William Leon Axley

by Lynn McMillen
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William Leon Axley of Collierville, TN William Leon Axley (Bill) entered into rest on Saturday, July 17, 2021 in his home from complications related to cancer. Reverend William Leon Axley, 91, was the beloved husband of the late Mrs. Gladys Colleen Axley of Michie, TN. Mr. Axley was born January 12, 1930, in Gas City, Indiana. Bill took great pleasure living life to the fullest. He expressed joy and excitement in his many adventures in traveling, boating, fishing, sports, games, playing musical instruments and always looking for that best “deal”.

In 1950 “Bill” married the love of his life and cherished the next 66 years with Mrs. Gladys Colleen Axley. Two years later in 1952, Bill joined the United States Marines, 1st Division Aviation. He proudly loved and served his country. Returning home from the Korea War he built their first home and started a family. Although Bill was a happy successful skilled carpenter, he felt God called him to serve in full time ministry.

In 1960, Brother Axley moved his family to North Carolina to manage the “Fields of the Woods” while attending and graduating from Seminary school. Throughout his life, William Axley preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to hundreds of people who attended one of the nine churches he pastored during his 35 years from 1960 to 1993. Bill continued to serve as District Overseer and support pastor for the Church of God of Prophecy 1994-1995. In addition to pastoring the church, he spent many years using his building skills to rebuild, restructure and add to existing church buildings. He continued to teach and provide counseling until his body was no longer able.

Bro. Axley had an unsurpassed passion for life and a steadfast, unwavering love for God, Church, family and friends. Bill was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and his smile lit up the lives of all those who were blessed to know him.

Reverend William Axley stated many time what a great honor and privilege it was to have pastored at the Church of God Of Prophecy in Burnsville, NC., Lexington, NC, Rock Hill, SC, Ormond Beach, FL, Michie, TN, Gallatin, TN, Lenox, TN, McMinnville, TN, and Roberts Tabernacle near Westmoreland, TN. He and his family felt greatly loved, nurtured and blessed by the love and support from these church families. The Axley family will always appreciate, cherish the beautiful memories participating in the church family community activities and events.

Bro. Axley was preceded in death by his father Richard Leonadis Axley, his mother Sarah Mae Parker, his wife Gladys Colleen Axley, his daughter Teena Colleen Campbell, his son Ricky Lee Axley and his sister Kathleen.

He is survived by his daughter Linda Renee DeVaughn and her husband Nathan of Augusta, GA., his three sons, David Leon Axley and his wife Donna of Michie, TN., Steven Dwayne Axley and his wife Lisa of Collierville, TN., Jonathan Neal Axley and his wife Beth of Michie, TN; twelve grandchildren; Dallas Campbell, Kristen Johnston and her husband Michael, Kaitlin Campbell, Tiffany Swanson and her husband Eric, Steven Gregory Strickler and his wife Casaundra, Conor DeVaughn, Rhianna Brown and her husband Dan, William Axley, Alan Axley, Addison Axley, Amber Davidson and her husband Alex, Alanna Wagoner and her husband Marcus; Ten great grandchildren, Allyssa Campbell, Clayton Campbell, Caroline Swanson, Samuel Swanson, Sebastian Swanson, Tyler Strickler, Giuliana Strickler, Shyleah Carroll, Keylie Pitts and Cole Pitts. Two great, great grandchildren, Nova Campbell and William Reid Wagoner along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A service in his honor will be held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at, 10:00 A.M., at The Church of God of Prophecy, Michie, TN with State Overseer and Bishop E.C. McKinley, Reverend James Roy Bennett and Reverend Terry Swaw officiating with burial service to follow at church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM and on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 from 9:00 AM until service time at The Church of God of Prophecy in Michie.

Active Pallbearers: Alan Axley, William Axley, Gregory Strickler, Conor DeVaughn, Marcus Wagoner and Alex Davidson. Honorary Pallbearers: Dan Brown, Nathan DeVaughn, Freddie Gray, David Baker, Lynn Baker, Alton Harvell

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