Reverend Doctor Bishop Gerald Wayne Reliford, 76, of Columbia, Ky passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born in Green County, KY on June 11, 1947, to the late Arvil Larue and Thera B. Sparks Reliford.
Rev. Reliford enjoyed fishing, University of Kentucky sports and spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.
Reverend Gerald Reliford was ordained with the AEGA Ministries Int’l, Inc. on August 13, 2000. His many years of service to the Body of Christ made him an outstanding example of what a minister should be. He was a 1975 graduate of Asbury College, but his love and study of the Word of God did not end with graduation. It was his unparalleled understanding of the Word of God that made him a valuable adjunct professor for Omega Bible Institute and Seminary. On September 17, 2003, he accepted the responsibility of serving as an area coordinator for his area willing to hold annual area conferences and contact ministers in his region concerning joining AEGA Ministries.
His knowledge and experience as a minister were so evident that the Executive Board of AEGA Ministries selected him to serve on the International Board of Bishops. He served the office with integrity and a standard of holiness. Even while battling many years of attacks on his physical body, he continued to be the prayer support for the fellowship when he could not physically meet with them.
In his 53 years in ministry, Dr. Reliford, and his wife, LaVerne, traveled as evangelists, teachers, and music ministers throughout the Southern and Eastern United States. They pastored Bethlehem United Methodist church from 1971-1975. During 1976, they served as pastors for Smith Mills United Methodist and Geneva United Methodist churches. They spent the past 44 years co-pastoring New Life for the Nations Church, which they founded in 1980. An ordained minister with the AEGA, Dr. Reliford served as a missionary to five different nations, and taught Bible School curriculum, which he authored.
He held a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science from Campbellsville University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. In addition, he held a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Ministry from Omega Bible Institute and Seminary. He was listed in the Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities and was twice included in the Outstanding Young Men of America publication in 1974 and 1976.
Survivors include his wife LaVerne Draper Reliford of Columbia, KY; two children Scott Reliford (Cindy) of Lewis Center, OH and Miriam Hughes (Ricardo) of Columbia, KY; four grandchildren Kaylin, MaKenzie, Mercedes, and Matthew Hughes; a great grandson Creed Hughes and several cousins, friends, and other relatives.
Funeral services will be 12:00pm Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the New Life for the Nations Church with cremation to follow the services. Visitation will be on Saturday after 10:00am at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the New Life for the Nations Church at 5095 Campbellsville Rd. Columbia, KY 42728 or there will be envelopes available at the church.
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
