The One New Man Bible
OBITUARY
William “Bill” J. Morford, 93, went home to his Lord and Savior on February 21, 2025. His legacy is that of a dedicated and loving family man, a caring and compassionate businessman, and a fierce love of his Lord and Savior that grew over the years and extended to his 40+ years of studying the ancient Hebrew and Greek languages that became his life’s passion.
Bill was born in Philadelphia, PA, on March 18, 1931, to Herbert and Laura Morford. He graduated in 1953 from Hobart College, and was a member of the class of 1955 University of Minnesota’s graduate school in hospital administration. He is survived by his second wife, Gwen Morford, of almost 20 years; stepdaughter Allyson (Tim) Davis; son Scott (Christine) Morford, daughter Margo (Bruce) West; grandchildren Philip (Amy) Morford, Laura Morford, Jacob West, Micah (Kristen) West, and Matthew West; and great-grandchildren Eden Morford, Caleb Morford, Stan Smith, Nichole Smith, and Serenity West. He was predeceased by his first wife of almost 50 years, Jeanie C. Morford, and a son, Carter Morford.
Bill was a celebrated author who focused on the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. He’s best known for his Bible translation, The One New Man. Bill helped seekers connect their faith to Hebrew roots through his writing and speaking engagements. As part of his research, he visited Israel many times and would converse with Rabbis in the Hebrew language. He was always available to extend his knowledge to others. Bill refined his knowledge of the Hebrew language by collaborating with Rabbi Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, grandson of Rabbi Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, whose lifetime work made Modern Hebrew the national language of Isreal.
Bill was a successful business owner for many years in Lexington, SC and was regarded as a kind and generous employer. He was civic-minded, serving as President of Toastmasters, Int., and President of the Lexington County Saddle Club several times. As an active church member, Bill served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, led Bible studies, and was also active in the building committee.
Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict as a crew chief on Chinook helicopters in the mid-1950s.
A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Emmanuel Praise & Worship Center, 619 Fairview St., Fountain Inn, SC, on Sunday, March 23, 2025, with visitation at 1:30 pm and service beginning at 2:00 pm. The service will be recorded and posted on the church’s Facebook page for those who cannot attend. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bill’s name can be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. The family wishes to thank the love and care our dad received at Simpsonville McCall Hospice House.
Special Announcement Coming Soon
The One New Man Bible New Edition
“[Bill Morford] has uncovered things that will literally make your understanding of the scriptures go to a whole new level. He has recaptured the Jewish roots.”
“I recently received a copy of the One New Man Bible which has a very strong Jewish influence and I found the Jewish translation agrees with me or rather I agree with it. If you’re looking for a Bible with a Jewish perspective, then this is the one!
Knowing my desire to understand Scripture from the Hebraic authors perspective, my daughter purchased a copy for me years ago. I was truly blessed when I was given permission to solely quote this version in my book.
I got my One New Man Bible in 2012 and I LOVE IT. It’s very enlightening to get an understanding of the culture of the day it was written, and what Y’shua meant when He said certain things that aren’t used in today’s vernacular.
It’s very meaningful and eye-opening to learn the meaning of things like “the eye of the needle” and “healing in His wings” Malachi 4:2 (the “wings” of His talit, called the hem of his garment in the KJV. Matt 5:21. It opens a whole new understanding of Christ our Lord and integrates the New Testament Messiah with the Old Testament prophesies of Him.
Several of my friends have purchased their own ONM Bible after hearing me explain how meaningful I’ve found this Bible in my study of The Word. I encourage everyone to get a copy of this great work.