Rev. John Willett Vess, Sr., 89, of Liberty, SC, passed away on September 13, 2018. He was born in Central, SC, in the home where his father served as president of Central Wesleyan College (now Southern Wesleyan University). Rev. Vess was a graduate of Central Wesleyan College and Bob Jones University Seminary. He was a minister of the gospel since 1953, with pastorates in Anniston, AL, Columbus, GA, Talladega, AL, Selma, AL, Easley, SC, Six Mile, SC, Iva, SC and Oakway, SC. Additionally, he served as a general evangelist at church revivals and camp meetings nationally and internationally, including the Philippines, Mexico, Africa, Russia, Taiwan, Korea, and China. He also held several offices within the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Arthur L. and Olive Vess, and his brother, Wesley A. Vess. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary Nell Lindsey Vess; children, Libby (David) Hall of Mechanicsburg, PA, Ronda (Dan) Whisner of Mt. Vernon, OH, Joy (Eddie) Beaver of Easley, SC, and John Willett, Jr. (Melissa) Vess of Easley, SC; and sister, Margaret (Amos) Glendenning of Leitchfield, KY. He also leaves behind beloved grandchildren, Jeremy (Christine) Hall, Danny (Melissa) Whisner, Jon (Kari) Whisner, Elizabeth (Dean) Rosencrans, Lindsey (Chad) Ford, Katie (Nate) Crater, Michael Walker, Marci (Kevin) Nattinger, John Willett III "Will" (Nicole) Vess, and Jake (Emma) Vess; great-grandchildren, Garrett Ford, Ethan Hall, Trey Whisner, Stephanie Hall, Madison Grace Ford, Leah Rosencrans, Reagan Whisner, Valerie Hall, Bethany Rosencrans, Gibbs Whisner, Amber Walker, Ryland Whisner, Nolan Whisner, Cole Crater, Zane Ford, and Beckett Whisner, as well as step-grandchildren Michelle (Kevin) Stinehart and Janelle (Brian) Patterson, and step-great-grandchildren, Numora Stinehart, Bennett Patterson, Emerson Stinehart, and Bowen Patterson, and a host of dearly loved nieces and nephews.