Pastoral Staff

Gene Williams

Rev. Gene Williams has been pastor at Parkers Chapel since January 1, 2008.  As an eastern North Carolina native, he attended East Carolina University as a Psychology Major before completing his education at Southeastern Free Will Baptist College, where he holds a Bachelor's Degree in Bible and Pastoral Theology.  He has served as youth pastor, educator, guidance counselor, and associate pastor in previous ministries both in North Carolina and Virginia.  Pastor Gene served as an Associate Pastor at Parkers Chapel from 2003 - 2007 before becoming Senior Pastor.  Known for his encouraging words and friendly personality, he has worked extensively in the area of counseling. He and his wife, Leslie, have three children: Faith, Grace, and Jonathan.

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John Johnson

John has ministered in full-time Christian service for 21 years. He was a youth pastor for 16 years serving 10 years in Chesapeake, VA, and serving 6 years here at Parkers Chapel. John recently was the Senior Pastor of Graceway Free Will Baptist Church in Melbourne, FL for 5 years. He rejoined the pastoral staff of Parkers Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in the role of Executive Pastor in August 2021. John received a Bachelor’s Degree in Pastoral Theology and Bible in May 2000 from Southeastern Free Will Baptist College, Wendell, NC, and received a Master’s in Biblical Studies in September 2008 from Trinity College and Theological Seminary, Newburgh, IN. He and his wife Beth have three children: Caleb, Sarah, and Rachel.
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Sam Harris

Originally from the mountains of east Tennessee, Sam Harris is the longest-tenured Music Pastor in Free Will Baptist churches.  He began his ministry at Parkers Chapel in 1991. Since graduating from Southeastern Free Will Baptist College, Sam has spent his entire ministry at Parkers Chapel. Sam is well known for being an accomplished musician on many conventional and unconventional instruments including the piano, organ, banjo, hammer dulcimer, crystal glasses, spoons, theremin, and hand saw. Though known for his various musical abilities and gifts, Pastor Sam is a gifted teacher and counselor.  He and his wife, Anne, have three children: Preston, Danielle, and Nathan.

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Robert Spruill

A Mississippi native, Robert Spruill has spent nearly thirty years in Christian school education, administration, and church ministry. Robert came onto the Pastoral Staff in September 2009 to serve in the areas of outreach, evangelism, and education. Known for a servant’s attitude and a can-do mindset, Robert is constantly finding and aiding church members in need. He holds a B.S. in Education from FWBBC and a M.S. in Educational Administration from Pensacola Christian College. Robert and Jennifer have two grown sons and four grandchildren.

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Church Secretaries

Kim Dail

Kim has been a member of Parkers Chapel since 1980.   After a 25-year career in banking at BB&T, she joined our staff as Office Manager in June 2016.  Kim is Pastor Gene’s assistant as well as being responsible for the day-to-day office operations and financial aspects of the church.  She and her husband, James, have 2 children: Jamison and Brianna.

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Vonda Covington

Vonda Covington is our church secretary and has been a member of our church since 2004. Vonda worked with Minges Bottling Group for 33 years. She is married to William and they have one son Ramsey.

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Leslie Williams

Leslie grew up attending Parkers Chapel. She felt a call into full-time ministry as a teen and spent 20+ years in Christian education. She now leads our ladies ministry and spearheads numerous community outreach initiatives. She is married to Pastor Gene and they have 3 children - Faith, Grace, and Jonathan.
Email Leslie Williams