Reverend Earl Christmas, who was 80 and a resident of Florence, SC, died on Thursday, September 10, 2015, at Carolinas Hospital System after a short illness. Born in Marion, SC, he was the son of Robert and Nettie Christmas. He was a recently retired pastor of Florence Free Will Baptist Church and a former pastor of Loris Church of God. Reverend Christmas traveled the world spreading God's word, helping to build churches and schools in such places as Australia, Central America and India. Even after his travels, he continued to touch many lives not only by his ministering but also by his infectious smile and personality that could light up any room. He will be dearly missed by family and many friends. He is survived by five children; daughters, Frances Diane Cheeseman of Florence, SC and Rachael Sellers Caines of Chadborn, NC; sons, David Earl Christmas of Seymour, TN, John Timothy Christmas of Madison, WI and Michael Bryon Christmas of Marion, SC; one brother, Paul Christmas of Murrells Inlet, SC and one sister, Irene Brown of Florence, SC, 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by both parents, a sister Bessie Reynolds and three brothers, Elwood Christmas, Harrelson Christmas and Eugene Christmas. The family will hold a gathering of friends and a Celebration of Life service at 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 13, 2015, at Grace Community Church, 5050 Temperance Hill Road, Marion, SC. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cain-Calcutt-Stephens Funeral Home, in Memory of Reverend Christmas, to assist with funeral expenses.