Rev. Roy Barnhill passed away peacefully from this life to receive his eternal reward on Thursday, November 26, 2020, at Regency Hospital in Florence, SC, surrounded by his family. Roy Barnhill was the only son of Roy Lee, Sr., and Evelyn Barnhill, born in Opa-Locka, FL, on July 23, 1951.  He graduated from New Hanover High School in Wilmington, NC, in 1969 and went on to get a Bachelor of Theology from Gateway College of Evangelism in St. Louis, MO, graduating in May 1972.

He received his ministerial license with the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) in 1972. After finishing his degree, he assisted the pastoral staff at the First United Pentecostal Church in Sedalia, MO, for seven years. He was elected as the Pastor of the United Pentecostal Church (presently known as The Pentecostals of Lumberton) in Lumberton, NC, on January 13, 1980. Roy Barnhill ministered with amazing compassion and immense grace. He loved the city and county he served for over 40 years. His godly fingerprint is etched throughout, not only Robeson County, NC, but the entire world. He was promoted to the position of Bishop on July 15, 2012, where he served faithfully until his heavenly retirement.

During his time as Bishop, he and his wife, Deborah Barnhill, traveled the world, preaching, teaching, and building faith in the lives of many home and foreign mission churches. Roy Barnhill was often referred to as the "ministers' friend." Roy Barnhill also served in the following leadership capacities within the UPCI and the North Carolina District of the UPCI: District Youth Secretary (8 years), District Secretary (14 years), Board of Directors/Executive Board Member at Tupelo Children's Mansion (5 years), and the North American Missions Administrative Committee Southeastern Regional Director (14 years).

Roy is survived by his wife of 48 years, Deborah Barnhill; one son and daughter-in-law, LeDon and Shelley Barnhill; and two grandchildren, Jackson and Chloe Barnhill. Cherishing his memory are his mother, Evelyn Barnhill of Wilmington, NC; three sisters: Sheila Suggs of Ashland, AL, Becky Willeford (Rev. Steve Willeford) of St. Louis, MO, and Lisa Pound (Jonathan) of Moore, OK. Also cherishing his memory are his father-in-law, Rev. Donald Curtis of Harrison, AK; his sister-in-law, Kathy Brown (Rev. David Brown) of Kirksville, MO; and his brother-in-law, Rev. Kevin Cox of Tioga of Louisiana.

Roy was preceded in death by his father, Roy Lee Barnhill, Sr.; his mother-in-law, Laveda Curtis; his sister-in-law, Delisa Cox; as well as his grandparents.

Visitation will be Monday, November 30, 2020, beginning at 4:00 PM at The Pentecostals of Lumberton Church, 1011 Carthage Road in Lumberton, NC.  The memorial service will follow, beginning at 7:00 pm.

A graveside services will be held on Tuesday, December 1, at 11:00 AM at Gardens of Faith Cemetery in Lumberton, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: The Pentecostals of Lumberton Building Fund, PO Box 1574, Lumberton, NC 28359.