William “Bill” Charles Lavery, 91, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born June 24, 1932, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and went home to heaven on March 20, 2024. He married Margaret Savage in 1957 and they immigrated to the United States in 1961, settling in Michigan. He came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of 33, and five years later the Lord called him to preach the gospel full time. Bill’s passion was reading the Scriptures and sharing the good news of the gospel through his actions, conversation and preaching. Margaret passed away in 1998, and seven years later Bill married Linda (Wagar) Walvatne on December 28. They made their home in Parkersburg, Iowa.
Bill’s Passion – He Loved to Tell Others About His Savior
Bill Lavery lived and served the Lord that he loved in Michigan with his wife Margaret for nearly 50 years. In those years he was constantly engaged in the work of the gospel, preaching in assemblies across Michigan, throughout the Midwest and many places beyond. He truly enjoyed going out, nearly every day, to invite people to meeting. Bill was not one to just leave the invitation on the door, but rather knocked on each door so that he could personally meet the people and tell them about his Savior. He was active in tents, halls, rented buildings, preaching and teaching Christ, and was the means of many people being won for God’s kingdom. He was a tireless soul-winner and a true servant of Jesus Christ.
A servant of the Lord who often worked with Bill noted that he was a treasured mentor who exemplified Paul’s admonition to “teach others also.” One of Bill’s oft-repeated instructions made a lasting impression: “The preparation of the messenger is more important than the preparation of the message.” He embodied this, and as a result was influential in the spiritual growth and development of younger men.
The last 17 years of his life were spent mainly concentrating on his new home state of Iowa, ministering the Word in the many surrounding assemblies, teaching at conferences, as well as leading Bible Readings. Linda gently and faithfully supported him through the trials of advancing years.
Bill loved to tell others how God dealt with him personally. For 33 years of his life Bill knew about the gospel but was afraid he might miss out on some of the fun life he was having. On March 9, 1966, he asked Margaret if she thought she would be in heaven at the end of life. When she was uncertain, he quoted John 3:16. Margaret couldn’t sleep and went over that verse in her mind, and during the night she rested in God’s provision of His Son for her. When they woke up in the morning, she told Bill, “I think I got saved last night.” Bill was in shock. Margaret had only heard the gospel a few times, and was saved, and he had heard it countless times and was not. He went to work but could not concentrate on his work. He finally locked himself in a room and told God he wasn’t coming out “until he was saved.” He went over the many verses he memorized as a boy but could not understand how to be saved. In frustration, he finally said, “I guess I’ll never be saved.” In a flash the words of Peter in Matthew 14:30 came to his mind. Peter had gotten out of the boat and had begun walking to the Lord at His command. As he approached, the wind caused the waves to start, and he began to sink. Peter cried out, “Lord, save me.” The Lord Jesus reached out His hand and saved him from the sea. In that instant, Bill realized that the same One who reached out His hand and saved Peter from the water was the One who died on the cross so that his sins could be forgiven. He could sing for the first time in truth, “O happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away!”
Bill’s Character – He Lived a Life Pleasing to God
Bill was a man who possessed many godly characteristics. He was a dignified servant used by the Lord to present the gospel in its simplest form. He was thoughtful, calm, welcoming, considerate and kind when dealing with souls. He could disarm a person in an instant with his quicker-than-quick wit.
In the midst of unsettling circumstances, Bill would remain unruffled. He was able to defuse many situations with his smile, “Irish brogue” and humor. He was a man of integrity and in tune with the needs of others.
The Scriptures were his constant companion. He studied them daily and shared them freely. He had a wonderful ability to scan the entire Bible on any given subject, and to integrate the whole counsel of God in an accurate and useful way. His teaching was not novel nor designed to draw attention to himself; he preached Christ and exalted Him in both gospel and ministry.
He often prayed that he would finish well, and the Lord answered that prayer. He could say with Paul the apostle in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (KJV).
The memory of Bill Lavery is fragrant, and like the Lord Jesus, whom he served, he left “us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1Pe 2:21 KJV).
