Reverend Clifford Coursey, born August 12, 1933, in Swainsboro, GA, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on April 6, 2024, in Rincon, GA, at the age of 90.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle.
Reverend Clifford gave his life to Christ in 1956 after serving in the United States Marine Corps Reserves for two years. Shortly thereafter, he felt called to preach which led him to South-Eastern Bible College in Lakeland, Fl where he received his credentials for pastoral ministry.
Being ordained by the General Council of the Assemblies of God, he then served as lead pastor in several churches across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Having served the community and congregation of Georgetown First Assembly of God in Georgetown, SC for a total of 19 years, he retired in 1999 after 38 years of full-time ministry. These years were marked by continuous growth, prosperity, and major building programs including church relocation. Reverend Coursey and his wife then moved to Effingham County, GA to be close to family. However, he continued to serve in the capacity of interim pastor for other district churches in GA and SC.
It's been said that Clifford was the very definition of a people person. His enjoyment of being with and talking to other people always brought a smile to those he encountered. When not in the pulpit, Clifford could be found either having breakfast with longtime friends at a local restaurant or on the golf course. He always had a story to tell and loved discussing anything regarding cars.
Reverend Clifford Coursey is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Hilda Faye Scarborough Coursey; son, C. Gary Coursey (Connie) of Rincon, GA; daughter-in-law, Misty L. Coursey of Hilliard, FL; grandchildren, Kimberly C. Lee (Chuck) of Evans, GA and Keri Anne C. Calahan (Russ) of Clyo, GA; step-grandchildren, Cody Meadows and Kaleb Meadows; great-grandchildren, Regan Baker, Kyndal Baker, Rusty Calahan, Josiah Lee, and Jeremiah Lee; step-great-grandchild, Alexis B. Driggers (Justin) of Timmonsville, SC; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents; James Louis Coursey and Mattie Warnock Coursey; siblings, Elizabeth Kersey Drew and Lewis Franklin Coursey; sons, Walter Steven "Stevie" Coursey and Thomas Nicholas "Nick" Coursey.
Visitation will be held at Maranatha Family Church, 454 Weisenbaker Rd, Rincon, GA, on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 12:30 pm. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm with Reverend Glynn D. Grantham and Reverend David Riner officiating. Reverend Coursey will be laid to rest at Effingham Memorial Gardens in Springfield, GA, immediately following the service.
The funeral will also be livestreamed on the church's YouTube and Facebook pages. You can watch it on YouTube by clicking here. You can watch on Facebook by clicking here.
His commitment to the mission of the church, both at home and on foreign fields, has affected the world for Christ. In lieu of flowers and in honor of this lifelong dedication, donations can be made to the mission fund at Maranatha Family Church (www.maranatharincon.churchcenter.com/giving) under Kingdom Builders. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Thomas C. Strickland & Sons in Rincon, GA.
Reverend Clifford Coursey's legacy of faith, love, and service will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in eternal peace.