Portrait of Jack Mahaffey. IMB Photo
Jack Edward Mahaffey, an International Mission Board missionary emeritus who shared the gospel in Thailand, died Feb. 14, 2025. He was 94.
Jack was born May 5, 1930, in Liberty, South Carolina, to the late Sylvester and Essie Mahaffey. He graduated from Liberty High School and received the Bachelor of Science from Clemson (South Carolina) College (now Clemson University) and the Bachelor of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas.
Jack married Oneida Dodson on May 16, 1953. He enrolled at Clemson College in 1954, worked in a textile plant and was an active member of his church. Shortly after entering Clemson, he felt God was calling him to preach and surrendered his life to Christ to preach the gospel. After graduation, they moved to Fort Worth, Texas, in 1957 to attend seminary.
While seeking missionary appointment, Jack recalled Missions Day as the highlight of his time in seminary. He wrote that the speaker, “… asked if the men were afraid to go. I said to God, ‘Lord I’m not afraid to go if you need me.’ In a matter of minutes, the Holy Spirit was speaking to me, and I felt the call of God to surrender my life as a missionary.” He continued to work, pastor, and take seminary classes for the next several years.
In 1965, the International Mission Board appointed Jack and Oneida missionaries to Thailand. They lived in Bangkok, Patthalung, and Hat Yai. Jack worked as an evangelist and a pastor.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Oneida Mahaffey; and a son, Stephen Mahaffey.
He is survived by two sons, Phillip Mahaffey and Mark Mahaffey (Karen), and two granddaughters.
A memorial service was held Feb. 22 at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Easley, South Carolina, with burial in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Pickens, South Carolina.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Lottie Moon Offering, IMB, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230, or online at Generosity Resource Center – IMB Generosity.
Read an obituary here.