William "Bill" Hughes Pollok

William Hughes Pollok, 96, originally from Gladys, Virginia, died in Carmel, Indiana, on March 4, 2025.

Bill was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1929 to Nanny Willis Pollok and William E. Pollok of Gladys, Virginia. He deeply loved his parents, sister Martha, and brother Tommy. His favorite times centered around family gatherings in Gladys and Richmond, Virginia, and the Blue Ridge mountains. He had so many fond memories of helping his parents in the country store in Gladys during the busy holiday times. Bill served 4 years in the United States Navy during the Korean War on a navy destroyer, the USS Hubbard. After the Navy, he attended Randolph-Macon College where he earned a degree in Theology followed by Masters and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Emory University. During his career as a minister, he served for over 40 years in a number of churches within the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Bill was a jogger, biker, Appalachian trail hiker, baseball fan, lifelong learner, and theologian. He also enjoyed entertaining his family with his collection of electric trains. Some of Dad’s last words focused on the beauty of God’s creation. He said, “Oh, what a beautiful world—the oceans, the mountains, the forests, the trees.” Dad believed strongly in God’s infinite unconditional love for all humanity and all religions.

Bill met the love of his life, Clementine Campbell Sadler, at a church social, and they were married in 1959. They were a true team in life, balancing family, friends, and careers. They loved to travel together and visited many of our country’s glorious national parks. Bill is survived by his wife Clementine, daughter Karen Pollok Baluyut, son John Campbell Pollok, son-in-law Art Baluyut, daughter-in-law Maura Pollok, and his sister Martha Morris. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mary Baluyut Elmi and husband Adil Elmi, Matthew Baluyut, Quinn Pollok Gonzales and husband Anthony Gonzales, William Pollok, Sadler Pollok, and great-granddaughter Isra Elmi. The extended close family called him Bubba and Uncle Bill.

Bill loved his family and friends deeply. Those who knew Bill will remember him for his infectious smile, twinkling sky-blue eyes, deep-rooted faith in Christ, and unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. He was interested in the life journeys of others. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. A life well lived, indeed.

We will miss our father greatly but are thrilled he has walked his final path to heaven. In the future, a celebration of Bill’s life will be held in Richmond, Virginia. Donations can be made to Central United Methodist Church, 1213 Porter Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23224.