Eddie Goliday

Pastor Emeritus Eddie Dorl Goliday Sr. went home to be with the Lord on September 5, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi.  He was 71 years old. 

Pastor Goliday was formally educated by the Lafayette County School District with further studies at the Tennessee School of Religion. Anointed and appointed to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, Pastor Goliday’s 30 years of compassionate ministry and soul-saving sermons reached people from all over the Country.  His melodious singing voice was an accompaniment to his ministry especially his renditions of “Sending Up My Timber,” “If I had Wings,” “When the Gates Swing Open,” “Nearer my God to Thee,” and “Glory Land”.  His radio ministry broadcast on WOXD 95.5 was highly anticipated every Sunday afternoon and ministered to listeners throughout North Mississippi.  “Y’all don’t hear Me” was a constant clarion call reminding listeners to receive and believe the preached Word of God.  His weekly radio program “What does the Lord Say About It” was also broadcast on 102.1, Sardis, MS. 

Born, June 4, 1952, to Jeffie Lee and Ida Mae “Honey Bunch” Stockard Goliday, he united and attended the family Church, Jordan Chapel CME Church.  He later united with St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor R. E. Gatewood.  Home life consisted of quoting scripture at mealtimes, further fostering a reverence for God.  He also enjoyed “playing the dozens” and singing in local quarter groups. He was self-employed as a landscaper and designer locally known as “The Green Man”.   The combination of excellent people skills mixed with the Anointing of The Holy Spirit often led souls to Christ.  “For everyone to whom much is given, from him, much will be required.”  Luke 12:48(b).   The manifestation of this verse was revealed through his Call to Ministry in 1990 and in 1991 he was ordained in the Christian Methodist Episcopal under the leadership of Bishop Thomas Hort, of the Fourth Episcopal District.  Pastor T. H. Austin, his father in the ministry along with Pastor Walter Hoof served as mentors to Pastor Goliday.  His ministry flourished and it was his desire to minister in his hometown of Oxford, Mississippi.  His prayer was answered in May 1998 as he became Pastor of Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church, only five minutes from his home.  As a Visioner, the body of believers at Clear Creek ballooned from less than a hundred members to over 600 during his over two decades of pastoral servanthood.   A new sanctuary was erected in 2002 to accommodate members.  Pastor Goliday established new ministries at Clear Creek including The Fresh Start Workshops, Prayer Walks, and the C.A.R.E. Ministry which birthed an outreach ministry at Oxford Health and Rehab (Graceland) as well as the Veterans Home.  The youth of Clear Creek continued the tradition of a summer trip and formed a Drill Team that synced scripture memorization with rhythmic moves all under the direction of Pastor Goliday.  Accomplishments include construction of the Church’s website and the addition of a fleet of vehicles including a 55-passenger coach which provided transportation to all.  Affectionally referred to as “The Community Pastor”, a moniker that will remain in the hearts of all residents of the Oxford-Lafayette County Community who had the privilege to hear his sermon and song.  During his tenure at Clear Creek, he served as Moderator of the TOMB District Association as well. 

Pastor Goliday is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Claudiaette James Goliday; two daughters: Fonda and Shahira; three sons: Kelvin (Meaghan), Eddie II “Buddy”; and Loyce; One Brother: Elder Bobby Goliday (Pastor Cheryl); Sisters: Lynette Johnson, Glinda Faye Boston, and Jean (Arnold) Seymour; Sisters-in-law: Mary Johnson and Mandy Goliday and a Grandson, Cortez, raised as his own; grandchildren  ShaKelvin,  Marquis, Khaylah, Krystonae, Christopher, Giovanni, Eddie III; and one great-grandson, Alazar; he also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and clergy whom he loved.   

Pastor Goliday was preceded in death by his parents: Jeffie Lee and Ida Mae, “Honey Bunch” Goliday; brothers: Lois Albert, Jeffie II; sisters: Jerlean, Jessie Mae; and Bettie; one sister-in-law: Corrine, brothers-in-law: Tommy and Marshall.