Rev. William Henry Lucas

Rev. William Henry Lucas, age 96 of Smithfield, NC transitioned Monday December 15, 2025, at UNC Johnston Health in Smithfield. Rev. Lucas was the son of Theodore R and Bertha Brinkley Lucas and was born February 20, 1929, in Spring Hope, NC.

Rev. Lucas graduated from C.C. Spaulding High School, enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served honorably until his discharge in 1953 and then attended Shaw University.

In June 1953, Rev. Lucas received a calling from the Lord and for the next 49 years began a lifelong career in the ministry. He served as Pastor at First Baptist Church of Creedmoor NC, Lettice Hall Baptist in Franklin County, Odell Baptist in Littleton, NC, Shiloh Baptist Church in Arcola, NC, Strickland Grove Baptist in Four Oaks, NC and Galilee Baptist Church in Smithfield, NC. Upon retirement from pastoring in 2002, Rev Lucas joined Johnston Piney Grove Baptist Church of Clayton, NC and was faithful until declining health.

In addition to pastoring, Rev Lucas typically worked a full-time job so he could ensure his family was taken care of. However, in September 1991, after 25 years of service, the Lord blessed Rev Lucas to retire from NC State University.

Rev. Lucas is survived by his wife, Joan Green Lucas, sons; William Lucas II (Rita), and Timothy Lucas, one daughter-in- law; Lisa Lucas, three sisters-in-law; Luevenia Lucas, Brenda Lucas and Gail Green, four grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Theodore Lucas and Bertha Lucas, and son Brodwick Lucas.

Viewing: Monday December 22, 2025, at the Walter Sanders Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel 302 S. Bright Leaf Blvd., Smithfield, NC., from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

Funeral Service: Tuesday December 23, 2025, at Johnston Piney Grove Baptist Church 1691 Barber Mill Rd, Clayton, NC., at 10:30 am. Viewing from 10:00 am until 10:30 am.

Interment: Carolina Biblical Gardens 1530 Creech Rd, Garner, NC.