Rev. William E. Wolfe, 88, of Middlesboro, formerly of Gray, passed away Saturday afternoon, October 31, 2020 at the Hospice of Lake Cumberland Care Center in Somerset. He was the son of the late James L. and Zella D. Betzner Wolfe born on March 13, 1932 in Whitley County, IN.
Bill first met his wife to be, Shirley Ann Southern, at the age of 13 and they became pen pals which later blossomed into a courtship and marriage lasting over 70 years. They were blessed with two daughters.
Rev. Wolfe was a minister and at the time of his death was a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church at Dorton Branch. In 1971, they moved to Kentucky to attend Clear Creek Baptist Bible College. He began his ministry pastoring at the Springfield Baptist Church and also served in other area churches including Bethlehem Baptist and Pleasant Ridge Baptist Churches.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Jane Fuller and Virginia Hughes and two brothers, James and Ronnie Wolfe.
Survivors include his loving wife, Shirley Wolfe of Middlesboro; two beloved daughters, Diane Maguire and husband, Joe, of Fourmile and Julie Grubb of Middlesboro; four treasured grandchildren, Dustin Wolfe, Adam Wolfe, Joey Maguire and wife, Audrey, and Josh Maguire and wife, Becky; nine great grandchildren, Dylan and wife, Hannah, Riley, Kaden, Atlee, Grayson, Jaxon, Brooke, Caylea and Madison; a special friend, Rev. Jesse Buell; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted at the Springfield Baptist Church Wednesday, November 4 at 1 P.M. with Rev. Mike Helton and Rev. Jeff Tingle officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Barbourville Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Dustin Wolfe, Adam Wolfe, Joey Maguire, Josh Maguire, Asa Mills and Aaron Canterbury. Honorary bearers will be Harry Mays, Fred Hensley and his church family.
Friends may call at the church Tuesday between 6 and 8 P.M. and Wednesday after 12 Noon until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Please remember, during the continuing COVID-19 event, capacity restrictions and social distancing guidelines will be followed during all services including the wearing of face coverings as mandated by the Governor of Kentucky for the safety of our families, guests and staff.
Send a condolence to the family of WILLIAM E. WOLFE.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
