Baylor University and George W. Truett Theological Seminary grieve the passing of Rev. William "Billy" J. Abraham, D.Phil., the first Director of Truett's Wesley House of Studies. The latter died on Thursday, October 7.
He was hailed by the university as one of the most esteemed Wesleyan academics of his day.
While Dr. Abraham was at the George W. Truett Theological Seminary, he successfully led the newly established program to train Wesleyan students, particularly Methodists, for ministry in their respective denominations.
The Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas will host a memorial ceremony for Abraham on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 10 a.m.
"We are grateful for the significant contributions of Dr. Abraham to Baylor University and Truett Seminary over the last year and for the faithful spirit and unwavering commitment he brought to the Wesley House of Studies," President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. stated.
"That spirit will be deeply missed. We join in mourning with Dr. Abraham's family, friends and colleagues as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary and eternal life."
More about Dr. Abraham's Legacy
Mr. Billy Abraham was not only a renowned Methodist Church leader and theologian, but he was also regarded as a "loving husband and father," an inspirational "teacher and mentor," as well as an accomplished "evangelist and missionary."
Abraham was on the academic staff at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, where he taught courses in "systematic theology, philosophy of religion, evangelism," and Wesleyan studies until entering Truett Seminary in 2020 as Director of the Wesley House.
He was named Altshuler University Distinguished Teacher in 2003 after receiving SMU's highest teaching honor.
Abraham was said to be a brilliant scholar who wrote or edited over 25 books and more than 100 academic and public articles. He also created audio and video courses on Christian faith fundamentals, Bible study, Methodism, and ecclesiastical reform.
Apart from this, he spoke at many educational institutions and organizations, and congregations all over the world as a visiting scholar.
To help pay for his living expenses, he taught part-time at Dallas Baptist University while serving as the Wesley House leader in Truett, Texas.
Abraham was a long-time ordained elder in the United Methodist Church's Rio Texas Annual Conference, currently known as the Rio Texas Annual Conference.
His most recent teaching experience was at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, where he taught two Sunday School courses.
Besides his wife Muriel Elizabeth, he is survived by his children, Siobhan Elizabeth and Shaun Wesley Abraham, as well as his brothers John, Ivan, Cecil, and Ken Abraham.
Information on His Memorial Service
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, a memorial ceremony and reception will be held at the Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane in Dallas, Texas 75205.
There is no charge for the service or the reception. Those who can't make it to the event in person may still tune in via live stream.
The entire text of his obituary can be found here.
