. at the Market Street Chapel of Seabrook Dieckmann & Naville Funeral Homes. Funeral service: Saturday, 6 p.m. at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, New Albany. Interment is private at Graceland Memorial Park.
Expressions: Wesley Chapel Capital Fund
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Amerson
Candace Bastian
October 13, 2009
Phillip and Billy-You may not remember me, we played together when we were little and lived behind the old Wesley Chapel Church. I am very sorry to hear about Rev. Amersons passing. We all know how wonderful he was. My name is Candy Hunter Bastian and my prayers are with all of you. Candy Louisville Ky.
Melanie Walters (Phillips)
October 10, 2009
The Lord used many people in leading me to Christ as my personal Savior. One of those people was WA Amerson. I was saved on a Sunday night at Dueber Methodist Church. Pastor Amerson quoted "Behold,I stand at the door and knock..." and he knocked on the pulpit as if it were a door. The Holy Spirit convicted me that night. I made my way to the altar and was met by Mrs. Amerson. I trusted Christ that night as a seven year old girl, and I have never forgotten it.
Cheri Downs (Brewer)
October 1, 2009
You may not remember us but we attended Deuber Methodist in Canton, Ohio in the late 60's. We loved Dr. Amerson and Virginia. Please accept our sincere sympathy but what a joy to know that they are sitting at the feet of Jesus. My Dad is there too and know he is thrilled to see W.A. and Virginia again.
Rill Amerson
September 29, 2009
Thanks to the many of you from out of town that have shared greetings. We were blessed to be part of Dad's earthly family. We had a wonderful celebration of Dad's life last Saturday.
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Elizabeth Alt and Tim Decker
September 28, 2009
Bill, Ruth, and family,
Remember the wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate the life of a well loved man!
Blessed be!
Larry and Carolyn Alt
September 28, 2009
We were saddened greatly to hear of WA's passing. He was a wonderful pastor and friend to us. Heaven has gained another star. Our sympathies and prayers to his family and to his extended family and friends.
September 25, 2009
Don and I appreciated the very wonderful spirit of W.A. We often saw him at Cracker Barrel when he studied the Word with men there often on Thursday mornings. He truly was a man of God. I know He is rejoicing in Heaven now!! Phyllis & Don Garmon
Sherrie and Danny Grimes
September 25, 2009
W.A. was a precious soul. We were members of Wesley for many years and always looked to W.A. for his wisdom and faith. I remember how he consoled and prayed with my family when my mother was murdered in 1988. He was such a comfort to all of us. My girls remember growing up with W.A. passing out sticks of gum to the children. He will be missed, but he is with his Sweetheart Virginia and his beloved LORD!!
Patti (Roberts)Rinaldi
September 25, 2009
My mom worked for WA for many, many years at Dueber United Methodist. I have so many memories of him throughout my childhood and teen years. Always passed out gum to the children after the 10:40 service! Virginia was a teacher at my high school. They both touched my life in so many ways... I am a better person for having them in my life.
Revs. Charles & Brenda Steproe
September 25, 2009
We were blessed to be under W.A. and Virginia's ministry, as children and teenagers, and they were certainly one of the greatest influences in our lives. Later, they were a wonderful encouragement to us in ministry. It is impossible to think of one without thinking of the other. Now they are together again. Heaven has to be rejoicing.
Tim Dowdle
September 24, 2009
WA, will be greatly missed. He new my Mother as Satch and she knew WA for about 80 years since she was about 12. He knew me and always called me Thumper. We talked to WA right after he fell at his place of residence. WA was a very loveing man for many people and served us well. I know he was ready to meet his maker and now he has. He's back with all his friends,family and with Virgina his loving wife. I will miss WA like all other and I know he's happy where he is now. My prayers are with his family and may he rest in peace. We love you WA and Jesus does too.
Thumper aka Tim
Julie
September 24, 2009
WA was an amazing man of God and every life that he has touched through God will always be better for it! I'm happy to have known him and most important that he is now with his creator in heaven.
Joyce and Tom Bell
September 24, 2009
Dr. Amerson was our spiritual guiding
light for many years. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Heaven is surely rejoicing at his arrival.
Karen Mottice Christoff
September 24, 2009
Pure in spirit, strong in conviction, and dedicated in service to others- words fail to capture the beauty of this life well lived. He will be so very missed and yet when I picture Rev. Amerson with his lovely bride Virginia I can't help but smile. It has been an honor to know WA and Virginia.
September 24, 2009
Heaven is rejoicing today as it welcomes WA home into the arms of his Savior he served so well and the arms of his Virgina whom he loved so much. Your memory lives in our hearts. Until we meet again someday on the other side. Mike and Shirley Kozinski, Canton, Oh.
Sue Hersman
September 24, 2009
WA is with his "sweetheart" now in Heaven!!! What a great man he will always be.........
Sue L. (Williams) Hersman
Sue Hersman
September 24, 2009
WA is with his "sweetheart" now in Heaven!!! What a great man he will always be.........
Sue L. (Williams) Hersman
Ruth Ann & Kenny Bandy
September 24, 2009
The Amerson Family,
W. A. was the most genuine Christian we have ever known. He didn't hesitate a moment to ask if a person knew Jesus and if they didn't he was quick to tell them about Him. He was always rejoicing, except after the death of his beloved Virginia. Like many others, we loved him like he was a member of our family. We will all miss his smiling face and his gentle demeanor, but even more, his influence in our lives. You are in our thoughts and prayers, but we are rejoicing as we know he is where he has wanted to be for a long time--in Heaven with God and Virginia.
Mark Johnson
September 24, 2009
Dr. Amerson was one of my dad's first, and best, friends when my parents moved to Westminster. He touched their lives, and mine, deeply, as I know he touched many others. He was truly a gift from God, and I can think of no finer tribute than the many, many people who will miss him.
joseph stein
September 24, 2009
i meet dr.amerson at my father-in-law's funeral. he was admiring a poem that i brought to the funernal palor. he wanted to us at the service naturally i said yes. he was a great great man.
Pamela (Weaver) Nolin
September 24, 2009
He was always there in times of need, to comfort and console. Always a smiling face to say hello. He is with God now. His memory has enriched so many of us throughout his incredible life. He will be missed.
Leah Davis
September 24, 2009
He is surely soaring with Angels today.
What a wonderful man.
JoLynn Key-Hume
September 24, 2009
Rev. Amerson's memory will live on in so many lives. He married my parents, christened my brother & I, ministered to the family and officiated over both my parents funerals, one of those being as recent as last year. He loved Jesus and has now gone to be with him.
May God continue to bless you.
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