The Rev. Karl Eugene Story died Dec. 22 at his home. Karl faced his battle with multiple myeloma as he had lived his life – with courage, determination, faith, and his usual sweet spirit. He was an inspiration to all who crossed his path, including the medical staff that treated him at the Gibbs Cancer Center.

He was born in Atlanta, Ga., on Feb. 13, 1931, to Eugene Milton and Cassandra Powell Story.

He was educated in the Atlanta public schools, a graduate of North Greenville College, with further study at Furman University and Southeastern Seminary. His early pastorates were small country churches in South Carolina until he was called to what would be his longest pastorate, Mt. Beulah Baptist Church, where he ministered for almost 20 years.

While in NC he served two terms as moderator for the Anson Baptist Association, served as a volunteer hospital chaplain and Hospice chaplain and also on the Stewardship Committee of the General Board of the NC State Baptist Convention.

Following his retirement from the full-time pastorate he remained an active interim pastor and filled many empty pulpits, also teaching a large adult Sunday School class at Poplar Springs Baptist Church as long as his health permitted. That growing class was his heartbeat to the end.

He was predeceased, in addition to his parents, by his older brother Milton Ray; his oldest son Michael Scott; and a grandson, Kelly Wade Turpin.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his childhood sweetheart and devoted wife of 60 years Gloria (Gerrie); daughter Bonnie Turpin (Garry); sons Victor (Sharon) and Jonathan (Tammy); a brother, Homer (Betty) Dawson Story of La Grange, Ga.; eight grandchildren; and four great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

His little hound Mollie will miss their long walks and talks together in the woods behind their home.

The family received friends one hour prior to the funeral service at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Hwy 17, Moore, S.C., from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. The funeral service was held in the sanctuary at 2 p.m. Dec. 26, conducted by the Rev. Bill Turner, the Rev. Owen Duncan, the Rev. Gerald Burnett and the Rev. Robert Bevill, Pastor.

Burial was be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Challenge to Build, Poplar Springs Baptist Church, PO Box 417, Moore, SC 29369; or to Mobile Meals, or to Hospice of Spartanburg Regional Hospital.