Inspiring People: Bill McElheny has a servant’s heart

Posted 9/18/20

Bill McElheny is a Christian, and if you ever meet him, you will know that within minutes.

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Inspiring People: Bill McElheny has a servant’s heart

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OKEECHOBEE — This week’s Inspiring story is about a personal friend, and I can hear his voice in my head as I write. “You know, it’s not all about me. It’s all about Him.” He would say these words while pointing up, because “Mr. Bill,” as he is called by almost all who know him, spends most of his time pointing up, both literally and figuratively. Bill McElheny is a Christian, and if you ever meet him, you will know that within minutes. He never gives anyone a chance to wonder, whether he meets you in line at the grocery store or at his grandchild’s ballgame or in church. He is the same person everywhere he goes.

I asked the children at church what they liked the best about Mr. Bill, and every single one of them said the same thing. As a matter of fact, every adult said the same thing. Each person said that they know Mr. Bill, who is 82 years old, is often in pain. He has had multiple surgeries, and he has trouble walking. He is obviously hurting most of the time, BUT each and every time you say, “Hey, Mr. Bill, how are you today?” his answer is always the same. Every time, he replies, “I’m way better than I deserve.”

Spoken of with respect
Mr. Bill’s church, Everglades Baptist, has three pastors, and each of them talked about him with respect and affection. Pastor Eric Phillips said it was an honor to speak on his behalf. They met in 2008 after Mr. Bill’s daughter-in-law, who was a member of Everglades Baptist, asked the church if they would be willing to paint her in-laws’ house, because this was something that would be difficult for her father-in-law to do himself. The church agreed, and a friendship began.

Within weeks, Mr. Bill and his wife, Yvonne, began doing a Bible study with Phillips, and soon Mr. Bill surrendered his life to Jesus. At the time, he was about 70 years old, and Phillips said, “He has probably grown more in his faith in the last 10 years than most people do in a lifetime.” Mr. Bill began telling everyone he met about what God had done for him. He even went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic a few years ago. He helped Phillips do Bible studies with some homeless people. He helped with Bible studies at the nursing home. “Any time I needed someone to go with me anywhere, I knew I could count on him.”


Mr. Bill loves working with wood, has taught all of the Phillips family’s older boys how to use woodworking tools and is always available when they want to build something. This is something each of the Phillips’ boys mentioned when asked what they love about Mr. Bill. They said they really appreciate that he saves all his scraps so when they come over, they can go through the bin and choose anything they want to make projects. Then Mr. Bill helps them put the projects together. He never acts like the boys are a bother and always seems to enjoy their company.

Pastor Jim Womble said he recently asked Mr. Bill if he felt up to making a couple of podiums for the church to use out at the church property. “Mr. Bill didn’t even hesitate. He immediately asked what we had in mind and before we knew it, they were built, and he was calling to see when we could meet to put them out there. I know he has made a lot of other things for the church, too, carts for the nursery, a communion table, things for the children’s ministry and who knows what else. He is a hard worker and a good man.”

‘He has always been like that’
Pastor Doug Nickalson got to know Mr. Bill when the church painted his house, and it didn’t take long for them to become friends, he said. “It’s hard to say what I admire most about Mr. Bill, because there are so many things. One of the things I have always noticed with him is his desire to help other people. He has always been like that —ever since I met him. He was always willing to tag along when Eric went to the prison or any other trips like that, all types of ministry-related things.”

Several friends spoke about their love for Mr. Bill. Amy Cortez said she admired the way he just kept going no matter how bad he felt. “You know he is in pain, but he is still at church every week. He is still volunteering to build things. He is always willing to help. Most people aren’t like that.”

‘...if we had more Mr. Bills...’
Erma Amaya said, “If I had to use a phrase to describe my friend Mr. Bill, I guess the phrase, ‘He’s the real thing’ (that) my granddaughter always says, would come to mind. His genuine love for God and his family has always inspired me. He always has a kind word and a warm smile for everyone. This world would be a better world if we had more Mr. Bills in it. I love you, Mr. Bill.” Christy Silvas has known him for many years and said he is genuine and joyful no matter the circumstances.

Rachel Nickalson said she has known Mr. Bill for 13 years and has found him to be a faithful friend and servant to their family the whole time. “I know he loves Christ and us like family, prays for us and has a servant’s heart. A few years ago, he made our boys a set of bunk beds. I know that took a lot of work. They are extremely well made and will last. We love to talk about the Lord and hear stories of when he grew up. He is humble and knows God gives him the ability to serve and use his talents. The Nickalsons love Mr. Bill.”

I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. Mr. Bill is all about serving God and serving others, and that is what makes him so special to so many people.

inspiring, okeechobee, bill mcelheny

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