Obituaries

Mrs. Kniceley, I just learned of Mr. Kniceley passing. I’am shocked, and very sad. I respected, and admired him very much. He was always so kind to me, and I’am definitely a better man because of my time being around him. Some of my most found memories will always be the few years that I was “privileged” to be in your inviting home, and to be around your beautiful family. Mrs. Kniceley I especially want you to know that I will always appreciate your friendship, guidance, and the wonderful impact that you had on my life. ( Thank you for caring about me ). I send you, and your family my friendship, love, and sincere condolences. God Bless You.

Posted by Billy P. Brown on May 20, 2018

You are at peace now "Cuz". Prayers for Ruth Ann and your extended family.

Posted by Barbara (Newhouse) and Norman Hente on January 23, 2018

I met Rev. Kniceley through my husband Mike. He married us in June of 2008. He was the nicest person. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Mrs. Kiceley

Posted by Tammy Seders on January 13, 2018

We met Bill and Ruth Ann when he pastored at Epworth UM Church in Parkersburg, WV. We later attended Washington UM Church in Washington, WV, where Bill pastored as well. We will always cherish our friendship with the Kniceleys, which grew as years passed. Our families were together visiting and for many events throughout the years. I was fortunate to work with Bill for a number of years, for which I have always been grateful. Bill was a very kind, considerate, and caring person who was also a true gentleman. Bill, you were truly a messenger who carried the Word of God to others throughout your life. May you rest in peace....you will be missed.

Posted by Frank & Linda Smith on January 13, 2018

I fondly remember Reverend Kniceley when he served at Epworth during my youth in Parkersburg. My thought and prayers go out to Ruth Ann, Rebecca and the entire family. Knowing him from those few years I am sure he influenced and impacted a vast number of lives during his ministry.

Posted by Jeff Laird on January 12, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with the family Shirley Harper Johnson Chester Harper

Posted by Shirley Harper Johnson on January 11, 2018

Christy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What a blessing to have known you wonderful father and all the joy and hope he brought to those who were touched by his life. All our love, thoughts and prayers are with you today and the days ahead as you treasure the beautiful life your father lived!

Posted by Joy and Kevin Snow on January 11, 2018

Christy and Rebecca, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.

Posted by Rebecca Lamoureux on January 11, 2018

I got the news today that he had passed. My mom always texts me...“remember them”...”they died”. I’m usually pretty nonexistent with emotion. She’d get a “no” or “I knew their so-n-so”. But, today is different. I’m heartbroken. I’m devastated. I met Bill in 2004. I’m not really sure what led me to that church. I was born into a very religious home. I went to church camp. My favorite bedtime stories were ones my mom read to me out of a bible storybook. I just remember showing up there one Sunday morning. I was empty. I was sad. I was lost. Bill found me. He found me out of everyone in the congregation that day. We didn’t actually meet. What he SAID found me. I could always tell he was talking just to me. Later on, I noticed that his sermons were always about something we had talked about earlier that week. Kind of like, are you listening? I have scripture to back myself up. “I’m not bluffing you.” Sometimes I’d have goosebumps. Other times, I’d have tears. Months went by, and I was there with my girls every Sunday. He wanted to baptize me. He wanted me to become a member of the church. ME?!? A single, unwed, mother who had found herself pregnant. “Yes, you,” he’d say. I protested. Said I felt like a hypocrite that took God as a joke. “I can’t do that and live the life that I live.” It did no good. He’d slap me in my forehead and call me silly. “God loves you!” “I love you!” I believed him. I always believed him. I got saved at 8 months along. He married Neil and I. Things weren’t good, and he knew it. He came to the hospital. He held my son. He prayed with me and over me. And, I prayed with him. He told me he was leaving. Going back home to be with his daughters and grandchildren. I understood, but I cried. I sat in the pews of that church for the very last time the Sunday after he left. No goosebumps. No tears. Lost again. When he left, a huge part of my faith left with him. It’s been 13 years. Every time something huge happens in my life, I think of Bill - the good and the bad. Does God still love me? Does Bill? I have screenshots saved to my phone where I googled him every couple years. I was always gonna go to him. I needed that slap in the forehead - more now than ever. I’m going to see him Friday. I know he’s gone. I know he’s enjoying every aspect that heaven has to offer, but I’m still lost, and I hope he finds me.

Posted by Alesha Bell on January 11, 2018

Bill was a friend to me in his time at Oak Hill United Methodist. He didn't ask me medical questions, did not seek "free advice" as do so many folks. He was a man seeking to encourage his flock to seek goodness through Christ, and he knew that he was the messenger of Christ in this earthly life. I have more respect for Bill Kniceley than most any other man (or woman) I have known. He was a wonderful human, certainly will stand above all other men of the cloth in my eyes. I begin all my spoken prayers with "Kind Heavenly Father....."

Posted by mark white on January 11, 2018

Dear Ruth Ann & Family, I was saddened to hear the news about Bill. I will forever remember the ping-pong tournaments in our basement between my father (Franklin Smith) & Bill. Also, the fact Bill did not laugh (out loud) when my father sat in the front row @ Washington Bottom and his socks did not match (anything he was wearing) all due to color-blindness. But mostly, Bill was a gentle and compassionate person that I'm glad to have had in my life during my youth and young adulthood. Your family was there for many events in our family over the years. May you find peace in the days ahead.

Posted by Tracy Smith Piedmont on January 11, 2018

My parents, Harold and Billie Jean Wright loved Pastor Bill. I know they were both there to greet him at the gates!

Posted by Amy Wright Maynard on January 10, 2018

To Ruth Ann and family, I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Rev. Kniceley. He was a great man and a wonderful pastor. After our devastating fire at the Oak Hill United Methodist Church, he held our congregation together during the difficult years of rebuilding. The day we entered our rebuilt church is a day I will never forget! It was one of his best services ! Peace and love to you and your precious family.

Posted by Janet Slates Bowland on January 10, 2018

My sincere condolences for Ruth Ann and your family. Your family has been a part of ours for most of my life and there are many fond memories through the years. May God comfort and bring peace to your hearts.

Posted by Linda Carvell Linville on January 9, 2018

My sympathies to Bill’s family and friends. I graduated high school with Bill at BHS and saw him a couple of times at HS reunions. He was a wonderful man. He is with his Heavenly Father now. May The Father’s arms of comfort and love.

Posted by Peggy (Rogers) Patterson on January 9, 2018

Rev. Kniceley minister at my church, First United Methodist, So. Charleston from 1999 to 2005 and he was a very sweet person. My mother always liked to call him Sweet William and he would give her stamps on occasion because she was always sending cards. He referred to me as Sarge because I headed up the annual recruitment for participants in a Hike for Hunger in this area. He will always be remembered by many lives he has touched in many ways. My prayers for the family as they go through the days ahead. Their memories will carry them through as they lean on God for comfort and strength.

Posted by Kathy Gum Parsons on January 9, 2018

Ruth Ann I'm so sorry for your loss. You have a beautiful family. Sending you hugs and lots of love. Love Nancy (Corbin) Mullins

Posted by Nancy Mullins on January 9, 2018

Beloved friends, I am so sorry for your loss; we know it's Heaven's gain. I so enjoyed meeting Rev. Kniceley some while back when he was a guest pastor at my church. He and Mrs. Kniceley made such a charming, loving couple. I loved hearing each of you tell stories about your family when you were growing up, and, after meeting your parents, I fully understood how each of you blossomed into the wonderful women you are. And now, you're passing all that love and kindness and faith on to your girls (who, by the way, are just adorable). God bless all of you as you walk this path of sorrow. Your next meeting with your Dad will be joyful indeed.

Posted by Doris Dean on January 9, 2018

Rev. Bill was a big influence on my spiritual life as well as my personal life. It was a pleasure to have Rev Bill, and his family, as neighbors while he served at the Washington United Methodist Church. I will always remember Rev. Bill and wish his family much comfort during this time of transition as he leaves this world to be with those who have gone on to be with our heavenly father.

Posted by Stephen Kiser on January 9, 2018