Reverend Jack Edward Mahaffey

Liberty, SC

Jack Edward Mahaffey, age 94, passed away on February 14, 2025. Jack was born on May 5, 1930, in Liberty, South Carolina to Vess Mahaffey and Essie Mahaffey. Jack married Mary Oneida Dodson on May 16, 1953, in Liberty, South Carolina. The couple had three sons: Phillip, Mark, and Stephen. In 1966, the family moved to Thailand where Jack and Oneida served as Southern Baptist missionaries. They were stationed in Bangkok, Pattalung, and Hat Yai. Jack worked as an evangelist and a pastor while Oneida, an equal partner in the mission cause, worked as a homemaker, taught English as a second language, and home schooled their two younger sons. Jack wrote “Worth It All,” a book about his missionary experiences in Thailand.

Jack was a man of deep religious faith, a loving heart, and a deep sense of justice. He was not much of a cook, but his cornbread was better than Oneida’s. Jack served in the United States Army (artillery) during the Korean War. Jack graduated from Liberty (SC) High School, Clemson University, and the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jack loved sports. He played football in high school, and he was a member of the high school state-champion football team his senior year. Jack was a lifelong fan of Clemson University football. He enjoyed watching all their games, especially when they won. Jack was also a longtime fan of the Atlanta Braves. Two of his favorite ball players were Hank Aaron and Chipper Jones.

He was preceded in death by Vess Mahaffey (father), Essie Mahaffey (mother), Glen Gilstrap (brother), J.B. Gilstrap (brother), Heyward Mahaffey (brother), Vernon Mahaffey (brother), Stanley Mahaffey (brother), Oneida Mahaffey (wife), and Stephen Mahaffey (son).

He is survived by Phillip Mahaffey (son), Mark Mahaffey (son), Karen Weber Mahaffey (daughter-in-law), Rebecca Mahaffey (granddaughter), Destinee Mahaffey Merritt (granddaughter), and Ryan Merritt (grandson-in-law).

A private crypt-side service will be held for the family at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Pickens, South Carolina.

A memorial service for Jack will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11:00 am at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, 4174 Dacusville Highway, Easley, South Carolina. The Reverend Gerald Martin will officiate. The services are under the direction of Liberty Mortuary, Liberty, South Carolina www.libertymortuary.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the International Mission Board’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering www.imb.org “Give Now”.

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