Doyle Clingman "Chuck" Baynard Jr.

The Reverend Doctor Doyle Clingman "Chuck" Baynard, Jr., entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior after a life defined by faith, service, and love for others.

Born to the late D.C. and Mae Woody Baynard and raised in the mountains of North Carolina, Chuck was one of five brothers. He loved fishing from an early age and carried a mountain man's ingenuity throughout his life. Whether repairing electronics, building something with his hands, counseling a struggling family, or helping a church halfway around the world, he was rarely content to leave a problem unsolved or a need unmet. 

Chuck first answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Army, serving from July 1963 until November 1972 and completing two tours in Vietnam as a Special Forces Airborne Green Beret. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, a Bronze, two Overseas Service Bars, and the Good Conduct Medal (Second Award). The discipline, perseverance, and devotion to duty that marked his military service would remain evident throughout the rest of his life.

After returning home, Chuck earned his GED and continued his education, eventually answering a far greater calling. Though a high school dropout by circumstance, he became a lifelong student. When called into ministry, he pursued the education required to serve faithfully, earning a Bachelor of Theology and Master of Ministry from Bethany Bible College and Seminary, both summa cum laude. In 1993, he was ordained in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and became the founding pastor of Clover EPC. He later received an honorary Doctor of Letters for his contributions to Christian education and went on to earn a Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Ministry from Whitefield Theological Seminary.

For more than three decades, Chuck devoted himself to serving Christ by serving people. He was a pastor, Christian counselor, chaplain, Guardian ad Litem, author, editor, teacher, and mentor. Those who sought his counsel quickly became familiar with one of his favorite expressions: "calm, cool, and collected." Whether the problem was large or small, he believed life's challenges could be faced with prayer and steady faith. He authored twenty-two books, edited the Christian Observer, published numerous newspaper articles, consulted with the Hungarian Reformed Church, ministered in local hospitals, and embraced new technology to extend counseling and encouragement through online ministries long before such work became commonplace.

Yet those who knew Chuck best knew that he never sought titles or recognition. He measured success not by accomplishments but by faithfulness. His favorite passage of Scripture, Romans 5:1-6, reflected the hope and perseverance that guided his life and ministry. He believed truly we could do all things through Christ who lives in the hearts of His people.

Chuck was also a businessman and craftsman. Many in Clover remember Home Electronics on Main Street, where he repaired televisions, VCRs, and countless other appliances. In that storefront, he also operated a custom framing shop, installed security systems, and seemed capable of fixing nearly anything. Despite coming from a musical family, he often joked that he sang in the key of "Z," though he could play a mean CD player.

Chuck was longtime member of Masonic Lodge 218 and Clover Chapter No. 138, Order of the Eastern Star, where he served both locally and at the state level. Chuck served as Worthy Patron on numerous occasions and valued the organization's commitment to charity, service, and the virtues reflected in the Star Point teachings, which closely mirrored the faith and family values by which he lived.

Of all the roles he held, none brought him greater joy than being a husband, father, and grandfather. He shared 55 years of marriage with the love of his life, Mollie Ann Adams Baynard, who preceded him in death. Together they built a home centered on faith, family, and service to others.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Jean Baynard Goff and her husband, Todd Goff, and by the three grandsons who were the delight of his life: Colton, Trevor, and Keegan. Though each called him by a different nickname, all knew the same loving grandfather whose proudest title was simply Grandpa. He is also survived by countless nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, former church members, and those whose lives were touched by his counsel, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Chuck often said that God had answered a prayer when he became a father. After telling the Lord he would preach if He blessed him with a child, he was overjoyed when Beth arrived, a blessing that shaped the rest of his life. In later years, it seemed impossible to go anywhere in Clover without someone sharing a story of how he had encouraged them, helped them, taught them, or prayed with them. His legacy is not found in the degrees he earned, the books he wrote, the sermons he preached, or the honors he received. It is found in the people he loved and served.

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..." Romans 5:1.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

His life will be celebrated in a service at Bowling Green Presbyterian Church on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 2 pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A graveside will follow at Woodside Cemetery in Clover. In lieu of flowers, donations can be to the youth program at Bowling Green Presbyterian Church.

The South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service is honored to serve the Baynard family. Condolences may be shared online at: www.greenefuneral.com.