Bishop William Kellam, Jr.

Bishop William Kellam Jr., 85, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania transitioned from labor to reward on September 14, 2024, while in the care of the Hospice House of St. Luke’s with his family by his side.   

William was born on September 11,1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late William and Isabelle (Dyer) Jackson.  “Kell”, as he was known in his youth, grew up in Philadelphia, PA and began his career as a truck driver at a very young age. Later in life, William was long employed at the United States Postal Service. William had a never-ending curiosity and interest in exploring new skills and hobbies including photography, flying planes, and even practiced martial arts. His resourcefulness and diverse skills often came in handy as he helped others with auto and home repairs. Throughout his life, the theme of servitude continued in his devotion to ministry and the calling that God placed on his life. As an ordained minister, William preached in the streets and community center of Pembroke Village, in prisons of Lehigh and Northampton County, and on the radio station WHOL where he was fondly regarded as “Dr. Salt”. In 1978, he founded the Christ is Coming Missionary Church of Bethlehem PA. His lifetime dedication to teaching and preaching the Gospel will continue indefinitely through the many churches throughout the US and West Africa that he presided over as Bishop,, as well as the dozens of missionaries and ministers he licensed and/or ordained. 

Bishop Kellam was not only a teacher, but also loved to read and study the gospel. His self—determination and thirst for knowledge led him to pursue his education. With unwavering love and support from his wife of over 46 years, he achieved a Philosophy of Religion PhD in 1994. This was in addition to his honorary Doctorate in Divinity. Bishop Kellam embraced the lessons he learned in the classroom as well as those he learned throughout his walk of life. Even at the end of his journey, it was clear that he was continuing to grow, learn and become.   

Bishop was a lover of nature including hunting, fishing and camping. In his love for the outdoors, it would not be surprising to see him feeding and talking to the animals. He also loved to travel and was proud to regale his friends and family with stories of his travels to Egypt, Paris, Jerusalem, and more. To all who knew him, William (AKA “Doc”, “Bill”, or “Pop-Pop”) was gregarious, full of laughter and light. From many years of hosting Thanksgiving, opening a community food bank, or cooking his family Sunday morning breakfast before church, he often used food to bring people together. He shared his many artistic abilities with the world through his ministry and music. He was an avid bass player and was known to pull out his guitar for an occasional performance.  

William was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine Etta (Wiley) Kellam, and sister JoReadie (Kellam) Feamster. He is survived by his wife Dawn D. Kellam; daughters Tashia Kellam, Dr. Cathy Coleman (husband Pastor Duane Coleman), Cassondra James Kellam, Amber S. Kellam (life partner Andres Ruiz); sons John Barry Kellam and Carlton Kellam (Wife Amy Kellam).  Bishop Kellam leaves behind a multitude of loving grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren who will hold his memory and his many stories in their hearts forever. He is deeply loved and will be sorely missed.  

Funeral Services for Bishop will take place on Saturday in Restoration Temple 1101 W. Tilghman St. Allentown at 11AM.  Viewing begins at 10AM.  Interment will follow services in Union Cemetery of Hellertown.

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