Biographies A

November 23, 2020

Biographies C

November 23, 2020

Biographies B

FRANK BAGGOTT

Frank Baggott (1924-2016) was born in Fountain, Florida. Baggott attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky where he earned his Master’s in Theology. His first pastorate was Woodlawn Baptist Mission, Okaloosa County, which became a church while he was there. He served as Chaplain in the U.S. Navy for 25 years in various locations around the globe. Following his retirement from the Navy, he began working for the Southern Baptist Convention Foreign Mission Board pastoring churches in Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany; Quito, Ecuador; and Clearwater Bay, New Territories, Hong Kong (China). He and his wife Faye Louise had two children.

GARY L. BAGLEY

Gary L. Bagley graduated from Furman University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Blackville, South Carolina (1973-1980) before going as pastor of Bayshore Baptist Church, Tampa, in 1980.

WILLIAM BAGNAL, JR.

William Bagnal, Jr. (1931-2020) was a native of Florence, South Carolina, the son of William Kenneth, Sr. and Clara Wilson Bagnal. He graduated from Furman University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bagnal served as chaplain in the U. S. Army. He served as a Baptist Home Missionary in Florida, including director of missions for the Palm Lake Baptist Association, 1988. Bagnal and his wife, Beverly Ann Spigner Bagnal had four children.

SARAH RUTH BAGWELL

Sarah Ruth Bagwell served for 20 years as the Director of Camping and Girls in Action, Acteens Director for the Florida Woman s Missionary Union. She died in October 2000.

KI YEOL BAHN

Ki Yeol Bahn served as pastor of the First Korean Baptist Church, Melbourne.

PORTER M. BAILES

Porter M. Bailes (March 28, 1888- ) was born at Fort Mill, South Carolina. He studied at Mars Hill College, Furman University, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bailes served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Lakeland from 1926-1929.

ANN B. HESTER BAILEY

Ann B. Hester Bailey was Secretary of the Woman s Mission Work of the Florida Baptist Convention from 1881-1886. She was the wife of Rev. N. A. Bailey. The 1886 Florida Baptist State Convention Annual gives a moving account of the memorial services for Mrs. Bailey. She was living in Micanopy when appointed by W. N. Chaudoin to head up the Woman s Missions Work. Some of the most heart warming appeals penned by Mrs. Bailey were asking ten cents each of Florida Baptist women to build an enclosure for the grave of Ann H. Judson in Burma, and her mission reports in the Florida Baptist Witness. Ann was a native of Fayetteville, Tennessee. She married Napoleon Alexander Bailey on January 18, 1858. She and Dr. Bailey served faithfully in the ministry for many years. Dr. W. N. Chaudoin said, She was a choice spirit. She died in the harness. . . (on September 26, 1886).

B. B. BAILEY

B. B. Bailey (1845-October 9, 1899) died at his home in Anclote, Florida, October 9, 1899, after having served six years as an ordained minister at the time of his death.

F. N. K. BAILEY

F. N. K. Bailey (1867-1955) was born in Selma, Alabama. Dailey came to DeSoto city in 1922 for health reasons. Bailey served as chairman of the board of trustees for the Florida Baptist Children’s Home. Bailey gave his entire life to education and the support of educational institutes. He would serve as a trustee for Stetson University from 1935-1955. Col. F. N. K. Bailey and James S. Day, Jr. were initiators in an attempt to start Florida Baptist Junior College at Sebring. The Florida economic boom collapsed and the school never really got started.

JESSE ARTEMUS BAILEY

Jesse Artemus Bailey (1935-2008) was born in Pensacola the son of Artemus and Syble Onus Price Bailey. Jesse attended Carson Newman and New Orleans Seminary. He married Annie Louise Greeson and they married June 8, 1957. The father of Annie Louise (Lucy) was killed in Normandy on August 3, 1944 during World War II. Bailey served as pastor in Arkansas, Louisiana and North Carolina before becoming pastor of FBC, Bratt (1989-2001). The Baileys had one child. Jesse Artemus Bailey, Jr.

NAPOLEON ALEXANDER BAILEY

Napoleon Alexander Bailey (September 5, 1833-July 7, 1897) was born in Lawrence County, Alabama, to John W. Bailey, a native of Virginia, and his wife, Mary E. Florence, from Maryland. John died in 1840 and Mary in 1870. N. A. Bailey was received into the Methodist Episcopal Church at age nine, and was immersed at age 17 by Rev. Jackson Gunn, in July, 1850. He entered the membership of Liberty Baptist Church of Lawrence County, Alabama. and in 1853 was licensed to preach. He entered Union University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (A.B. in 1857). He was ordained in Murfreesboro on November 1857. Dr. J. M. Pendleton, the pastor, and Dr. J. H. Eaton took part in the ceremony. He married Ann B. Hester on January 18, 1858. Bailey became pastor of Liberty Baptist Church, Lawrence County, Alabama, on January 1, 1858. A cough and cold led him to move to Florida where he became pastor at Monticello on January 1, 1860. Bailey also served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Williston. He became president of the Houston Female College in Perry in 1863. He then became pastor in four churches in Georgia. They were Milledgeville, Albany, Dalton, and eventually Quitman, Georgia, where he served from 1876 to 1879. In 1882 Bailey was president of the Florida Baptist Ministers Conference. In 1882 Bailey was pastor of Citra Church in Citra. On July 7, 1897 he died while traveling in a sleeper car on the train.

PRESTON BAILEY, JR.

Preston Bailey, Jr. served as pastor of Manhattan Baptist Church, Tampa 1992-2007. In 2007, Bailey began a church start called The Rock, St. Petersburg, Florida.

ROY E. BAILEY

Roy E. Bailey served as pastor of Athena Baptist Church, Perry, 1960-1961.

WALTER EUGENE BAILEY

Walter Eugene Bailey (b. 1924; d. 2006) was born in Madison County and served as a bi-vocational pastor in Jefferson, Madison and Leon Counties. By profession, Bailey was a house painter and, on the weekends, he served as a pastor-preacher. During his 46-years of ministry, Rev. Bailey served the Elizabeth Church, Monticello; Ebenezer Church, Monticello; the Ebenezer and Capitola Baptist churches in Tallahassee; and Madison County churches at Mosley Hall and New Hopeful. Rev. Bailey and his first wife, Erlene, had four sons: Darrell, Wayne, Michael, Stanley; and a daughter, Jettie. Sons Darrell and Wayne responded to the call of God and were ordained into the gospel ministry. Erlene Bailey died in 1984 and a year later Rev. Bailey married Ruth Demott Teasley who had four adult children. After Bailey retired the couple became active members of the Elizabeth Church until his death in 2006.

JOSEPH WOODROW BAILLIE

Joseph Woodrow Baillie (1919-1980) was born in Elfers, Florida. He served as pastor of Odessa Baptist Church; Westwood Baptist Church, Live Oak, 1958-1964; First Baptist Church, Hypoluxo; and First Baptist Church, Pahokee. Baillie and his wife, Lucille Hamilton Baillie had two children.

BENNY BAKER

Bennie Baker (1950-2013) served as pastor of several Southern Baptist churches including First Baptist Church, LaBelle. Baker also served as Chaplin of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. He and his wife Betty had three children.

CLAYTON BAKER

Clayton Baker served as pastor of Brownsville Baptist Church, Pensacola (1966-1987).

JAY BAKER

Jay Baker served as pastor of New Grace Baptist Church, Florahome.

JOSEPH S. BAKER

Joseph S. Baker (August 17, 1798-July 23, 1877) was born in Liberty County, Georgia on August 17, 1798. He was one of the most remarkable ministers to ever serve Baptists in the state of Florida. He had a good education and inherited great wealth. He went to school at Yale College and graduated from Hampden Sidney in Virginia. In early life he was Presbyterian but became Baptist primarily over the issue of baptism. He was a pastor, missionary (Florida Baptist Association, 1867), land holder, medical doctor, theologian, author, editor, publisher, and evangelist. He was pastor in Virginia (Norfolk), Georgia (Columbus), and Florida (Jacksonville and Monticello). He was publisher and editor of the first newspaper in Atlanta (Atlanta Luminary) later called the Atlanta Intelligencer and also in 1843 had charge of the Georgia Christian Index. He married Miss McRobert in Virginia and they had two sons. His wife died in 1840 in Columbus and both sons died before he did. He then married Sarah R. Bennett of Liberty County, Georgia in 1842. A trusting nature brought down a great loss of wealth but Baker was a beloved pastor, writer, and denomination servant.

JOHN WHITFIELD BAKER

John Whitfield Baker served as pastor of Seminole Hill Baptist Church, Shady Grove Baptist Church and Ebenezer Baptist Church, Vernon.

K. C. BAKER

K. C. Baker (-1964) served as pastor of Second Baptist Church (now Main Street Baptist Church), Bartow; 1947, Westside Baptist Church, Lake Wales, 1948; Mango Baptist Church, Tampa, 1950; Ruskin Baptist Church, 1952; Nocatee Baptist Church, 1954; Northside Baptist Church, Wauchula, 1956 and Ft. Ogden Baptist Church, 1957. He and his wife had three children.

S. E. BAKER

S. E. Baker served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Middleburg.

SAMUEL C. BAKER

Samuel C. Baker served as pastor of Yulee Baptist Church, 1947.

STEPHEN JONES BAKER

Stephen Jones Baker was a native of London, England. He served as pastor of Ancient City Baptist Church, St. Augustine, 1912-1915.

W. E. BAKER

W. E. Baker served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Seabreeze (now Calvary Baptist Church), Daytona Beach.

B. D. BALDWIN

B. D. Baldwin served as pastor of Tribly Baptist Church, Pasco County, 1940-1941.

T. O. BALDWIN

T. O. Baldwin (1887-1981) was pastor of First Baptist Churches in Avon Park, Vero Beach, Chipley (1943-1950), and Hastings. He and his wife had three sons, Anthony, Thomas, and James.

VANITA MAY BALDWIN

Vanita May Baldwin (1926-2022) was born in Oak Hill, Florida, the daughter of Van Buren and Mary Mosby Baldwin. Vanita attended Stetson University (B.A., 1948), Duke University (1950) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1955). She received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Stetson in 1990. Vanita was a public school teacher in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and the Panama Canal Zone (1948-1953). She served in the Alabama Baptist WMU Organization (1955-1961), and was the WMU Director of the Baptist Convention of New Mexico from 1961-1977. In 1977, Vanita became the director of the Florida Baptist Convention WMU and served in that capacity until her retirement in 1991. She also served as a trustee of the SBC WMU Foundation Board and was a trustee of the Florida Baptist Financial Services Board.

WESLEY J. BALDWIN

Wesley J. Baldwin is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Southwestern Theological Seminary. He served churches in Tennessee and Texas before becoming pastor of Aloma Baptist Church in Winter Park in 2013. He and his wife Sarah have two children.

GEORGE L. BALENTINE

George L. Balentine (1931-2006) was born in Arkansas. He graduated from Ouachita Baptist College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Balentine served as pastor of churches in Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina and Florida, including Northwood Baptist Church, West Palm Beach, 1966-1968. He and his wife Mary Sue had one daughter.

MILTON M. BALES

Milton M. Bales (1855-1944) was born in Somerford, Ohio, the son of Calvin Fenton and Julia Ann Rigdon Bales. He graduated from Northwestern University. Bales served as pastor at First Baptist Church, Homestead, 1916; First Baptist Church, Dade City, 1917-1918; College Street Baptist Church, Tampa, 1917; Concord Park Mission, Orlando (now College Park Baptist Church); First Baptist Church, Ft. Lauderdale and First Baptist Church, Tarpon Springs, 1930-1932. He had served pastorates in Chicago, New York, and Cleveland before moving to Florida. Bales and his wife, Stella E. Bales had one daughter.

C. C. BALKOM

C. C. Balkom served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Esto.

ARMAND BAER BALL, JR.

Armand Baer Ball, Jr. was born in Dubach, Louisiana, the son of Armand Baer and Lovera Sanderson Ball. He graduated from Louisiana College, 1951, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1953 and George Williams College, 1960. Ball served as Royal Ambassador director for the Florida Baptist Convention, 1953-1957, program director, Woodlawn Boys’ Club, Chicago, 1957-1958; camp/youth director, Young Men’s Christian Association, Nashville, 1958-1962; executive director, Young Men’s Christian Association Camps Widjiwagan/duNord, St. Paul Young Men’s Christian Association, 1962-1974; executive vice president, American Camping Association, Martinsville, Indiana, 1974-1988; consultant, since 1988; associate, Campaign Associations, Philadelphia, since 1989. He married Beverly Jane Hodges in 1957 and they had two children.

ROBERT BALL

Robert Ball is a native of Green Cove Springs. He spent 20 years in the U. S. Navy. Ball has a B. S. degree in Electronic Engineering, M. A. and a M. Div. Ball has served as pastor of Oak Leaf Baptist Church in Black Creek association since its conception in 2000. He and his wife, Sherry, have two children, Meagan and Nathan.

H. H. BALLARD

H. H. Ballard was a pastor who died in Marion County in 1892.

JAMES H. BALLARD

James H. Ballard (1934-2019) was born in Asheville, North Carolina, the son of Helen Brady Kale and Ralph Harold Ballard. He graduated from Mars Hill Junior College and spent the summer between freshman and sophomore years in Vancouver, Washington where he worked with the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention as a tentmaker. The Tentmaker Program (named for the apostle Paul) allowed college students to work at vocational jobs during the week and serve in churches on weekends as Music Directors and Youth Pastors. Ballard was Music Director for Minnehaha Baptist Church in Vancouver, Washington. He also graduated from Carson-Newman College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ballard served as pastor of churches in North Carolina and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Hialeah. He and his wife, Joanne Munn Ballard served as missionaries to South Brazil, 1965-1967. They had three children.

JOHN BALLARD

John Ballard served as pastor of West Pittman Baptist Church, Westville, 1984-1985.

RENAULD BALZORA

Renauld Balzora served as pastor of the Haitian Mission, Pompano and Haitian Evangelical Baptist Church, Miami. He served as director of Language Missions for the Florida Baptist Convention. Balzora and his wife, Natalie have four children.

JOE MAURICE BAMBERG

Joe Maurice Bamberg (1915-2007) served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Milton, Florida, from 1947-1980. He was well known and highly respected in all the Florida panhandle for his pastoral friendship and leadership. Bamberg was born in Brent, Alabama, and graduated from high school in 1932, college in 1936, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1945. He married Betty Ruth Larkins on August 27, 1943, at Clinton, North Carolina. Bamberg preached the Florida Baptist Convention sermon in 1972, and served as President of the Florida Baptist Convention in 1972-1973.

ERIC BANCROFT

Eric Bancroft has served as pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Miami since 2019. He was instrumental in launching the merge of Miami Shores Baptist Church with Grace Baptist Church in 2022. He and his wife Danelle have three sons.

F. H. BANCROFT

F. H. Bancroft served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Port St. Joe.

FRANK BANCROFT

Frank Bancroft served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Sopchoppy.

J. H. BANCROFT

J. H. Bancroft served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Port St. Joe.

J. ALLISON BANKS

J. Allison Banks was a native of White Springs. Banks and his wife Mary Sue (1918-2004) a native of Lake City, were appointed missionaries by the International Mission Board in 1968. The Banks served in Israel, Austria, India and Yemen before retiring in 1975. They had two children; Suzanne and Brad.

C. R. BARBEE

C. R. Barbee served died on December 23, 1908. He had served as a pastor in the West Florida Baptist Association.

C. W. BARBEE

C. W. Barbee served as a pastor in Florida and died in 1909.

BILLY TRUETT BARBER

Billy Truett Barber served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Tampa. He was a graduate of Weatherford Junior College, Baylor University, and attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Barber came to Tampa in 1966, from the pastorate of First Baptist Church, Hobbs, New Mexico.

E. J. BARBER

E. J. Barber served as pastor of El Bethel Baptist Church, Tampa and First Baptist Church, Sarasota.

ELROY BARBER

Elroy Barber (September 8, 1945-May 8, 2001) was a native of Mississippi. He helped start 29 congregations. He was the first African American to serve as president of the Florida Baptist State Convention (1999). He was pastor of Westside International Baptist Church in Hollywood, Florida, and New Creation Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale at the time of his death. He was a leader, church starter, and Kingdom builder. He and his wife, Paulette, had two sons, Terrence and Daryl.

I. L. BARBER

I. L. Barber served as pastor of Rock Sink Baptist Church, Old Town, 1938; Westwood Baptist Church, Live Oak, 1947-1950; and Athens Baptist Church, 1951.

JAMES T. BARBER

James T. Barber (c 1913-November 7, 1983) attended Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville. He died of a stroke in Tampa on November 7, 1983. Barber served as pastor of Laccochee Missionary Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Madison, Immanuel Baptist Church, Tallahassee, Riverside Baptist Church, Fort Myers and for twenty years—up until his retirement—was pastor of North Main Street, Jacksonville (1960-1980). He and his wife, Frieda, had three daughters, Marjorie, LaRue, and Judy.

JASPER BARBER

Jasper Barber served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Clewiston.

RICHARD M. BARBER

Richard M. Barber (1926 – 2010) graduated from the University of Florida (1950, BA; 1962, M.Ed.) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1955, B.D.). He married Dorothy Jean Matthews, and they had five children; Christopher, Richard Jr., Bruce, Chester, and Sherri. Barker served in the United States Marines in World War II (1944-1946) and in the Korean War (1951). He served as pastor in Mississippi and Louisiana, as well as pastor of seven Southern Baptist churches in Florida. He served Providence Village (1948-1950), Pine Mount (1948-1950), Spring Park (1955-1959), First Baptist Hawthorne (1959-1963), First Baptist McIntosh (1963-1965), Southside in Lake City and Oak-Griner in Ocala (1968-1971). Barker served as director of missions for the New River Baptist Association, 1971-1974. He is best known for his faithful service and years as director of Southern Baptist Convention annuity work in Florida (1971-1991).

O. BARFIELD

O. Barfield served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Barberville.

OLIFF BARFIELD

Oliff Barfield served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Malone and Damascus Baptist Church, Graceville.

LEDIES BARGO

Ledies Bargo (1936-2011) was pastor of East Naples Baptist Church from 1963-1970.

E. L. BARINEAU

E. L. Barineau served as pastor of Capitola Baptist Church, Tallahassee.

CLAYTON C. BARKER, JR.

Clayton C. Barker, Jr. (1930-2020) was born in Statesville, North Carolina, the son of Clayton C., Sr. and Alma Mozelle Roseman Barker. He graduated from Carson-Newman College and the Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Barker served as pastor of Bowe Gardens Baptist Church, Eau Gallie, 1960-1964 and a church planter for the Brevard Baptist Association. He and his wife, Jody had four children.

P. C. BARKLEY

P. C. Barkley served as pastor of Delray Beach Baptist Church, 1928, Southside Baptist Church, Lakeland, both in Florida and Cairo Baptist Church and Adel Baptist Church, 1929 both in Georgia.

WILLIAM Q. BARLETT

William Q. Bartlett was pastor of West Side in 1929, 1932, and 1933.

L. J. BARNARD

L. J. Barnard served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Barberville and Emporia Baptist Church, Pierson.

MONROE BARNARD

Monroe Barnard a native of Patterson, Georgia, graduated from Georgia Southern University and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Clermont, 1970-1981; First Baptist Church, Venice, 1981-1984; First Baptist Church, Safety Harbor, 1984-1990; Cassia Baptist Church, 1991-1992 and Ferndale Baptist Church, 1992-1998. Barnard and his wife, Betty had two daughters.

C. L. BARNES

C. L. Barnes served as pastor of Shady Grove Baptist Church, Grand Ridge.

ED S. BARNES

Ed S. Barnes served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Fort Meade.

HUBERT BARNES

Hubert Barnes served as pastor of Southside Baptist Church, Lake City, 1951; Midway Baptist Church, Plant City, 1966-1969, Eastside Baptist Church, Lakeland, and Gapway Baptist Church, Lakeland.

IVEY BARNES

Ivey Barnes was an African-American evangelist who minister to newly-freed slaves in St. Augustine. Barnes traveled back and forth from his home in Jacksonville to lead church meetings in the home of Deacon John Newnan. These gatherings eventually led to the formation of a Sunday School by Hammie Williams. The success of the Sunday School led to the founding of St. Augustine’s First Baptist Church and due to his success among the city’s African-American Baptists, Barnes is called as the church’s first pastor.

J. T. BARNES

J. T. Barnes served as pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, Clay County in 1929.

J. TOM BARNES

J. Tom Barnes served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Raiford.

LARRY BARNES

Larry Barnes served as pastor of Florosa Baptist Church, Fort Walton Beach.

LEO BARNES

Leo Barnes (1917-) attended Baptist Bible Institute, Lakeland, Florida Southern College, Lakeland and Southeastern Baptist Seminary, NC. Barnes served as pastor of Central Baptist Church, Leesburg, Sunset Baptist Church, Clearwater, and First Baptist Church, Eau Gallie. He and his wife, Mary Totten Barnes had one son, Barry Lee. Barnes pastored churches in Florida for 30 years.

MARK BARNES

Mark Barnes graduated from the University of Mobile. He served as pastor of Ridgewood Baptist Church, Orange Park and Yulee Baptist Church. Barnes and his wife Melissa have three children.

WALTER HENRY BARNES

Walter Henry Barnes (1880-1965) was born in North Carolina, the son of Warren and Susan Lamb Barnes. He served as pastor of Richland Baptist Church, Zephyrhills, Priscilla, Gilchrist County, Union Baptist Church, Alachua County, and First Baptist Church, LaBelle. Barnes and his wife Katie Mae Floyd Barnes (1886-1947) had ten children. After the death of Katie Mae Barnes married Hattie Belle Pettis.

GEORGE A. BARNETT

George A. Barnett attended William Carey College and the Baptist Bible Institute. He served as pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Samson, Alabama (Graves Association). Barnett and his wife Rebecca Carter Barnett had one son.

S. G. BARNETT

S. G. Barnett served as field missionary for the Beulah Baptist Association in 1902.

THOMAS J. BARNETT

Thomas J. Barnett (1882-1969) served as pastor of Indian Springs Baptist Church, Tallahassee 1939-1944 and Southside Baptist Church, Tallahassee. Barnett and his wife Mary S. Ward Barnett had three sons and five daughters.

HENLEE BARNETTE

Henlee Barnette (1911-2004) was born in Taylorsville, NC. After graduating from Southern Seminary Barnette taught at Howard College (now Samford University); Stetson University; and Southern Seminary (1951-1977). He did his undergraduate work at Wake Forest. He served as pastor of San Mateo Baptist Church, 1950-1951. Barnette’s first wife Charlotte died in child birth. Later after he married Helen Porch Barnette who was one of his students at Southern Seminary. They had three sons and one daughter.

ROBERT BARR

Robert Barr served as pastor of Heights Baptist Church, Pensacola.

V. WARD BARR

V. Ward Barr graduated from Louisiana State University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Coral Gables Baptist Church and University Baptist Church in 1938.

JIM BARRENTINE

Jim Barrentine served as pastor of Oakdale Baptist Church (now Valley Road), Crestview and First Baptist Church, Bagdad.

BOB BARRETT

Bob Barrett served as pastor of Pioneer Baptist Church, Vero Beach and Parkview Baptist Church, Fort Pierce. He served as director of missions for the Treasure Coast Baptist Association.

R. T. BARRETT

R. T. Barrett served as pastor of Oaklawn Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, Homeland.

ROLAND G. BARRINGTON

Roland G. Barrington served as pastor of Belmont Baptist Church, Tampa, and Pasadena Baptist Church, St. Petersburg. Barrington and his wife Louise had one son, James and one daughter, Judith.

RAY BARRON

Ray Barron served as pastor of West Pittman Baptist Church, Westville, 1947-1949.

ROY LEE BARRON, JR.

Roy Lee Barron, Jr. (1927-2016) was a native of Miami, the son of. Roy Lee, Sr. and Mae Vance Barron. He was ordained in 1947 at the West Little River Baptist Church. and served in the US Navy. Barron graduated from Cumberland University, Tennessee. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Bonifay, Sandy Creek Baptist Church, Ponce de Leon, Biscayne Gardens Baptist Church, Miami, 1950-1953, and First Baptist Church, Arcadia, 1953-1956. Barron and his wife, Frances Earline Rambo Barron had two daughters.

ROY BARROW

Roy Barrow served as pastor of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church, Pensacola and Wallace Baptist Church, Pensacola.

W. A. BARROW

W. A. Barrow was a Florida Baptist pastor who died in Madison in 1934.

CHARLES FRANKLIN BARRY

Charles Franklin Barry (1902- ) was born in Cleveland, OH. He graduated from the University of Louisville and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Barry served the Florida Baptist State Convention as secretary of the Sunday School Department, 1949-1970. He and his wife Margaret Louisa Yann Barry had two children.

A. W. BARTLETT

A. W. Bartlett served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Fernandina.

JOHN LYNN BARTLOW

John Lynn Bartlow (1917-2002) graduated from Murray State College in Murray, Kentucky (B.M.E., 1941), University of Kentucky (M.A., 1951), and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.S.M., 1960). He taught music in secondary schools for fourteen years and three years at Ouachita Baptist College and William Carey College. He served as Minister of Music in Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama. Bartlow had over 50 years experience in the ministry. He was head of the music department for many years at Baptist Bible Institute. He led choirs, arranged music, taught classes, served churches and played many different musical instruments. Fellow citizens have said that Lynn Bartlow was the most remarkable man to ever live in Graceville, Florida. Lynn had polio from age five, but his being disabled never made him unable. Lynn and his wife Edith had one son (Bob) and two daughters (Lois and Carolyn).

E. A. BARTON

E. A. Barton served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Milton.

WILLIAM J. BARTON

William J. Barton (1857-) was born at Canton, Georgia. Barton was pastor of Homestead Baptist Church in 1916.

BOB BARWICK

Bob Barwick attended Stetson University, Deland. He served as pastor of Hardeetown Baptist Church, 1949-1954.

THOMAS L. BARY

Thomas L. Bary (June 17, 1956 – ) was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He graduated from the University of North Florida (B.A., 1978) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., 1982). He became pastor of Neptune Baptist Church in 1996. He and his wife, Karen Cruce Bary, have four children; Megan, Andrew, Katherine, and Emily.

MATT BASFORD

Matt Basford graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and has served as pastor in Alabama and Florida. In 2015 Basford became pastor of First Baptist Church, Bristol. He and his wife Jennifer have four children.

J. LACY BASHAM

J. Lacy Basham served as pastor of First Baptist Church, High Springs. He and his wife, Zetta Mae Basham, had five children. Source

PHILLIP D. BASINGER

Phillip D. Basinger graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of churches in Kentucky before coming to Florida to serve as director of missions for the Lake County Baptist Association, 1992-1998. Basinger and his wife, Mollie had two children, James and Kimberly.

BILLY BASKIN

Billy Baskin was serving as pastor of New Way Fellowship in Miami in 1980. He is married to Catherine P. Baskin.

HOLLIS BASS

Hollis Bass served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Bunnell (1976-1980), and Kathleen Baptist Church.

H. C. BASWAITH

H. C. Baswaith served as pastor of Lucerne Park Baptist Church, Orlando.

ROBERT J. BATEMAN

Robert J. Bateman (1859-1912) was born in Bristol, Gloucestershire, England. Bateman was the founding pastor of Central City Mission in Jacksonville, Florida. On his return trip from England aboard the Titanic in 1912, Bateman perished when the ship sank after striking an iceberg. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville.

RAY H. BATEMON

Ray H. Batemon (1933-2012) was born in Pleasant Grove, Alabama. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Punta Gorda and Westside Baptist Church, Gainesville, 1975-1980. Batemon and his wife, Beverly Batemon, had three children.

CARL E. BATES

Carl E. Bates (September 5, 1914-December 21, 1999) was born on a farm in Amite County, outside of Liberty, Mississippi, on September 5, 1914. Though raised in the Christian home of R. E. Bates, Bates was not converted and baptized until he was in college, at nineteen years of age, at the First Baptist Church of Summit, Mississippi. After attending Southwest Mississippi Junior College in Summitt, Bates surrendered to the gospel ministry and transferred to Mississippi College in Clinton. He received a graduate degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. While attending Southern, Bates pastored Central Baptist Church in Winchester, Kentucky. On November 15, 1939 he married Myra Mae Gray of Tupelo, Mississippi. Bates served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Leesburg, Florida (1943). He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Amarillo, Texas (1950-1959), and First Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bates served as president of the Texas Baptist Convention, North Carolina Baptist Convention, and the Southern Baptist Convention (1971-1972). From 1976 to 1978 his wife, Myra, served as a vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, making them the only husband and wife combination ever to serve as Southern Baptist officers. In 1980 he became senior professor of pastoral ministries and preaching at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and retired from there in 1985, but continued to preach until he was well into his seventies.

FLEMING BATES

Fleming Bates (1771-1840) died in Newnansville, Alachua County, Florida, on February 4, 1840, at 69 years of age. Bates served as a private in the Seminole Indian War. Bates married, and his wife Margaret Bates, died in 1841 at 72 years of age. They had two sons who survived them into adulthood. Their names were James M. Bates and Wilson Bates. Bates came to Florida from the Sardis Church in southeast Georgia. He assisted in organizing the Pigeon Creek Church in 1821, and became its first pastor. He was a noted Primitive Baptist preacher, and served as a minister 38 years before his death. He lived in Warren County, Georgia, in 1820, and moved to Lownes County, Georgia, in 1826 or 1827. In the 1830s he moved to Alachua County, Florida. Bates was an anti-missionary preacher in the closing days of his ministry. Fleming Bates was one of the first 100 Baptist preachers who served in Florida.

M. TODD BATES

M. Todd Bates served as pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, Winter Garden.

SOLON BATES

Solon Bates (1895-1938) was born in Arcadia, Florida. He was ordained in 1932 by the Aripeka Baptist Church where he served as pastor. Bates was serving as pastor of West Hillsborough Baptist Church when he died. He also served as pastor of North Sulphur Springs Baptist Church. Bates and his wife Sallie Bates had two sons and one daughter.

WILBER BATES

Wilber Bates (1929-2021) was born in Altoona, Florida, the son of Raymond and Norma Price Bates. He graduated from the University of Florida and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bates was ordained by the First Baptist Church, Lake City in 1957. He served as pastor for 41 years to seven churches in the Beulah Baptist Association and as director of missions in 1994. Bates and his wife, Mary Ellen Chaney Bates had four children, Kathleen, Wilber, Jr., David and Joe.

JERRY W. BATSON

Jerry W. Batson (1937- ) as born in Bessemer, Alabama. He graduated from Samford University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Batson served as a professor of New Testament for the Baptist Bible Institute, 1978-1984. He served as pastor of churches in Alabama, Texas, Maryland and Florida, including Bethel Baptist Church, Graceville, 1979-1983 and First Baptist Church, Bonifay. Batson and his wife, Patricia Carver Batson had three children, Denise, Darrell and Darlene.

HENRY W. BATTLE

Henry W. Battle was born in 1857, the son of Cullen a. and Georgia Williams Battle. He served as pastor of churches in Virginia, North Carolina and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Leesburg and Main St. Baptist Church, Leesburg. Battle and his wife Margaret had six children.

LESLIE L. BATTS

Leslie L. Batts (1902-1999) was the son of Amos James and Mary E. Crosby Batts. He graduated from Norman Park College, Mercer University and the University of Florida. Batts pastored churches in Georgia and Marion County, Florida including Oakcrest Baptist Church and Fort McCoy Baptist Church. He and his wife, Georgia Millidge Williams Batts, had three children.

EARL BAUGHMAN

Earl Baughman attended Stetson University. He served as pastor of Holopaw Baptist Chapel; Paradise Heights Baptist Church, Apopka; Immanuel Baptist Church, Tallahassee; Five Points Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, 1975-1978 and Ridgeview Baptist Church, Gainesville. Baughman married Carol Anne Dawkins in 1962.

WARNER CECIL BAUGHMAN

Warner Cecil Baughman (1931-1986) was the son of Warner Cecil and Lavonia Florala Larkins Baughman. He and his wife, Edna, were killed in a tragic automobile wreck in October 1986. Baughman had served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Sorrento, Calvary Baptist Church, Milton, Barton Shore Baptist Church, Orlando and churches in North Carolina. Their son Warner Cecil Baughman Jr., age 26, survived them.

EUGENE BAXLEY

Eugene Baxley (1929-2002) was the son of Ralph and Dora Baxley. He attended Stetson University and was graduate of Baptist Bible Institute and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Baxley served as pastor of Lady Lake Baptist Church, Flomich Baptist Church, Florida Avenue Baptist Church, Holly Hill, Island Baptist Church, Anna Maria Island, 1950-1951 and Glendale Baptist Church, Vero Beach. He served as director of missions for the Halifax Baptist Association, 1969. Baxley and his wife Bonnie Jean Word Baxley had three children; Patricia, Dennis, and Kenneth.

HAROLD BAXLEY

Harold Baxley served as pastor of First Black Creek Baptist Church, Penney Farms.

LARRY BAZOR

Larry Bazor served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Melbourne for 25 years. He and his wife, Gayle, have three children.

KEN BEACHER

Ken Beacher served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Daytona Beach, 1982-1983.

E. C. BEAIRD

E. C. Beaird served as pastor of East Naples Baptist Church from 1956-1963.

ART BEAL

Art Beal served as pastor of Tribly Baptist Church, Pasco County, 1966.

CHARLES HUGH BEAL

Charles Hugh Beal (1927-2013) was born in Atlanta, Georgia to John and Ida Kate Beal. Beal graduated from Columbia Bible College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kentucky. He pastored churches in Georgia, Indiana and Florida. Beal served as pastor of Bay Haven Baptist Church, Sarasota, 32 years. He and his wife, Winona had two sons.

CHARLES ROCKWOOD BEAL

Charles Rockwood Beal (1900-) was born in Pensacola, the son of Rev. and Mrs. Richard Rockwood Beal. He attended Stetson and was the first president of the statewide Baptist Student Union. Beal married Agnes Velma Diamond on June 25, 1930. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Jay, Cora Baptist Church, Pleasant Grove, Oak Grove and Olive in Escambia County, Florida and First Baptist Church, Flomation and Moyeville in Escambia, Alabama. Beal was a licensed plumber and tool maker. A rather singular thought is that he was a loving husband and father and wrote his daughter every day that she was away in college.

RICHARD ROCKWOOD BEAL

Richard Rockwood Beal was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1877. He was the son of Charles Wesley and Annette Rockwood Beal. His father was a mechanic and his mother was a housewife. Beal had one brother, Harley Wesley Beal and one sister, Persis Elva Beal Matson. Beal was raised at Genoa, Ohio (1883-1886) and Pensacola, Florida (1886-1894). He was converted in 1907 and baptized at Union Hill Church in West Pensacola. Richard was ordained at Myrtle Grove and served as pastor at Brent Baptist Church, Brent, Florida (1912-1919), West Hill in Pensacola (1912), Ray’s Chapel (McDavid, Florida); Pleasant Grove, in Pensacola; Gonzalez in Pensacola; Olive in Ferry Pass, Florida; Whitfield Memorial in Pensacola; and at Hampton in Kentucky (1919-1920). Beal was associational missionary in West Kentucky Association from 1920-1925. Richard married Sarah C. Beal on December 24, 1896, at Pensacola. They had eight children; Clara Mildred Beal Young (October 31, 1897), Charles Rockwood (March 3, 1900), Arthur Byron (August 1, 1901), Susie Annette Beal Erickler (June 19, 1904), Elva Catherine Beal Brooks (October 13, 1906), Wendell Kenneth (November 16, 1909), Temuel Emmette (December 3, 1911), and Minnie Lois Beal Parker (May 19, 1915).

STEUART BEALE

Steuart Beale served as pastor of Pine Grove Baptist Church, Williow Oak.

DELTON BEALL

Delton Beall served as director of Florida Baptist Disaster Relief 2013-2021. After retiring in 2021 Beall and his wife Jeanie plan to remain in the Panama City area and work as volunteers for the FBDR.

E. H. S. BEALL

E. H. S. Beall (1886-1973) was the son of Noble Newnan and Eliza Caroline Brown Beall. He attended Whitesburg College, Whitesburg, Georgia. Beall served as pastor of Damascus Baptist Church, Graceville, Piney Grove Baptist Church, Cottondale, Altha Missionary Baptist, 1940, and First Baptist Church, Magnolia. 1927. Beall was preceded in death by his first wife, Ella Lee Hobbs Beall (1894-1939) and two children. He was survived by his second wife, Echo Club Cain Beall (1918-2006) and four children.

MARTIN BEALL

Martin Beall graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as director of missions for the Halifax Baptist Association, 2012-2021. Beall and his wife, Sherri Beall have one son, Jeremy.

FRANKLIN BEAM

Franklin Beam (1956- ) was born in Raleigh, NC. He graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University, Memphis State University, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bean served as a missionary of the Home Mission Board’s Church Starting Department in Miami, Florida as a church starting consultant. Beam and his wife Susan Kay Stephens Beam have two children.

B. M. BEAN

Bartlett Marion Bean (b. 1846; d. 1911), a native of Pike, Alabama, was the first superintendent of the Florida Baptist Orphanage, opened February 1, 1904, in Arcadia, Florida. Prior to accepting the management of the Orphanage along with his spouse Jennie, Bean served as pastor of Florida Baptist churches at: Live Oak (1899 –1903); High Springs (1898 – 1899); Sumterville (1895 – 1896); Whitney (1893 – 1895); and Anthony (1891 – 1892). Bean at age 50 had his first and only marriage to Martha Jennie Allen (age 40), a native of Alabama City, Ala. Before becoming the matron of the orphanage, Jennie was an accomplished school teacher and active in Alabama and Florida W.M.U. [See separate biographical sketch on Jennie Bean.] The couple never had any children. Barlett Bean succumbed to kidney disease on October 12, 1911.

JENNIE BEAN

Martha Jennie Allen Bean (b. 1856; d. 1931), a native of Alabama City, Ala., was the first matron of the Florida Baptist Orphanage, serving alongside her husband B. M. (Bartlett Marion) Bean who was the superintendent 1904 – 1911. During her service at the home, she was known affectionately as “Mother Bean.” Earlier, at age 40, Jennie Allen married Bartlett Bean (age 50) on September 22, 1896. Prior to her marriage Jennie was a school teacher In Sumterville, Fla., and Birmingham, Ala. Later she worked as a volunteer, temperance worker, WMU promoter, and president of the Florida Woman’s Missionary Union in 1904-1905. Having no children of their own, the Beans embraced the orphans under their care as their “own” children.

OSCAR BEAN

Oscar Bean (1904-1992) was a native of Knoxville, Tennessee. He served the Florida Baptist Convention for 18 years. He was business manager and personnel director from 1952 until 1958, and then became the assistant executive director from 1958 to 1970. His primary contribution to Florida Baptists was his business expertise. The Baptist building in Jacksonville and Lake Yale Assembly were built primarily by his financial plan. He and his wife, Nadeen, had one daughter, Mrs. James E. Geer of Jacksonville.

SPENCER F. BEARD

Spencer F. Beard (1899-1974) was pastor of Pahokee Baptist Church from 1937-1941 and Heilbron Baptist Church, 1956. He and his wife Cora B. Beard had three sons and one daughter.

COBA BEASLEY

Coba Beasley (November 10, 1958- ) was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He was saved at age 16 at the Macon Drive Baptist Church in Atlanta. He attended Tennessee Temple University (B.A., M.Div.) and earned a M.B.A. from Phoenix University. Beasley worked on the staff of the Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Miami before going as pastor of Maple Grove Baptist Church (1990-2003). He became Director of Missions of the Chipola Baptist Association in 2003. Beasley and his wife, Becky, have two children; Rachel and Jacob.

ISOM BEASLEY

Isom Beasley served as pastor of Eden Baptist Church, Brooksville.

JAMES BEASLEY

James Beasley served as pastor of South Ebenezer Baptist Church, Laurel Hill.

MARK BEASLEY

Mark Beasley was a native of South Carolina. He served as pastor of the Sugarloaf Baptist Mission, 1984-1994. The mission became a church in 1992.

ROYCE BEASLEY

Royce Beasley (1933-2013) was born in Ocean Springs, MS, the son of Thomas and Ruth Beasley. He served as pastor of churches in Sarasota, Ocala, Lake Wales and Jacksonville. Beasley served as director of missions for the Sumter Baptist Association, 1997-1998. He and his wife, Juanita Beasley had one daughter, Laura.

GARY BEATTY

Gary Beatty serves as pastor of First Baptist Church, Boca Grande. His wife is Betty Beatty.

WILLIE BEATY

Willie Beaty served as associate director for youth and Vacation Bible School of the Florida Baptist Convention, 1974-1982. He is a graduate of Carson Newman College, Jefferson City and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley. Beaty and his wife Thomasine Paxton have two children.

DAVID E. BEAUCHAMP

David E. Beauchamp was born in Lakehurst, New Jersey. He graduated from the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Beauchamp served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, St. Augustine and Crescent Beach Baptist Church, St. Augustine. He and his wife Sandy Gardner Beauchamp have one daughter.

RALPH E. BEAZLEY

Ralph E. Beazley served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Sorrento.

W. O. BEAUCHAMP

W. O. Beauchamp (1940-2000) was a Baptist layman, and a Levy County Circuit Judge at the time of his death. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Chiefland, and had served as chairman of the deacons in that church. He took stands for public righteousness. He and his wife, Karen, had three sons, Brett, Blair, and Barry.

A. I. BECK

A. I. Beck served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Sarasota.

JOHN D. BECK

John D. Beck served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Pensacola from 1865-1871.

JON BECK

Jon Beck graduated from the Baptist College of Florida and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor in Indiana and Georgia before becoming pastor of First Baptist Church, Avon Park in 2010. He and his wife Sharon have three children.

PAUL BECK

Paul Beck served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Milligan.

ROBERT A. BECKMAN

Robert A. Beckman (1966- ) was born in Lake Park, FL. He was ordained as a minister of the gospel in 1990, by the Lake Park Baptist Church. Beckman graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth. He served as pastor of Go Church, Lakeland, 2006-2012 and field missionary, English-Speaking Church Planting Team for the Florida Baptist Convention from 2012 to the present. Beckman is married to Juli Anne Lyles Beckman and they have two sons.

B. W. BECKS

B. W. Becks was born in Putnam County, Florida, near Francis, and entered the ministry when about eighteen years of age. He was a farmer and a cooper. He had little formal schooling but did great missionary work in the St. Johns River Association. Becks served as pastor of Peniel Baptist Church, Palatka (1867), Paran Baptist Church, Grandin, (1880-1882); First Baptist Church, Barberville, formerly Spring Grove (1881); Osceola Baptist Church, and Picolata. Becks and his wife Esther had nine children. He suffered for many years with rheumatism and was confined to his bed for ten years before he died. He died in 1905 after serving more than 50 years as pastor of churches in Florida. .

GEORGE BECVAR

George Becvar (1920-2006) was born in New Britain, CT. He was ordained to the ministry in July, 1956. Becvar served as pastor in Tennessee and Florida, including Yulee Baptist Church. He was married to Marian R. Becvar.

ADOLPH BEDSOLE

Adolph Bedsole (1914-2004) was born on June 16, 1914, in Geneva County, Alabama. He graduated from Slocomb High School in 1932 and Howard College in 1937. Bedsole became pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Panama City and served there from 1942-1978, when he became pastor emeritus. He was the author of five books on the pastoral ministry published by Baker Book House. Bedsole and his wife, Lillie, were married nearly 70 years and had three daughters; Norma Jean, Angeline, and Wanda.

WALTER S. BEEBE

Walter S. Beebe (1934-2002) was born in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from Bob Jones University and Hyles Anderson College. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Ruskin. Beebe was known as “Mr. Bus” for his leadership in starting bus ministries in the churches he served. He and his wife, Winnie Prairie Beebe had five children.

GARY BEEHLER

Gary Beehler served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hernando and Victory Baptist Church, Inverness.

CHARLES U. BEGGS

Charles U. Beggs served as pastor of Grant Park Baptist Church, Tampa, 1939.

RYAN BEGUE

Ryan Begue graduated from the University of North Florida and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as director of missions for the New River Baptist Association, 2021-2022. Begue began serving as pastor of the First Baptist Church, Keystone Heights in 2022. He and his wife, Emily have five children.

STEVE BELCHER

Steve Belcher served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Esto.

EUDORUS NEANDER BELL

Eudorus Neander Bell (1866-1923) graduated from Stetson University (B.A.); Southern Baptist Seminary, Louisville Div. and the University of Chicago. Bell pastored Baptist congregations for 17 years in America’s South and Southwest, including First Baptist Church, DeLand.

GEORGE W. BELL

George W. Bell served as pastor of Sharon Baptist Church, (now First Baptist Church, Callahan).

JOE BELL

Joe Bell served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Malone.

JOSEPH BELL

Joseph Bell served as pastor of McCrabb Baptist Church, 1931-1932; San Pedro Baptist Church, 1933 and Lydia Baptist Church, 1933-1936. He served as field missionary for the Lafayette Baptist Association in 1934.

LEANDER BELL

Leander Bell served as pastor of Ancient City Baptist Church, St. Augustine.

ROBERT E. BELL

Robert E. Bell (1842-1887) was born in London, England. He was reared in the Catholic faith and educated for the priesthood. Bell served as pastor of Richland Baptist Church, Zephyrhills, Oak Grove Baptist Church, Dade City, Westside Baptist Church, Elfers, Union Church, Bethany Baptist Church, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Emmaus Baptist Church, Macon Baptist Church, and Eden Baptist Church, Brooksville. He served in the Florida legislature in addition to his pastoral duties. Bell and his wife Christian Ann Hope Bell had three children.

ROY BELL

Roy Bell served as pastor of Pine Grove Baptist Church, Mulberry, 1957.

T. J. BELL

T. J. Bell (1839-1913) served for 30 years as a Baptist pastor in Florida. He served once at Kissimmee. Bell was pastor of First Baptist Church, Winter
Garden, 1895-1897, First Baptist Church, Barberville in 1907 and First Baptist Church, Conway. He and his wife had been married 51 years at the time of his death.

W. A. BELL

W. A. Bell served as pastor of Aripeka Baptist Church, He married Lillie Hayman in 1931.

W. DOYLE BELL

W. Doyle Bell (1947-) graduated from Florida State University (1978, B. A.) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1980, M. Div.). He has served at Shady Sea Baptist Church, Crawfordville, Clayland Baptist Church, Live Oak, University Heights Baptist Church (aka Northwoods), and Fellowship Baptist Church, Tallahassee. Bell married his wife Susan in 1971 and they have a son Nathan.

WILLIAM BELL

William Bell served as pastor of Mount Tabor Baptist Church, Palatka (1871-1889).

WILLIAM DANIEL BELL

William Daniel Bell (1859-1902) was born in Jackson County, Florida. He was ordained May 24, 1891. He was a farmer and preacher. He served as pastor of East Bay Baptist Church in Santa Rosa County (1898-1901) and also served as pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He married Catherine Elderann Gomillion and they had four children: John, Ella Jane, William Owen and Henry Chester.

ROBERT E. BELLE

Robert E. Belle (1842-1887) was born in London, England. He was reared in the Catholic faith and educated for the priesthood. Bell served as pastor of Richland Baptist Church, Zephyrhills, Oak Grove Baptist Church, Dade City, Westside Baptist Church, Elfers, Union Church, Bethany Baptist Church, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Emmaus Baptist Church, Macon Baptist Church, and Eden Baptist Church, Brooksville. He served in the Florida legislature in addition to his pastoral duties. Bell and his wife Christian Ann Hope Bell had three children.

JAMES L. “JIM” BELVINS

James L. “Jim” Belvins (1941-2021) was born in Racel, West Virginia, the son of Louis and Lona Belvins. He served as pastor of Eden Baptist Church, Hawthorne for 40 years. Belvins and his wife, Lois had three children.

DENNIS BELZ

Dennis Belz served as director of missions for the Halifax Baptist Association, 1997-2008.

WILLIAM D. BEMENT

William D. Bement was born in Grand Prairie, Texas. He was ordained by Ancient City Baptist Church, St. Augustine. Bement graduated from Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville. He served as pastor of Midway Baptist Church, Lee, 1973-1975; First Baptist Church, Fruitland Park, 1975-1978; First Baptist Church, Lacoochee, 1978-1980; Ballast Point Baptist Church, Tampa, 1980-1982; Whitecastle Baptist Church, St. Augustine, 1983-1985; and St. Johns Baptist Church, Palatka. Bement and his wife Linda have three children.

J. B. BENEFIELD

J. B. Benefield served as pastor of Shady Grove Baptist Church, Perry, Taylor County, 1966.

JAMES BENEFIELD

James Benefield served as pastor of Millview (now Blue Angel Baptist Church) Pensacola.

JESSIE BENEFIELD

Jessie Benefield served as pastor of San Pedro Baptist Church, 1978 and Shady Grove Baptist Church both in Taylor Association. He and his wife Donna had five children.

LEROY BENEFIELD

Leroy Benefield (1926-April 12, 1999) was born in Caney, Oklahoma. He graduated from Caney High School (1947), Oklahoma State University (B.S., 1950), and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (B.D., 1957; Th.M., 1964, and Th.D., 1970). Benefield was licensed to preach in 1953 and ordained in 1954 at the First Baptist Church, Raltan, Oklahoma. He married Nima Lou Mason of Carey, Oklahoma, and they had four children (Deborah in 1950, David in 1952, and twins Lane and Laura in 1967). Benefield was pastor of First Baptist Church, Raltan, Oklahoma (1957-1958) and he and his wife Boots served with the Foreign Mission Board in the Philippines from 1958-1970. Leroy taught vocational agriculture at Raltan High School, and taught Evangelism and Missions at the Baptist Bible Institute from 1970-1991. He served in the United States Army infantry from 1945-1946. Benefield saw himself as a revivalist. he had hundreds of revival meetings and was greatly beloved as professor, preacher, and friend.

A. M. BENNETT

A. M. Bennett served as pastor of , First Baptist Church, Lake City, A.M. Bennett Memorial Baptist Church and Palm Avenue Baptist Church, both in Tampa.

C. NORMAN BENNETT

C. Norman Bennett graduated from Stetson University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was ordained by the Broadway Baptist Church, Louisville, KY. Bennett served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Zephyrhills; Calvary Baptist Church, Daytona Beach and First Baptist Church, Orange CityHe and his wife Ruth had two daughters.

CODY E. BENNETT

Cody E. Bennett served as pastor of Ephesus Baptist Church, Hilliard.

GEORGE BENNETT

George Bennett served as pastor of Buckhead Ridge Baptist Church from 1976-1977.

GORDON BENNETT

Gordon Bennett served as pastor of Peniel Lighthouse, Palatka.

H. C. BENNETT

H. C. Bennett served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Macclenny, 1914-1916.

HAROLD CLARK BENNETT

Harold Clark Bennett (July 30, 1924-July 27, 2003) was born in Asheville, North Carolina. He attended school at Wake Forest College (B.A.), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (B.D.), and received an honorary doctorate from Stetson University in 1968. Bennett served as a Navy pilot in World War II and prior to that worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). in Washington, D.C. He served as pastor of Glen Royal Baptist Church in Wake Forest (1948-1951); Chaplain, Kentucky State Reformatory, LaGrange, Kentucky (1951-1953); assistant pastor at First Baptist Church, Shreveport, Louisiana (1953-1955); pastor, Beech Street Baptist Church, Texarkana, Arkansas (1955-1960); Superintendent of New Work, Baptist Sunday School Board (1960-1962); Secretary, Department of Metropolitan Missions, Home Mission Board (1962-1965); Director of the Missions Division, Texas Baptist Convention (1967-1967); and Executive Secretary-Treasurer of The Florida Baptist Convention (1967-1978). Bennett left Florida to become the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Bennett married Phyllis Jean Metz of Joliet, Illinois, and they had three children; Jeffrey in 1949, John in 1955, and Cynthia in 1956.

JIMMIE SAM BENNETT

Jimmie Sam Bennett (1909-1988) a native of Georgia moved to Sarasota in 1938. In 1950 he entered the ministry, and was pastor of Mt. Calvary, Fruitville and Mt. Zion in Laurel. He served as pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church,Sarasota for 34 years. In 1970 Mt. Calvary officially became a mission of First Baptist Church, Sarasota. This marked the first time in the Florida Baptist Convention that a predominately White church sponsored a Black mission.

NATHAN J. BENNETT

Nathan J. Bennett (1895-1963) was born in Brandon. Bennett served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Socrum, (1936-1938), Mt. Olive, Orient Park, Double Branch, Riverview, Thonotosassa, Sunset Point, Westside Baptist Church, Zephyhills, 1955, and First Baptist Church, St. Catherine.

R. BENNETT

In 1877 R. Bennett was pastor of Special Providence Baptist Church in Taylor County.

T. J. BENNETT

T. J. Bennett served as pastor of Oakland Baptist Church, Taylor Association.

TOM BENNETT

Tom Bennett (1931-2022) was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of Clifford, Sr. and Fannie Cloud Bennett. He attended Bob Jones University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bennett served as pastor of churches in Georgia, North Carolina and Florida, including Pinellas Park, First Baptist Church, New Port Richey and First Baptist Church, Bradenton. He served as director of missions for the Manatee Southern Baptist Association, 2003-2010. Bennett and his wife, Jean Williams Bennett had two children, Elizabeth and Kip.

W. B. BENNETT

W. B. Bennett served as pastor of Ephesus Baptist Church, Hilliard.

WALTER A. BENNETT

Walter A. Bennett served as pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church in Lakeland, and also served in the Church Administration Department of the Sunday School Board. He is best known in Florida for his faithful and effective service with the Florida Baptist Convention pastoral ministries division.

J. B. BENNIEFIELD

J. B. Benniefield served as pastor of Hatch Bend Baptist Church, Branford.

FRANK BENTLEY

Frank Bentley (1864-1932) was born at Sidney, Iowa to L. Bentley and Ann Ross Bentley. Bentley moved to Tampa in 1891 where he began his career in the wholesale grocery business. Bentley served as president of the Florida Baptist State Convention in 1917 and 1918 making him the third layman to serve in this role. Bentley and his wife Nettie had two children; Hugh and Frank, Jr. They were members of First Baptist Church, Tampa.

WOODROW BENTON

Woodrow Benton (1940-2004) was born in Monroe, LA, the son of Woodrow W. and Margaret Emerson Benton. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the U. S. Air Force. Benton served as pastor of the Refuge Baptist Church, Sebring. He was married to Mary E. Benton.

ERVIN E. BENZ

Ervin E. Benz served as pastor of Ballast Point Baptist Church, Tampa.

MERLIN BERKEY

Merlin Berkey is a graduate of Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana, and Dallas Theological Seminary. He has served 22 years as a pastor and has been a Christian counselor since 1988. Berkey and his wife, June, are now serving at First Baptist Church, Oakland Park where he is pastor.

MILLARD BERQUIST

Millard Berquist (1902-1990) was born in Kansas City. He served as pastor of Riverside Baptist Church in Jacksonville and First Baptist Church in Tampa from 1947 to 1957. Berquist was a graduate of William Jewell, Stetson University, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as the first president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and served there for 15 years from 1957 to 1972. After retirement he served as interim pastor in Missouri and Florida. Berquist served as president of the Florida Baptist State Convention in 1950.

B. F. BERRY

B. F. Berry served as pastor of Peniel Lighthouse, Palatka.

C. L. BERRY

C. L. Berry served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Williston and Midway Baptist Church, Plant City (1934).

EARL C. BERRY

Earl C. Berry (1923-2020) was born in Flat River, MO. He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Berry served as director of Camps and Assemblies for the Florida Baptist State Convention, 1976-1990. He and his wife Marie Propst Berry had three children.

L. C. BERRY

L. C. Berry served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Conway.

LOUIS BERRY

Louis Berry served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Lake City.

D. C. BETHEA

D. C. Bethea (1858-1932) was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in the Peace River Association. Bethea was the son of Rev. Hugh Bethea. His wife was Sophie Whidden Bethea.

HUGH BETHEA

Hugh Bethea (1829-1887) was born in Alabama, the son of Rev. Goodman and Charlotte A. Grice Bethea. He served as pastor of Cross Prairie Baptist Church and Rock Hill Baptist Church, both of Pop Ash. Bethea and his wife Celiann Still Bethea had 10 children.

T. J. BETTS

T. J. Betts served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Orlando.

R. D. BEVIS

R. D. Bevis attended Columbia College, Lake City and the University of Florida. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Micanopy, Fairbanks, and Paran Baptist Church, Grandin.

WILLIAM F. BIBB, JR.

William F. Bibb, Jr. ( -2022) served as pastor of Westwood Baptist Church, Live Oak, 1971-1973; and Plainview Baptist Church, Pensacola. He and his wife, Jane Bibb had two children.

R. M. BIGLER

R. M. Bigler was a graduate of Baptist Bible Institute (now New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary). He served as pastor of Larkin Baptist Church (now South Miami) in 1924. Bigler worked in home missions.

JACK L. BILBO

Jack L. Bilbo (1921-1999) was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Bilbo attended Mississippi college and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He was ordained by the First Baptist Church, Marianna. Bilbo served churches in Mississippi, Maryland and Florida. He served in the military in World War II. He served as pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, Marianna and Bellview Baptist Church in Pensacola for 23 years after which he retired. He and his wife Mary Bennett Bilbo were married for 55 years and had two daughters, Ruth and Deborah.

TOM BILES

Tom Biles graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as Director of Missions for the Tampa Bay Baptist Association, 1993-2012. Biles and his wife, Nanel Biles, have two sons.

GEORGE C. BILLINGS

George C. Billings was a native of Toronto, Canada. He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and then served as a missionary in West Indies. Billings served as pastor of churches in Canada and Florida, including Idlewild Baptist Church. He and his wife became United States citizens in 1975.

BILL F. BILLINGSLEY

Bill F. Billingsley (1934-1998) was a pastor and denominational servant with a missionary heart. He served as pastor of Belvadere Baptist Church and Northwood Baptist Church in West Palm Beach. In 1963 he became the first pastor of Sheridan Hills Baptist Church in Hollywood. He served the church as pastor for 35 years until the time of his death. Billingsley led his congregation to start 54 mission churches in the Gulf Stream Baptist Association. He led the church to start a community Christian counseling center, Sheridan House Family Ministries, a Christian school, and a crisis pregnancy care facility. He also served in many denominational roles and was president of the Florida Baptist State Convention in 1988-1989. Billingsley died August 21, 1998, at the age of 64. He is survived by his wife, Betty Jean, and three grown children.

C. CLYDE BILLINGSLEY

C. Clyde Billingsley (1941- ) served as evangelism director of the Florida Baptist Convention from 1985 to 1989. He had served for many years in pioneer mission work, and left Florida to become the executive-director of the Utah-Idaho state convention.

RICHARD H. BILLS

Richard H. Bills (1917-2010) was honored at the Bowe Gardens Church in Melbourne upon his 40th anniversary in the preaching ministry on December 3, 1980. Bills served as pastor in other states before coming to Florida, where he served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Plant City and Central Baptist Church in Titusville. Bills served 16 years as chaplain at South Florida Baptist Hospital.

J. N. BINFORD

J. N. Binford served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Haines City. He died in 1956.

DOUGLAS BIRGE

Douglas Birge (1923-2003) was born in Holmes County, FL. He served as pastor of Shady Grove Baptist Church, Grand Ridge. He and his wife had three children.

LADISLAU BIRO

Ladislau Biro (1907-2009) was born in Nagyvarad, Hungary. He graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Biro served as pastor of University Baptist Church, Coral Gables Church in 1942-1950. Biro served as pastor of the Coral Gables Baptist Church (1951-1969) and Bethesda Baptist Church, Palm Bay (1971-1989). He and his wife, Katalin, have four children.

CHRISTOPHER BISHOP

Christopher Bishop graduated from the Baptist College of Florida. He serves as pastor of the Harmony Mission, Wauchula.

JOE BISHOP

Joe Bishop served as pastor of Treasure Island Baptist Church, Okeechobee.

JOSH BISHOP

Josh Bishop serves as pastor of Faith Covenant Church, Daytona Beach. His wife is Sarah Bishop.

P. B. BISHOP

P. B. Bishop served as pastor of San Mateo First Baptist Church.

PUTNAM PETER BISHOP

Putnam Peter Bishop (1893-1896) was born in Pantan, VT. He moved to Jacksonville in 1870 and served as a missionary for the American Baptist Home Missionary Society and established the first school in Florida for black preachers and teachers. Bishop and his brother Jesse organized the brand of Bishop, Hoyt & Company with Judge James H. Hoyt and his holdings at Citra, San Mateo, and Lake Panasoffkee soon became the largest in the state of Florida. In 1876 he was elected to the State Legislature. He is also credited as the father of the Pineapple orange. Bishop served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville from 1867-1868 and First Baptist Church, Ocala. He and his wife, Sophia Mary Lathrop Bishop had one daughter. Dr. Bishop served two terms-1870 and 1871-as president of the Florida Baptist State Convention.

WILLIAM FRANK BISHOP

William Frank Bishop lived in Tampa 42 years before his death on March 27, 1963. He was ordained in 1937, and served State Highway, West Hillsborough, Southside of Bradenton, and Belmont Heights (1945-1963). Bishop and his wife, Jessie, had one son William Jr., and a daughter, Dorene.

WILMER ORVIN BISHOP

Wilmer Orvin Bishop (1920-2001) was born in Holmes County, Florida. He served as pastor of Limestone Baptist Church and Argyle Baptist Church. Bishop was married to Ouida Doris Avrett Bishop (1922-1970). After her death he married Margaret Broxson Bishop. He was the father of two sons and one daughter.

CHARLES D. BLACK

Charles D. Black served as pastor of Long Branch Baptist Church, Maxville.

CLANTON C. BLACK

Clanton C. Black (1902-1956) was a native of Alabama. He attended school at the University of Alabama and Baptist Bible Institute in Lakeland, Florida. Black served as pastor at Ft. White, Flemington, LaCrosse, Antioch, Mt. Pleasant, and Pine. Black had an active preaching ministry in Marion, St. Johns, Santa Fe, New River, and Suwannee Associations. Black married Cora W. Black. They had two daughters; Ann and Mrs. W. H. Anderson, and two sons; Oliver and Clanton Jr.

DARRELL BLACK

Darrell Black (1958-) served as pastor of Farm Hill Baptist Church, Cantonment. He and his wife Debra have two children.

DAVIS ALEXANDER BLACK, SR.

Davis Alexander Black, Sr. served as pastor of Damascus Baptist Church, Graceville, 1967-1980 and Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, Cottondale. Black and his wife Marie had three children.

J. E. BLACK

J. E. Black served as pastor of First Black Creek Baptist Church, Penney Farms and Liberty Baptist Church, Jacksonville. He served as missionary for St. Johns River Baptist Association in 1905.

J. R. BLACK

J. R. Black served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Avondale, 1939.

JAMES BLACK

James Black served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Middleburg.

JOHN BLACK

John Black served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Barberville, 1899-1902.

JOHN GORDON BLACK

John Gordon Black (1877-1914) was born in Beaufort, SC. In 1893, at age fifteen Black was licensed to preach by the old Altamaha Baptist Church, Jessup, GA. In 1899, he was ordained as a minister in the First Baptist Church, Deland. Black’s first pastorate was Green Cove Springs (1899-1907). Black also pastored Indianola Baptist Church (1900-1903); First Baptist Church, Eau Galle (1900-1901), LaGrange Baptist Church (1901-1903); Fort Pierce Baptist Church (1901); Titusville Baptist Church (1902-1903); and Oviedo Baptist Church (1905-1907). From 1910 to 1913 Black held pastorates at Panama City, Cottondale and Carrabelle.

LINDSEY BLACKLEDGE

Lindsey Blackledge served as pastor of Pine Barron Baptist Church, Davisville.

CHARLES E. BLACKMON

Charles E. Blackmon (Eddie) (1956- ) was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated from Stetson University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Blackmon served as associate director of the Florida Baptist Men’s Department, 1999-2006 and associate director of Disaster Relief Ministries, 2006-2010 for the Florida Baptist State Convention. He and his wife Vicki Roberts married in 1974.

FRANK D. BLACKMON

Frank D. Blackmon (1927-1964) served as pastor of churches in Georgia. He was pastor of Fellowship Church in Tampa at the time of his death. He died at age 37 in Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, due to complication in heart surgery.

R. J. BLACKMON

R. J. Blackmon served as pastor of Lady Lake Baptist Church, Ferndale Baptist Church, Apopka, 1933-1934, 1940 and Ballast Point Baptist Church, Tampa.

N. B. BLACKSHIRE

N. B. Blackshire served as pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Bonifay and Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

R. T. BLACKSTOCK, JR.

Rhodes Thomas Blackstock, Jr. (R.T.) ( -2021) was a native of Jackson, Tennessee. He graduated from Union University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Blackstock was professor of Old Testament at the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville, Florida, and was appointed by the Southern Baptist Convention Home Mission Board to become Director of Missions of the Jacksonville Baptist Association. Later he became Associate Pastor of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, Jacksonville for 14 years. Following his retirement from Hendricks Avenue, he continued family counseling at Southside Baptist Church. His first wife Elizabeth Blackstock died in 1968. He and his wife, Nita, had one daughter, Carolyn.

CORA HANCOCK BLAIR

Cora Hancock Blair was born in 1890 at Kathleen in Polk County, Florida. She was the daughter of Shade Judson Hancock and Laura Pauline Wilder Hancock. Her father was a cattleman-farmer and her mother was a housewife. Cora had two brothers, Paul Wilder and Judson Norris, and one sister Ruby Estelle Hancock Wilder. Cora graduated in 1910 at Columbia College in Lake City. She attended Normal School in Dade City and received a certificate to teach. She attended The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and received her B.M.T. degree in 1915. Cora married Martin Stowe Blair on September 20, 1916. They had two children, W. Judson (born December 25, 1919) and Martin Stone Blair, Jr. (born December 24, 1926). Cora was converted at age 13, and served as a foreign missionary of the Southern Baptist Convention in Cordoba, Rosario, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 1919-1954. Son William Judson served as a foreign missionary in Argentina and son Martin, Jr., was a business man in Springfield, Missouri.

IRA BLAIR

Ira Blair served as pastor of Corinth Baptist Church, Jasper, 1955-1958.

RAYBURN BLAIR

Rayburn Blair was the founding pastor of Temple Baptist Church, Tallahassee, (now North Florida Baptist Church) serving from 1963 to 1991. Blair and his wife, Bette Ashcraft Blair had six children.

HAROLD KEITH BLAKLEY

Harold Keith Blakley (1952-1999) was born in Fort Worth, TX. He graduated from the University of Texas and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Blakley was a former missionary to South Africa, and served as director of Miami Baptist Campus Ministry for the Florida Baptist State Convention, 1990-1992. While serving as pastor of Central Baptist Church, Miami, Blakley was shot and killed in his home. He and his wife Theresa Lynn Anderson Blakley had three children.

B. W. BLAKEWOOD

B. W. Blakewood died in 1890 after serving many years as a faithful Baptist preacher.

CLARENCE BLALOCK

Clarence Blalock graduated from Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of McDowell Baptist Church in Saint Augustine, 2004-2014. He is married to Doris Blalock.

HERSCHEL BLALOCK

Herschel Blalock (1929-2012) was born in Clanton, AL. He was the son of Charlie E. and Pearl Little Blalock. Blalock was pastor of 13 Baptist Churches in Chilton, Autauga, Etowah and Limestone Counties in Alabama and two Baptist Churches in Florida for a service career that spanned over 50 years. Blalock and his wife Lois Wilson Blalock had two daughters and one son.

RUSSELL BLANK

Russell Blank served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Wabasso.

B. R. BLANKENSHIP

B. R. Blankenship served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Arcadia and First Baptist Church, Kissimmee. He and his wife had two children.

J. M. BLANKENSHIP

J. M. Blankenship served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Malone, (1923-1927).

WILLIAM H. BLEDSOE

William H. Bledsoe (1929-2004) was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Korean War. He was a fulltime minister for 25 years and served as pastor of Oakridge Baptist Church, (now Polk City Baptist Church) and Midway Baptist Church, Plant City, (1963-1965). Bledsoe and his wife Della Elva had three children.

JAMES L. JIM BLEVINS

James L. Jim Blevins (1941-2021) was born in Racel, West Virginia, the son of Louis and Lona Blevins. He served as pastor of Florahome Baptist Church, 1974-1976 and Eden Baptist Church, Hawthorne for forty years. Blevins and his wife Lois Blevins had three children.

J. E. BLEWETT

J. E. Blewett served as pastor of Tribly Baptist Church, Pasco County, 1948.

WILLIAM J. BLEWETT

William J. Blewett (1812-1873) was born March 12, 1812, in Anson County, North Carolina. He moved to Decatur County, Georgia in 1833 and in April 1834, was baptized into the Richland Creek Church by Elder A. Belcher. He was licensed to preach by the Richland Creek Church in 1835, and at the request of the Cotton Hill Church of Randolph County, he was ordained. Blewett had influence in Florida in his life and preaching. In 1840 or 1841 he married Miss Malcolm, daughter of Dr. Malcolm of Gadsden County, Florida. After her death, he married Mrs. Everett and settled near Thomasville. Blewett preached along the Georgia-Florida line and was a pro-mission influence in the introduction of Articles of Faith for the Florida Association. In 1867 Blewett was pastor of Friendship, Indian Springs, Liberty, and New Hope in the Florida Association. In 1870 or 1871 he moved to Cadwell County, Texas, where he died in 1873.

BENJAMIN BREWTON BLITCH

Benjamin Brewton Blitch (1873-1941) was from a family of Baptist preachers. His grandfather, Benjamin Blitch of Effingham County, Georgia (1811-1887), was a veteran of the Seminole War and served as a Baptist preacher for 41 years. Blitch’s father was James Elias Blitch (1833-1876) and he served in the Georgia 7th Calvary in the Civil War. James Elias Blitch was also a Baptist preacher, historian, missionary and evangelist. Blitch also had four uncles who were Baptist preachers. Blitch served as pastor of Brent Baptist Church (1906-1911), First Baptist Church, Cottondale (1912-1913), First Baptist Church, Blountstown (1915), Bagdad Baptist Church (1924-1925), First Baptist Church in Milton (1926) and Immanuel Baptist Church, Panama City. He helped organize the Flagler Street Church in Miami and served ten years as pastor (1931-1941). Blitch married Janette Harrison Blitch in 1899, and they had four children. Janette died in 1913 and Blitch married Hattie Barbara Davis in 1913.

M. F. BLITCH

M. F. Blitch served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Barberville, 1898.

NEWTON A. BLITCH

Newton A. Blitch (1844-1921) was born in Marion County, Florida. Blitch served in the House of Representatives and Florida State Senator. He also served on the Railroad Commission. Blitch was a member of First Baptist Church, Tallahassee and president of the Florida Baptist State Convention in 1914 and 1916.

A. L. BLIZZARD

A. L. Blizzard served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hastings and First Baptist Church, Eau Galle.

BOB BLOCK

Bob Block graduated from Baylor University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Chiefland and in 2009 became pastor of First Baptist Church, Tampa. He and his wife Darleen have two sons.

D. J. BLOCKER

D. J. Blocker served as pastor of Blake Memorial Baptist Church in 1907-1908.

J. D. BLOCKER

J. D. Blocker served as pastor of First Baptist Church, DeLand.

RICHARD G. BLOODWORTH

Richard G. Bloodworth (1932-1989) was born in Panama City, Florida. Bloodworth graduated from Stetson University (B. A.) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M. Div.). He served as pastor of Cedar Grove Mission, 1954, Cinco Baptist Church, Fort Walton Beach, 1956-1959, Shiloh Baptist Church, Chipley, First Baptist Church, Southport, and First Baptist Church, Wewahitchka (1982-1988). Bloodworth and his wife Ada Jean Kirkland had five children.

FRED C. BLOSCH

Fred C. Blosch (July 29, 1898-March 10, 1970) was born near Stillwater, Oklahoma. Blosch was the ninth child born to Valentine and Louisa Theila Blosch. His mother led him to Christ at a very early age. In 1919 his family moved to the small town of Ft. Lauderdale. At age 25 he was called to schooling and after four years he graduated from Baptist Institute (Bachelor of Gospel Music and Bachelor of Christian Training). In 1930 he became pastor of First Baptist Church of Boynton Beach. He continued to pastor in Palm Beach County until 1946. He then served at Oak-Griner, Ocala (1946-1949), Fellowship (1949-1956) and Jonesville (1956-1960).

WILLIAM BLOSCH

William Blosch is a native of Gainesville, Florida. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Blosch is a retired chaplain of the Army. He has pastored churches in Indiana and Florida, including Hardeetown Baptist Church, Chiefland. Blosch and his wife Connie Lovallo Blosch have two sons.

B. B. BLOTCH

B. B. Blotch did missionary work in the Southport area.

J. W. BLOUIN

J. W. Blouin was bornin Oklahoma. He attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Blouin served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Flomaton.

B. F. BLOUNT

B. F. Blount served as pastor of Union Hill Baptist Church, 1917-1918, 1947 and New Hope Baptist Church, Holmes County in 1945.

BERNARD BLOUNT

Bernard Blount served as regional director of African American work for the Florida Baptist State Convention. He served as pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Panama City 1991-1992.

G. A. BLOUNT

G. A. Blount served as pastor of New River Baptist Church, Brooker.

S. F. BLOUNT

S. F. Blount served as pastor of Fort Braiden Baptist Church and missionary to the Florida Baptist Association in 1901.

WALTER C. BLUE, JR.

Walter C. Blue Jr. (1911-1981) served as pastor in North Carolina, Texas, and Florida for over 40 years. His Florida pastorates included First Baptist Church, Perrine, First Baptist Church, Pierson, and Magnolia Avenue Baptist Church, Daytona Beach. He and his wife, Aileen, had one child, Walter III.

TOM BOWLING

Tom Bowling served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Raiford.

OLIVER EVERETT BOALS

Oliver Everett Boals (b. October 9, 1913; d. October 16, 2020) probably had the distinction of being not only the oldest pastor, but the longest-serving person to minister in churches in the Florida Baptist State Convention. His bi-vocational ministry spanned 86 years during which he served 15 different small and rural churches in North Central Florida. In 2013, at age 100 to celebrate his ministry, he preached at the First Baptist Church, Archer. Boals became a Christian at age 17, but felt impressed to preach from age 4. Boals became a pastor at age 18 in 1931 and began service with his first church, Eden Baptist Church, Hawthorne. As a bi-vocational pastor, to support his family, Boals worked on the farm, cut cordwood in a sawmill, managed a grocery store, was a meat cutter, and bought and sold cattle and horses. He preached at his home church of Jonesville and also preached at Island Grove Baptist Church. He served 18 years as pastor of Jones Road Baptist Church, Jacksonville. In 2009, at age 96, Boals was serving as pastor of Riverside Baptist Church, Branford. His shortest pastorate was at the Hawthorne Baptist Church where he served for four days. The church had split and in four days he brought them back together. He served on the Florida Baptist Convention’s State Board of Missions for two terms, served as the moderator and vice moderator of Black Creek Association, and was honored by Stetson University as Pastor of the Year in 1968. Boals was married to Shirley Keen for 73 years and they had 3 children. Shirley Boals died and later in 2009 Brother Boals re-married. O.E. Boals is buried in the Jonesville Baptist Church Cemetery, Newberry.

LEROY G. BOATRIGHT

Leroy G. Boatright (1905-1988) was born in Bremen, Haralson County, Georgia, the son of Royal Watson and Mattie Dora “Dodie” Baggett Boatright. He attended Georgia Tech, Mercer University and Trinity Baptist Seminary. Boatright served as pastor of churches in Georgia and Florida, including Floral City Baptist Church and Olga Baptist Chapel. He served as the area missionary for Pasco Baptist Association. Boatright and his wife Bessie Irwin Boatright had one daughter, Bettie Ann.

JAMES CLIFTON BOATWRIGHT

James Clifton Boatwright (September 17, 1891- ) was born in Johnson County, Georgia. In 1901 he joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and was called to preach in 1906. He moved to Fort McCoy, Florida, in 1913. He was licensed to preach in 1914 at Fort McCoy, was called as pastor of Eureka in 1915, and ordained at Fort McCoy in 1916. He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth. Boatwright served as pastor at Sparr, Anthony, Harmony, Fellowship, Ocklawaha Bridge, Wildwood, Oak-Griner and Knights, Plant City. He was a bi-vocational pastor, and a carpenter and block mason by trade.

JOSEPH E. BOATWRIGHT

Joseph E. Boatwright served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Mims and Aloma Baptist Church, Winter Park. He and his wife, Joyce Boatwright, had three children.

L. J. BOATWRIGHT

L. J. Boatwright served as the first pastor of First Baptist Church, Floral City.

PAUL BOBBITT

Paul Bobbitt (1928-2011) was born in Sanford, North Carolina, and graduated from Wake Forest University (1951) and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1953, MSM). Bobbitt served as minister of music in churches in North Carolina, Kentucky and Florida. He was the director of the Church Music Department of the Florida Baptist Convention from 1970-1993. He and his wife Mayrene had daughters Irene, Myra and Angie.

J. L. BOBO

J. L. Bobo served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Williston.

T. S. BOEHM

Theophilus S. Boehm was born on March 29, 1907 and died April 27, 1971 in Augusta, Georgia, after suffering a stroke. He was buried in Rogersville, Tennessee. Boehm studied at Carson-Newman and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1943 Boehm was called as pastor of the First Baptist Church, Lakeland, a post he held until 1953. He subsequently was called and served as pastor (1953 – 1971) of the Hill Baptist Church of Augusts, Ga. In September 1943, he helped start the Florida Baptist Institute as a school for adults to receive help and attain high school graduation. He was a co-founder, teacher, trustee, dean, and acting president of Baptist Bible Institute over the course of 10 years. Boehm and his wife, Maime Ausband Boehm, had one son, John Charles.

FRED H. BOEHMER

Fred H. Boehmer served for many years as pastor of First Baptist Church, Brandon. He went to Brandon in 1976, and had previously served in Texas and Tennessee. Boehmer was a graduate of Wheaton College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Boehmer came directly to Brandon from an eight year pastorate of Greenwich Church in Greenwich, Connecticut. He has served widely in convention denominational service.

JOHN R. BOGERS, SR.

John R. Bogers, Sr. (1929-2004) served as a Baptist minister for 38 years. He served as pastor of 11th Street Baptist Church in Jacksonville; First Baptist Church, Middlesburg; and Blue Lake Baptist Church in Chipley. He and his wife, Alcine, were married 58 years, and they had three children; Helen, Mary, and Robert.

JACKIE R. BOGGAN

Jackie R. Boggan served as pastor of Providence Baptist Church, Palatka.

O. H. BOGGS

O. H. Boggs served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Destin.

J. D. BOHANAN

J. D. Bohanan served as a pastor of Chaires Baptist Church and Indian Springs Baptist Church in 1909. Bohanan died in 1910.

IVAN BOHANNON

Ivan Bohannon (1883-1953) was a native of Putnam County. He moved to Green Cove Springs, Florida, in 1938. He was ordained in 1921, and served as pastor of First Black Creek Baptist Church, Penney Farms, Hickory Grove Baptist Church from 1937-1945, Paran Baptist Church, Grandin, Heilbron Baptist Church, Starke, and First Baptist Church, Middleburg. He and his wife, Fannie Conway Bohannon, had four sons and three daughters.

NAMON THAMAR BOHANNON

Namon Thamar Bohannon (August 15, 1927-October 29, 2004) was born in Elliottown, near Jay. He was converted in 1939 in a revival at First Baptist Church, Milton. Bohannon graduated from Milton High School in June 1945, and married Donie Mell King in December 1945. He and his wife were married 58 years and had six children; Karen, Cathy, Cheryl, Patti, Stephen, and Bobby. Bohannon joined the Air Force in 1946, and upon completion of that duty worked over ten years with the St. Regis Paper Company. He worked primarily in his ministry as a bivocational pastor, and served in Texas and Florida. He was one of the organizers of Floridatown Baptist Church.

WILLIAM O. BOHELER

William O. Boheler (-1989) was a pastor in the Palm Lake Baptist Association and served in the juvenile division of the Home Mission Board for six years. Boheler organized “A Pastor’s Day in Court” within the Palm Lake Baptist Association and a similar program in Fort Lauderdale. The program is devoted to helping wayward youngsters obtain a better place in and attitude towards society. Boheler and his wife Lucille had three children. He died June 13, 1989.

EUGENE BOHNER

Eugene Bohner served as pastor of Waverly Church, Waverly. He went as pastor of Sidney Church in Sidney in 1980.

FLOYD B. BOICE

Floyd B. Boice (1909-1964) graduated from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Philadelphia and the University of Southern California. He served as president of Los Angeles Theological Seminary. Boice served as pastor of Northeast Baptist Church, and Grapeland Heights Baptist Church both of Miami. He and his wife, Virginia Boice had one daughter.

MURRILL N. BOITNOTT

Murrill N. Boitnott (1951- ) is a native of Roanoke, VA and a graduate of Bluefield College, Emory and Henry College and Southwestern Baptist Seminary, TX. Bointnott served as pastor of churches in Virginia and Florida, including Wayside Baptist Church, Miami, 1984-1995. He served with the Florida Baptist State Convention for the Baptist Campus Ministries. Bointnott and his wife Deborah Burton and they had three children.

ROBERT HASKELL BOLDING

Robert Haskell Bolding (1928-2021) was born in South Carolina, the son of Claude Robert and Flora E. Bolding. He served in the US Army and graduated from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bolding served as pastor of churches in Missouri, Tennessee and Florida, including Northwood Baptist Church, West Palm Beach. He had two children.

JAY BOLEJACK

Jay Bolejack (1931-2016) was born in North Carolina, the son of James William and Rae Inez Hockaday Bolejack. He graduated from Guilford College, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and served in the US Navy during the Korean War. Bolejack served as pastor of churches in Texas, Virginia and Florida including Parkway Baptist Church, Tallahassee. He and his wife, Norma Stewart Bolejack had three children.

NATHAN L. BOLES

Nathan L. Boles (1949-2018) was born in Gainesville to Nathan J. and Mary Boles. Boles accepted the call to ministry in 1973 and earned his Doctorate at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He pastored churches in Louisiana, Alabama and Florida for almost 40 years until his retirement. He was married to Darlene Boles who died in 2000.

WILLIAM J. “BUDDY” BOLES

William J. “Buddy” Boles served as pastor at Enon Baptist Church, Walnut Hill from 1990-2002.

WILLIAM JAMES BOLIN

William James Bolin (November 12, 1862-October 11, 1960) was born in Brown’s Creek, Henderson County, Tennessee. He was the son of John and Elmina Clarke Bolin. He had five brothers (Joseph, Mesley, John, Eugene, Alfred) and two sisters (Mandy and Fanny). He was raised in Clinton, Kentucky (1864-1886). He received the B.A. degree from Clinton College in 1886 and attended Andover Newton (1886-1887) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1893-1894). He married Elnora Stubblefield in 1888 and upon her death married Callie Stubblefield in 1897. He had five children (Herbert, James, Maymie, Robert, and Nona). Bolin served as a school teacher, newspaper editor and pastor. He received a D.D. degree from Clinton College. Bolin was converted in 1876 at age 14 and baptized
in 1880 at the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Clinton, Kentucky. He was ordained at Mt. Moriah in 1886. Bolin was pastor of 16 different Baptist churches in four states from 1888-1942. Some of the more significant pastorates included First Baptist Church, Milan, Tennessee (1890-1893), First Baptist Church, Orlando (1894-1895), First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge (1903-1907), First Baptist Church, Newport, Kentucky (1912-1913), and First Baptist Church, Lakeland (1920-1925). He served as the chaplain of the State Senate while serving in Baton Rouge. He held numerous denominational offices, and was the author of Bible Briefs in 1918, and A Pilgrim’s Programme and Other Sermons in 1935.

E. B. BOLING

E. B. Boling served as pastor of Beverly Hills Baptist Church, Jacksonville.

CHARLES HOUSTON BOLTON

Charles Houston Bolton (September 13, 1886-November 11, 1973) was born in Belgreen, Alabama. He was the son of Franklin Marion and Josephine Hall. He studied at Atlanta Theological Seminary (1912-1914) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1915-1917). He was ordained in 1916. He received honorary, doctoral degrees from Mercer University (D.D., 1933), and Stetson University (L.H.D., 1943). Bolton married Lena Mae Painter on September 20, 1904, and they had three children; Charles Houston, Elinor Lyle, and Edith Annette. Bolton served as pastor at Southside Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama (1917-1924), Norwood Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama (1924-1927), First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach (1927-1939), Riverside Baptist Church, Miami (1944-1949), and First Baptist Church, Avon Park, Florida (1953-1956). Bolton was a printer, banker, pastor, and denominational worker. He was the first Executive Secretary of the Southern Baptist Foundation (1949-1953) and served as Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention (1941-1949). After retiring in 1956, Bolton served in 40 interim pastorates. Bolton served as president of the Florida Baptist State Convention in 1940 and 1946.

EMERSON BOLTON

Emerson Bolton served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Oak Hill, 2006-2011 and First Baptist Church, Edgewater.

WILLARD BOMAN

Willard Boman (1922-2008) served in the Navy for 20 years and retired. After his retirement from the Navy he spent over 35 years pastoring nine Southern Baptist churches including Ferndale Baptist Church, Apopka, 1958-1959. He and his wife, Marguerite Boman had five children.

BILL BOMAR

Bill Bomar served as a lay preacher of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Manatee Southern Baptist Association.

J. B. BONEY

J. B. Boney served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Williston.

L. B. BONEY

L. B. Boney (1875-1957) was born in Sampson County, NC, the son of Hiram Stallings and Zilphia Anne Boney. He received his education from Scottsberg College, VA, Bethel Hill Institute, VA and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Boney served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Wauchula, and First Baptist Church, Williston. He and his wife Lela Murrell Boney had three daughters.

A. L. BONNER

A. L. Bonner served as Chaplin with the Marines in World War II. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church Callahan from 1949-1951. Bonner and his wife Mary had four children.

R. L. BONSTEEL

R. L. Bonsteel served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Crescent City and First Baptist Church, Palatka.

CHRIS BONTS

Chris Bonts is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated from the Baptist College of Florida and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bonts has served as pastor of churches in Indiana and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Middleburg.

JOHN C. BOONE

John C. Boone (1947- ) was born in Atlanta, GA. He graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL. Boone served as pastor in Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and Florida, including Lakeview Baptist Church, Tallahassee, FL. From 1988-2002, he served as associate director of the Sunday School Department of the Florida Baptist State Convention and from 2002-2015, as director. He and his wife, Sherrill Farmer Boone have two children.

M. O. BOONE

M. O. Boone served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Barberville.

ROBERT BOONE

Robert Boone served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Destin.

CALVIN BOOTH

Calvin Booth served as pastor of Northside Baptist Church, Lake Worth, 1955-1962 and Wilton Manor Baptist Church, Fort Lauderdale, 1963-1968.

FRANK BOOTH

Frank Booth served as pastor of Poplar Dell Baptist Church, Bratt.

JOHNNY BOOTH

Johnny Booth served as pastor of Ferndale Baptist Church, Apopka.

LAURENCE R. BOOTH

Laurence R. Booth (1948- ) was born in West Chester, PA. He graduated from Trenton St. College, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Booth served for the Home Mission Board in the Language Extension Department of the Florida Baptist State Convention. He and his wife Linda Sue Clark Booth had four children.

TERRY BOOTH

Terry Booth served as pastor of Scenic Heights Baptist Church, Pensacola.

GEORGE BORDERS

George Borders was Vice President of Student Affairs at Stetson University and became the third President of Palm Beach Atlantic University in 1978. Borders resigned in 1981 to become the President of the Florida Baptist Foundation.

MARSHALL BOROUGHS

Marshall Boroughs (1914-2009) was a native of Missouri, the son of William D. and Eva Barnes Watts Boroughs. He served as pastor of East Naples Baptist Church from 1970-1979 and North Hillsborough Baptist Church, Arcadia. Boroughs was married to Minnie Kathleen Harper Boroughs had one daughter.

WILLIAM BORUM

William Borum is listed in the 1856 West Florida Baptist Associational Minutes as an ordained minister living in Greenwood, Florida. In 1859 he was pastor of Sardis and New Hope in the West Florida Baptist Association.

D. W. BOSDELL

D. W. Bosdell served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Milligan and Poplar Dell Baptist Church.

JOHN BOSS

John Boss served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Malone, (2003-2005).

E. C. BOSTICK

E. C. Bostick died November 22, 1947. He was a graduate of Stetson University, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bostick served for many years as Clerk of the South Florida Baptist Association, and also as recording secretary of the Florida Baptist Convention. He was a charter member of the Southside Baptist Church in Lakeland. He was known from his many pastorates he held in south and central Florida. Bostick served as pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Wauchula, 1905-06, and First Baptist Church, Barberville, 1908.

G. W. BOSTICK

G. W. Bostick is listed as the pastor of Lake Jackson Church, Leon County, in the 1851 Florida Baptist Associational Minutes. He died in Wakulla County in 1881. According to the 1860 Florida Associational Minutes, Bostick was living in Sopchoppy and pastor of Mount Benzor, Mount Elon, and Bethsaida in Wakulla County. He served as missionary to the Florida Baptist Association in 1860.

S. E. BOSTICK

S. E. Bostick served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Sorrento.

W. M. BOSTICK

W. M. Bostick served as pastor of Eden Baptist Church, Brooksville.

WILLIAM WILEY BOSTICK

William Wiley Bostick, son of Rev. George W. Bostick, pioneer Florida pastor, was born March 31, 1843, in Gadsden County. In March 1862, at Way Key, he enlisted in Company D, Third Florida Infantry, CSA. A private and musician, he was detailed as a military hospital nurse following the battle of Vicksburg. Later captured near Atlanta and imprisoned at Camp Douglas in Chicago, he remained a prisoner until the war ended. Florida Baptist pastorates include Bethpage, Monticello, Olive (North Florida); Homeland, Bethel, Beulah, Gapway, Lakeland, Bartow (Polk); Pleasant Hill, Dade City (Pasco); Eden (Hernando); Shiloh (Hillsborough); Sumterville, Pine Level (Sumter); Lady Lake (Lake); Arcadia (DeSoto); Fort Myers (Lee); and Key West (Monroe). He was Lee County School Superintendent from 1897 to 1901. “A minister of the gospel for fifty-two years,” he died May 28, 1919, in Miami and is buried in Miami City Cemetery.

ERIC BOTLEY

Eric Botley served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Pahokee, 2004.

MATTHEW J. BOUTERSE, SR.

Matthew John Bouterse served as pastor of Buena Vista Baptist Church which united with Stanton Memorial Baptist Church, Miami, 1921-24. He also served at Allapattah Baptist Church, Miami, First Baptist Church, Maitland, Woodlawn Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Holopaw Baptist Church, Osceola County, Plymouth Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church, Mt. Dora. He was married to Reina (Rijskamp) Bouterse.

MATTHEW J. BOUTERSE, II

Matthew John Bouterse II (1914-2006) was born near Pensacola, FL. He was the son of Matthew John Bouterse and Reina (Rijskamp) Bouterse. He attended University of FL and then Stetson where he obtained a Bachelors degree. He continued his education at the Eastern Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. He served as a Navy Chaplain on the ship Astoria during World War II. and First Baptist Church, Umatilla. He also served as a missionary in Hong Kong and Guam. Bouterse and his wife Virginia Lee had five children.

WILLIAM M. BOUTERSE

William M. Bouterse served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Conway.

JOHN BOVARD

John Bovard served as pastor of Shockley Springs Baptist Church, Baker.

ROBERT CLECKLER BOWDEN

Robert Cleckler Bowden (1929-2021) is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. He finished college at Howard College in Birmingham and later worked as head football coach there. Bowden served as head football coach at South Georgia College, Howard College (1959-1962), West Virginia, and Florida State. He has had 332 coaching victories with two national championships and fourteen consecutive 10-win seasons. Bowden is a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Tallahassee, Florida. He and his wife Ann Estock Bowden had six children.

HAROLD BOWE

Harold Bowe attended Bob Jones University. He has held pastorates in South Carolina and Florida Bowe was ordained by Buffalo Avenue Baptist Church, Tampa in 1940. He served as pastor of Buffalo Avenue Baptist Church, Tampa, Calvary Baptist Church, Lakeland, Tribly Baptist Church, 1942, Pasco County, Knights Baptist Church, Lakeland, 1950-1952, Faith Baptist Church, Fort Myers, and First Baptist Church, Fort Myers.

STEPHEN BOWE

Stephen Bowe serves as pastor of First Baptist Church, Lehigh.

TOM BOWERS

Tom Bowers serves as pastor of Seminole Bible Baptist Church.

THOMAS JEFFERSON BOWEN

Thomas Jefferson Bowen (b. 1914; d. 1875), a former Florida Baptist pastor, was the first Southern Baptist-appointed missionary to serve in Yoruba, Central Africa and then Brazil, South America. Born in Jackson County, Georgia, after having served in Georgia militia, achieving the rank of captain, Bowen surrendered his life to Christ in 1840. Two years later, Bowen responded to God’s call to the preaching ministry. He began an itinerant preaching ministry which covered south Georgia, north Florida and southeast Alabama. During 1847 and 1848, he served as part-time pastor of three churches in Gadsden County, including Liberty, Hebron and Providence, and then Leon County’s Providence Church. Receiving God’s call to foreign missions, Bowen requested the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board to be appointed to Central Africa, where he served between 1849 and 1856. Due to health problems, Bowen was re-assigned to establish a mission in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Returning to Georgia in early 1861, he ultimately continued an itinerant preaching ministry in Georgia and Florida. He died November 24, 1875.

TOM BOWLING

Tom Bowling served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Raiford.

STEPHEN BOWMAN

Stephen Bowman served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Raiford.

WILLARD BOWMAN

Willard Bowman served as pastor of Parkway Baptist Church (now Northbay), Niceville and Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, Cottondale.

A. PRESTON BOYD

A. Preston Boyd was ordained to the gospel ministry on January 12, 1913, at Live Oak Baptist Church. S. B. Rogers preached the ordination sermon. Previous to this ordination Boyd was a Presbyterian pastor.

CAROLYN BURNETT BOYD

Carolyn Burnett Boyd (1935-2018) was born in Saluda County, South Carolina, the daughter of David Pressley and Lottie Gunter Burnett. She was a graduate of Winthrop University, received her masters of Religious Education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY and received her masters of Elementary Education from South Carolina State University. Mrs. Boyd was a former Sunbeam Director for the Florida Baptist Convention 1961-1964 and a kindergarten teacher for over thirty years. She and her husband, Rev. William E. “Bill” Boyd had two children.

DAVID BOYD

David Boyd served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Destin.

J. LEON BOYD

J. Leon Boyd served as pastor of Lakeview Baptist Church in Pensacola from 1973-1980. He then served as Director of Missions of Pinellas Association (now Suncoast) and Director of Urban Strategy with the North American Mission Board from which he retired in 1992.

JAMES BOYD

James Boyd served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Sneads.

JAMES E. BOYD

James E. Boyd served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Pahokee from 1955-1960.

JAMES W. BOYD

James W. Boyd served as pastor Blackwater Baptist Mission, 1970-1972.

JIM BOYD

Jim Boyd served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Laurel Hill.

JOHNNY BOYD

Johnny Boyd (1935-1999) served as pastor of Damascus Baptist Church, Graceville, 1964-1966 and Emmanuel Baptist Church, Crestview. He and his wife, Yvonne had four children.

LINDSEY BOYD

Lindsey Boyd was a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as minister of education for First Baptist Church, Tampa, and First Baptist Church, Brandon. Boyd served as director of missions for the Manatee Southern Baptist Association, 1998-2001. He was married to Edith Boyd.

LOUISE SMITH BOYD

Louise Smith Boyd was born in Fordeville, Kentucky. She graduated from the WMU Training School in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1926, and the Woman s College (later renamed William Carey) in 1930 (A. B.). Boyd accepted a teaching position in the Ashland, Kentucky public school system and then in 1931 became the young people s secretary of the Florida WMU. Upon the retirement of Charlotte Rinkenburger Peelman (1936), Boyd was elected corresponding secretary of the Florida WMU. She served in that capacity from 1936-1943. Louise Smith met David Fair Boyd while both were in Jacksonville and they married in 1943. She continued her active WMU work in Ohio, North Carolina, and Georgia. David Boyd died in 1975 and Louise Smith Boyd continues to live in Atlanta.

MILTON W. BOYD

Milton W. Boyd (1940-2007) was born in Tarboro, North Carolina. His educational background is closely associated with his service in the United States Air Force. He attended the Air Training Command School (1957), University of Maryland (Morocco), NonCommissioned Officers School, and Los Angeles City College (Thailand). Boyd served as pastor of Westside Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama (1976-1987), Central Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama (1983-1990), and New Birth Baptist Church, Shreveport, Louisiana. Boyd has received many awards as it relates to ministry, training, and church growth. He is currently the director, church development, African-American Ministries Division of the Florida Baptist Convention. He and his wife, Paula Pacheco Boyd, have four children; Jose, Clarissa, Enrique, Carrlos, and Madalena.

WILLIAM E. BOYD

William E. Boyd graduated from the University of Florida and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Bay Ceia Baptist Church, Tampa and First Baptist Church, Eustis. Boyd and his wife had three children.

ERNEST DOYLE BOYER

Ernest Doyle Boyer (December 4, 1869-November 2, 1969) was born in Eufaula, Alabama. Ordained in 1917, Boyer served as pastor of over 15 Southern Baptist churches in Florida. He served at Citra, Lawtey, Yankestown, Inglis, Baldwin, Cedar Key, North Ocala, Deland, McIntosh, Fort McCoy, and six churches in Tampa, including State Highway and El Bethel. In 1940 he organized East Hillsborough Church in Tampa on land he donated to the congregation. He and his wife, Irene Tompkins Boyer, had three daughters and five sons. In 1967 he was recognized as the oldest active pastor in The Southern Baptist Convention. He was still serving as pastor at age 98.

OWEN BOZEMAN

Owen Bozeman was born and raised in the Myrtle Gove section of Pensacola, and he grew up in the Myrtle Grove Baptist Church. He graduated from Samford University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Forest Hills Baptist Church in Birmingham, and First Baptist Church in Milton, Florida.

WILLIAM T. BRACEWELL

William T. Bracewell served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Minneola.

JOHN BRACKEN

John Bracken was born in Brewton, Alabama. He graduated from Auburn University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bracken served as pastor of Woodbine Baptist Church, Pace and Brewer Lake Baptist Church.

JOHN L. BRACKIN

John L. Brackin was born in San Angelo, Texas. He graduated from Valencia College, Orlando, Florida; the University of Central Florida; New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Trinity Theological Seminary, Newburg, Indiana. Brackin served as a missionary to the Philippines. He served as pastor of churches in Georgia and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Maitland. Brackin served as director of missions in Arizona, Texas and Florida, including Palm Lake Baptist Association, West Palm Beach, 1999-2007. He and his wife, Anne had one son, Adam.

MOSES BRACKIN

Moses Brackin (1824-1896) was born in Henry County, Alabama, the son of Matthew and Aulcey Kirkland Brackin. He served as pastor of Memphis Baptist Church, Henry County, Alabama, West Florida Baptist Association, in 1882. Brackin was married to Matilda Kirkland Brackin in 1848, she died in 1862. He married Martha Roberta Grace Brackin in 1865.

RICHARD C. BRACKIN

Richard C. Brackin of Dothan, Alabama, served as pastor of Parkway Church, Orlando, then went to King Street Church in Cocoa as pastor in 1980.

JOE BRADFORD

Joe Bradford served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Esto and Wallace Baptist Church, Pensacola.

W. H. BRADFORD

W. H. Bradford served as pastor of Orange Baptist Church, Suwannee County, 1899-1900. He served as missionary for the Beulah Baptist Association in 1901.

LAWRENCE V. BRADLEY, JR.

Lawrence V. Bradley, Jr. was a native of Marion, North Carolina. He attended Georgetown College and graduated from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bradley served as pastor of churches in Georgia, Virginia and Florida, including Stanton Memorial Baptist Church, Miami.

ALAN BRADSHAW

Alan Bradshaw served as pastor of Buffalo Avenue Baptist Church (now Hillsdale), Tampa.

GEORGE D. BRAGAN

George D. Bragan served as pastor of Damascus Baptist Church, Graceville, 1913-1919.

D. L. BRAINARD

D. L. Brainard served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Altoona, 1922.

CHESTER WILDER BRANCH

Chester Wilder Branch (1894-1975) was born in Plant City, Florida, the son of Barry Wilder and Missouri Casey Branch. He graduated from Columbia College, 1917. Branch served as a missionary at Saltillo, Mexico. He was married to Rebecca Rogers Branch.

JAMES BRANCH

James Branch (1928-2014) was born in Baxley, Georgia, and was a U. S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He served as pastor of Black Pond and Friendship Baptist churches in Black Creek Association. Branch served for 32 years as pastor of Faith Memorial Baptist Church in Jacksonville. He and his wife Joan had two children: Douglas and Melody.

JOSEPH M. BRANCH

Joseph M. Branch served as pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Clermont.

T. W. BRANCH

T. W. Branch served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Lamont.

DONALD ASA BRANDEIS

Donald Asa Brandeis (1929-2003) was ordained by First Baptist Church, Carrabelle where he was associate pastor in 1957. Brandeis moved to Tallahassee and became a full time evangelist.

ED BRANDENBURG

Ed Brandenburg served as pastor of Woodrun Baptist Church and Seminole Baptist Church, Tallahassee.

R. L. BRANDENBURG

R. L. Brandenburg served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Wauchula.

W. L. BRANDON

W. L. Brandon served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Barberville.

W. S. BRANDON

W. S. Brandon served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Groveland.

ADELEE BRANHAM

Adelee Branham served as a missionary to Havana, Cuba and then as missionary in the First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, 1904 and 1905, and under the Home Mission Board as missionary to the Cubans in Ybor City and Tampa in 1905.

RONALD W. BRANNING

Ronald W. Branning (December 10, 1957- ) became a Christian in 1964. He attended Troy State University where he received the B.Mu.in 1979, and the M.Mu., 1985. He served as Minister of Music in Alabama and Florida. Branning taught music from 1979-1999 in various schools in Alabama and Florida. In 1996 he joined the music faculty of the Baptist College of Florida. Branning served as Minister of Music at Eastside Baptist Church in Marianna, Florida for over 22 years.

J. N. BRANNOCK

J. N. Brannock served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Fernandina.

J. A. BRANNON

J. A. Brannon was pastor of Delray Baptist Church in 1926.

G. BRANT

G. Brant served as pastor of Lady Lake Baptist Church, 1934-1935.

CLOVIS A. BRANTLEY

Clovis A. Brantley (October 18, 1913- ) was born in Lily, Florida. He attended Stetson University (1933-1937) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1937-1940). He and his wife, Gladys Beall Brantley, had three children. Brantley served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Altoona (1933-1937), Oak-Griner Baptist Church in Ocala (1935-1937), and Fellowship Baptist Church, Ocala, but is best known across the Southern Baptist Convention for his work with the Home Mission Board. He was director of a convention urban ministry center (1937-1951) and then served as Superintendent of all Home Mission Board Mission Centers. There is a mission center in New Orleans named in his honor.

G. T. BRANTLEY

G. T. Brantley (1840-1901) was born February 20, 1840, and was a soldier in the Civil War. He was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1873, and died in 1901.

HAROLD BRANTLEY

Harold Brantley served as Director of Missions in Brevard Baptist Association from 1992-2006.

J. H. BRANTLEY

J. H. Brantley was born in Georgia. He died December 30, 1906, at “age about 60.” Brantley pastored Lake Sterns Baptist Church (now Lake Placid) from 1900-1902.

MAURICE E. BRANTLEY

Maurice E. Brantley (1914-2008) was born in Altoona, FL. Brantley graduated from Stetson University, Deland and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Altoona, First Baptist Church, Okahumpka, 1935, First Baptist Church, Port Orange, and Lady Lake Baptist Church, 1939. During his 70 years of ministry, he served as a missionary in Nigeria and pastored churches in Florida and Arizona. He and his first wife, Louise Doyle Brantley had one son, Maurice. Louise died in 1959 and Brantley married Edna Mae Brantley

LEONARD BRANTON

Leonard Branton served as pastor of First Church, DeLeon Springs; First Church, Eaton Park; First Church, Lake Garfield; First Church, Highland City, First Church, Altoona and Lake Hill Baptist Church, Orlando. Branton and his wife Irene Branton have two daughters.

FRANK K. BRASINGTON

Frank K. Brasington (1908-) was born in Baltimore, MD. He graduated from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Brasington served as Chaplain in the US Air Force. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Eau Gallie.

J. BRYAN “BREEZY” BRASINGTON

J. Bryan Brasington (1925-2011) was a native of Heath Springs, South Carolina. He attended Clemson University and graduated from Stetson University (B.A.) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (B.D.) He played college football and two years of professional baseball. Brasington married Victoria Young of Gainesville, Florida. She studied at Stetson University (B.A.) and the University of Florida (M.Ed.). They had two children. Brasington served as pastor of churches in Umatilla, Florida, and Scottsburg, Indiana. Victoria served as secretary at First Baptist Church, DeLand, and as youth and education director at First Baptist Church, Quincy. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marines in World War II. The Brasingtons were appointed as Southern Baptist Missionaries in April 1955, and they served in South America for over 25 years.

BROOKS BRASWELL

Brooks Braswell graduated from the Baptist College of Florida. He serves as pastor of the First Baptist Church, Umatilla. Braswell and his wife, Jaime have six children Abigail, Madison, Katelynn, Ally, Bennett, and Bethany.

JOHN L. BRAY

John L. Bray (1921-2016) was born in Macon, GA. He attended Stetson University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bray pastored churches in Florida and South Carolina and served as pastor of the Southside Baptist Church, Plant City and First Baptist Church, Clewiston (1951-1953). Bray also served as an evangelist. He and his wife, Mary Evelyn Bray had three children.

JAMES HENRY BREAKER

James Henry Breaker (b. 1820; d. 1897) was born in Edgefield, South Carolina, to Lewis Frederick Breaker. Breaker studied medicine in Connecticut before becoming a Baptist minister. Breaker of Florida and Charles Lewis of Groton, Connecticut, and Elim Eldridge established the Key West Baptist Church on March 11, 1843. Breaker subsequently was appointed by the American Baptist Home Mission Society, to serve as pastor of the Key West church, as well as ministering to Cuban migrants. Later, in 1853, Breaker organized the First Baptist Church, Tampa, but the church disbanded due to lack of interest. Breaker was pastor at Union Baptist Church later called First Baptist Church, Brooksville, from 1856-1866. Breaker married several times, as was common during those days as a result of women’s various medically ailments resulting in pre-mature deaths. He arrived in Key West with his new bride, Miss Abby Desiah Niles. She died in Connecticut in 1850. James remarried Eliza Jane Spencer (born Nov. 8, 1835) on July 10, 1853 in Hillsborough County, Florida. They had a daughter named Eliza Jane born August 30, 1854 in St. Louis, Missouri, but died, followed by her mother on Sept. 2 of the same year. He then remarried again to Miss Angelina C. Johnson on January 23, 1856 in Putnam County, Florida. Breaker joined the Southern cause during the Civil War” serving as a chaplain and as a captain the Old Guards, mounted Rangers.

J. FRED BREED

J. Fred Breed served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hastings.

JOEL R. BREIDENBAUGH

Joel R. Breidenbaugh (November 14, 1975- ) was born in Knox County, Indiana. He attended Florida Baptist Theological College (1994-1997, B.A.) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1997-2003, M.Div., Th.D.). Breidenbaugh served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Henderson, Kentucky (2000-2003); Cornerstone Baptist Church (2003- 2008) in Panama City Beach, Florida, and the First Baptist Sweetwater, Longwood , Florida, from (2008-2017). Since 2017, he has served as the lead pastor of the Gospel Centered Church, Apopka, Florida. Breidenbaugh and his wife, Annthea Rhea West Breidenbaugh, have four children.

WALTER DUNNETT BREMNER

Walter Dunnett Bremner served as pastor of Tribly Baptist Church, Pasco County, 1925-1927. Bremner was married to Zelma B. Rackett and they had a son, Walter Alexander.

J. H. BRENKER

J. H. Brenker was pastor of New Hope Church in Marion County in 1856. He served as Moderator of the Alachua Association in 1866-1867.

HILLARD BREWER

Hillard Brewer served as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Vernon.

JOHN BREWNER

John Brewner served as pastor of Ephesus Baptist Church, West Florida Baptist Association, 1878.

RALPH WAYNE BRIANT

Ralph Wayne Briant (December 27, 1954- ) was born in Tampa, Florida. He was saved in 1974 and surrendered to the ministry in December 1975. He was licensed to preach by the Seminole Heights Baptist Church of Tampa, Florida, in 1977, and ordained there in January 15, 1978. Briant attended Hillsborough Community College in Tampa; Mount Hood Community College in Portland, Oregon; Luther Rice Bible College; and Anderson Baptist Seminary. Briant has served in Oklahoma, Oregon, and served as pastor of Southside Baptist Church, Sarasota from May 1991 until 2016. Briant was employed as the Southwest Florida regional catalyst for the Florida Baptist Convention from 2016 to the present. He and his wife, Ruth, have three children; Wayne Jr., Marci, and Steven.

J. W. BRICE

J. W. Brice served as pastor of Eden Baptist Church, Brooksville.

A. L. BRIDGES

A. L. Bridges (1883-1953) was ordained by Cherry Creek Baptist Church, Georgia, in 1921. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Lake Alfred, 1923-1928, Southside Baptist Church, Miami, 1927, Perrine Baptist Church in 1928, South Miami Baptist Church in 1928 and 1931 and Goulds Baptist Church in 1933. In 1942, Bridges led a group of Baptists to begin the Olympia Heights Baptist Mission, Miami (now Bird Road Baptist Church). He and his wife, Della Bridges had three children. .

CLAUDE BRIDGES

Claude Bridges (1888-1959) served as pastor of Springfield Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Orsino Baptist Church, Brevard County and First Baptist Church, Cocoa (1932-1935). Bridges held pastorates in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Texas.

GLEN BRIDGES

Glen Bridges was born in DeVol, Oklahoma. He graduated from Howard Payne College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bridges served as regional missionary for the Santa Rosa Baptist Association, 1945-1946; as Associate Secretary for the Promotion of Associational work, 1947 and as Secretary of the department 1947-1948.

JACK BRIDGES (1)

Jack Bridges served as superintendent of city missions, Jacksonville in 1950.

JACK BRIDGES

Jack Bridges served as pastor of Thomasville Road Baptist Church, Tallahassee, 1952-1954. He served as city superintendent of missions in Macon, Georgia before coming to Tallahassee.

WILLIAM R. “BILL” BRIGHT

Bill Bright (1921-2003) was the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. In 1979, Bright commissioned the “JESUS” film, a feature-length documentary on the life of Christ, which has been viewed in 234 countries. Bright moved Campus Crusade for Christ from San Bernardino, CA to Orlando, FL in 1989 due to rising costs in California. In 1948 he married Vonette Zachary Bright.

HUGH BRIMM

Hugh Brimm was a native of Jackson, Mississippi, and received his A. B. degree from Mississippi College, and his M.A. and Th.M. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Quincy, Florida (1944- ). Brimm taught social ethics as a tutor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary before going to Quincy.

HUGH L. BRINKLEY

Hugh L. Brinkley (1928-2007) was born in Funston, Georgia, the son of Benjamin Lawson “Bennie,” Jr. and Katie Dell “Caty” Williamson Brinkley. He served in the US Army. Brinkley was ordained at age 16 at Macedonia Baptist Church, Alabama. He served as pastor of churches in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, including Samatra Baptist Church, Pine Grove Baptist Church, Mulberry, Ocholcknee Baptist Church, and Santa Clara Baptist Church, Quincy. He and his wife, Beatrice Reaves Brinkley had five children.

LARRY BRISTER

Larry Brister was born in McComb, Mississippi on July 27, 1952 to William and Alice Brister. He is married to Ruth Ann and has one daughter, Angela, and one son, Travis. Pastor Brister came to Christ at Harvest Chapel in 1995. The church has changed names and merged with other churches through the years. Harvest became First Baptist, Coral Springs; then, merged with New Hope of Coral Springs to form Living Hope Baptist; then, in July 2018 merged and became Immanuel Baptist Church, Ft. Lauderdale. Pastor Brister has served as greeter, usher, deacon, deacon captain, Associate Pastor and Executive Pastor. He is now senior pastor or Immanuel FTL. His denomination service has been exclusively in Gulf Stream Association. He served the Board of Trustees from 2014-2017 (president in 2017). He is currently serving on the GSBA Board.

ZEB BRISTER

Zeb Brister (1918-1999) graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brister served as pastor of Village Baptist Church, Destin, 1972-1978 and Temple Baptist Church. He and his wife Frankie had three children.

CHARLES WILLIAM BRITT

Charles William “Bill” Britt served as pastor of Lake Panasoffkee. Britt is married to Dot Britt.

DANIEL M. BRITT

Daniel M. Britt was a native of North Carolina. He graduated from Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary and served in the United States Air Force. Britt was ordained in 1947 by the Smithfield Baptist Church. He served as pastor of St. Andrews Baptist Church; Trinity Baptist Church, Marianna (1962-1964) and Northside Baptist Church, Panama City (1964-1968). Britt and his wife Lillian Lucy Britt had five children, Donna Jean, Janice Ann, Judy Lynn, David and Martin.

CARSON BRITTAIN

Carson Brittain (1915-2009) served as pastor of Ancient City Baptist Church in Saint Augustine from 1970 to 1978. He moved from Lake City to Saint Augustine. His father was C. M. Brittain (1873-1943) who served as Executive-Secretary of the Florida Baptist Convention (1926-1941). Brittan graduated from Carson Newmen Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1940 and served in Georgia and Florida. Carson and his wife Juanita had a son David and daughters Mary and Nancy.

CHARLES MERCER BRITTAIN

Charles Mercer Brittain (December 16, 1873-January 12, 1943), was born in Coyners, Georgia. His parents were Jabez Marshall Brittain and Ida Callaway. Brittain attended school at Emory and Mercer University. He married Susie Marie Moore of Macon, Georgia, and he and his wife had five sons. He served as pastor in Georgia and Alabama. He served Kissimmee, Lake City, and Ocala churches in Florida. He received a D.D. degree from Columbia College in 1917. Brittain was called to preach under the ministry of Dr. J. B. Hawthorne at First Baptist Church, Atlanta. He entered Mercer University in 1894 and graduated from there with an A.B. degree in 1898. He then attended The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served for four years as pastor in Georgia, then in Kissimmee Church in Florida from 1905 to 1906. He also served as pastor at Lake City, Florida and Columbia, Alabama. He served as a Christian worker with the troops during the Spanish-American War. Few men have known adversity in ministry as did Brittain. He worked faithfully with Columbia College to see that work fail in its ultimate goal. He became Executive-Secretary of the State Board of Missions in December 8, 1926, one week after the death of his mother, and continued in that work until his resignation on May 6, 1941. He experienced economic crisis in the state with the devastating hurricanes of 1927 and 1928. The stock market crash of 1929 brought a crisis to Baptists and their mission work. Debt and a cut back in services hit state Baptist work during the depression and Landmarkism was a constant threat in the 1930s. In all of this time, Brittain proved to be a positive stable leader expecting better days of service for the convention. He died at Ft. Myers on January 12, 1943.

FRED E. BRITTAIN

Fred E. Brittain (1860-1946) was born to parents Augustus and Samantha in Cohoctah, Livingston County, Michigan. Britten graduated from the University of Michigan. He served as professor of psychology and ethics and pastor of Central University of Iowa, 1886-1889. Britten served as pastor and missionary in Norfolk, Nebraska from 1889-1893. He was pastor of Lake Worth Baptist Church. Britten and his first wife Flora Phelps Harley had three children, Clarence, Rollo and Merle. After the death of his first wife he married, Martha L. Scattergood Oliver.

JAMES L. BRITTAIN

James L. Brittain served as pastor of Lakeview Baptist Church, Miami from 1973-1976.

MILNER C. BRITTAIN

Milner C. Brittain (1909-1987) was born in Macon, Georgia, the son of Charles Mercer and Susan Marie Moore Brittain. He graduated from Stetson University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brittain and his wife, Mary served as missionaries to China, 1935-1940. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres Baptist Chapel. The Brittain’s had three children, Martha, Thoms and Paul.

NATHANIEL BRITTAIN

Nathaniel Brittain was an Air Force Chaplain in World War II. Brittain served as pastor of East Hill Baptist Church, Tallahassee from 1948-1951. In 1951 Brittain was called back into the Air Force when the Korean War started and made the Air Force chaplaincy his career.

STANLEY BRITTON

Stanley Britton served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Holt.

SUSAN BROADWELL

Susan Broadwell (1957- ) was born in Washington, GA. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Broadwell served as a missionary of the Home Mission Board as director of church and community ministries in Tampa Bay Baptist Association. She also served as regional director of Christian social ministries for Southwest Florida. She is married to Charles Chip Broadwell.

AL S. BROCK

Al S. Brock (1915-1980) died in Tallahassee on October 1, 1980. He served as pastor of churches in South Carolina and Florida.

ALCUS R. BROCK

Alcus R. Brock (1927-2013) was born in Chipley, Florida, the son of John Henry and Gussie Mae Wester Brock. Besides working for the Postal Service for 25 years Brock served as pastor of New Orange Baptist Church and Ebenezer Baptist Church, Vernon. He served as Director of Missions for the West Florida Baptist Association. He and his wife, Betty J. Brock had three children.

CHARLES C. BROCK

Charles C. Brock was born in Clearwater, Florida, the son of Chalmus Lester and Irene Brock. He graduated from Auburn University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Brock served as pastor of churches in Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Zephyrhills. He and his wife, Francis Brock had two children.

DAVID BROCK

David Brock is the son of Rev. Charles C. and Francis Brock. He graduated from Mid-American Baptist Theological Seminary. Brock served as pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church, Myrtle Lake Baptist Church and Agape Baptist Church. He and his wife Carolyn Brock have two children.

JACK H. BROCK

Jack H. Brock served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Cottondale.

JAMIE BROCK

Jamie Brock graduated from the Baptist College of Florida. He serves as pastor of the Concord Baptist Church, Chiefland and the director of missions for the Harmony Baptist Association, 2017-present.

JIMMY BROCK

Jimmy Brock served as pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Escambia County.

OLIN BROCK

Olin Brock served as pastor of Magnolia Baptist Church in (1982-1984).

WILLIAM J. BROCK

William J. Brock (1928-2017) was born in Eustis, Texas. He graduated from the University of Missouri and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brock served as pastor of Manatee Baptist Church, 1967-1991. He and his wife, George Anne Leveske Brock had three children.

WILLIAM PARK BROCKS, JR.

William Park Brocks, Jr. (1897-) was born in Monroe County, Georgia, the son of William Park, Sr. and Loura May Allen Brocks. He graduated from the University of Georgia and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brocks was ordained in 1918. He pastored churches in Georgia, and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Sanford. Brock was married to Marie Tingle Brocks.

F. W. BROCKSMITH

F. W. Brocksmith died May 23, 1971. He served as pastor of Lake Wales and Fairview Shores Church in Orlando from 1963 to 1971. He and his wife, Victoria, had three daughters.

FRED BROCKWAY

Fred Brockway served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Esto and Florosa Baptist Church, Fort Walton Beach.

NEIL I. BROHM

Neil I. Brohm (1928-2018) was born in East Orange, NJ to Frank Cornelius and Elsie Brohm. He graduated from the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville and Luther Rice Seminary. His first pastorate was at the Friendship Baptist Church in Malone, Florida, followed by a pastorate at Olivet Baptist Church, Milton. Brohm served a three-year position as a home missionary in Honolulu, Hawaii, and pastored churches in New Jersey, Michigan and Illinois. He and his wife Mabel had five children.

J. S. BROOKHARDT

J. S. Brookhardt served as pastor of Lucerne Park Baptist Church, Winter Haven and First Baptist Church, Orlando.

JIMMY BROOKINS

Jimmy Brookins (1933-2018) was born in Alturas, Florida to Dorsey Jelks “Doss” and Gladys (Murphy) Brookins. He graduated from Florida State University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Brookins served as pastor of Stanton Memorial and North Shore Baptist Church on Miami from 1974-1980. He and his wife Mildred had three children.

ORVILLE BROOKINS

Orville Brookins served as pastor of Gadara Baptist Church, 1956.

REX BROOKINS

Rex Brookins served as pastor of New River Baptist Church, Brooker.

A. J. BROOKS

A. J. Brooks served as pastor of Damascus Baptist Church, Graceville, 1905-1906.

G. I. BROOKS

G. I. Brooks served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Crescent City.

H. H. BROOKS

H. H. Brooks served as pastor of Providence Baptist Church, Palatka.

J. P. BROOKS

J. P. Brooks served as the first pastor of Hobe Sound Baptist Church, 1964-1967.

J. R. BROOKS

J. R. Brooks served as pastor of Alafia Baptist Church.

LAMAR BROOKS

Lamar Brooks (1927-2012) was born in Macon, Georgia, the son of Rev. Gordon Lee and Irene Virginia Kendrick Brooks. He graduated from Mercer University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brooks served as pastor of churches in Georgia, North Carolina and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Dunedin and First Baptist Church, Dade City. He and his wife, Mary Margaret Fowler Brooks had three sons.

NATHAN C. BROOKS, JR.

Nathan C. Brooks served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Pensacola (1954-1958), and he said, I have been your pastor for 60 days and I have brought 60 messages. Pensacola has patient listeners. Brooks served as the president of the Board of Trustees in 1957 of the Baptist Bible Institute in Graceville when it first came under Florida Baptist Convention auspices. He resigned as pastor in Pensacola in 1958 to become the president of the Carver School of Missions and Social Work in Louisville, Kentucky.

PAUL LEWIS BROOKS

Paul Lewis Brooks (1945-) was born in Jennings, Louisiana, the son of Thomas David, Sr. and Mildred Utz Brooks. He graduated from Louisiana College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Brooks served as pastor in Louisiana and Mississippi before going as pastor of First Baptist Church in Marianna (1978). He left there to become pastor of First Baptist Church of Raytown, Missouri. Brooks and his wife, Becky Hand Brooks had three children, Michael, Mark and Rachel.

T. SHELTON BROOKS, SR.

T. Shelton Brooks Sr. (1914-2007) was born in Bostwick to Alfred and Mattie Burris Brooks. He served as pastor of Providence Baptist Church, Bardin, Florida and the Hammocks Baptist Church. Brooks also was active in the Mission Field and started several missions in Flagler County that became the First Baptist Church of Palm Coast, Community Baptist Church, Korona, and Westside Baptist Church in Western Flagler County and served as the first pastor of those three churches. He and his wife Lucille R. Brooks had two children.

W. P. BROOKS

W. P. Brooks served as pastor of First Baptist Church Sanford for 32 years beginning in the depression.

W. R. BROOKS

W. R. Brooks served as pastor of New Macedonia Baptist Church, Milligan.

C. O. BROOKSHIRE

C. O. Brookshire served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Barberville, 1916.

THOMAS C. BROOMALL

Thomas C. Broomall (1923-1991) was a native of Birmingham. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Apopka from 1961 to 1972, and First Baptist Church, Dade City from 1972 to 1985. He and his wife, Wanda, had two daughters, Saron and Susan, and one son, Thomas.

C. RICHARD BROOME

C. Richard Broome (1926- ) was born in Macon, GA. He was licensed to the gospel ministry in 1949, by the First Baptist Church, Gainesville and ordained in 1951, by Parkland Baptist Church, Louisville, KY. Broome is a graduate of the University of Florida and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Broome served as Business Services director for the Florida Baptist Convention, 1983-1992. He and his wife Elizabeth Hays Broome have three children.

EUGENE BROOME

Eugene Broome served as pastor of Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, Cottondale.

HENRY BROOME

Henry Broome served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, St. Augustine, 1945-1946.

JOHN B. BROOME

John Broome married Mary Burney on January 1, 1848. Jesse Goodman performed the ceremony. Broome served as pastor of Indian Springs Baptist Church (1839-1843). On June 20, 1841, John Broome and Alexander Mosely (d. 1846) constituted the Concord Baptist Church near Madison. The Concord church had 13 charter members and six were slaves. In September, 1841, Broome assisted in organizing the Monticello Baptist Church with six charter members. Broome died in 1854.

W. A. BROOME

W. A. Broome served as pastor of Belleview Baptist Church, Pensacola.

L. R. BROTHERS

L. R. Brothers served as pastor of Paran Baptist Church, Grandin (1935-1936).

LEOLA SMITH BROTHERS

Leola Smith Brothers (1908-1951) was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1908. She moved to Bowling Green, Florida, as a teenager. She graduated from Georgia State Woman s College in Valdosta, and the Woman s Missionary Union Training School in Louisville, Kentucky in 1931. She was called to foreign mission service in Africa after hearing Dr. R. G. Lee preach a sermon entitled “Suffering For Christ.” Brothers married Lionel Raymond Brothers, a Florida native in 1931. They served together in the boy’s school in Nigeria until July 13, 1951, the death date of Mrs. Brothers.

RAYMOND BROTHERS

Raymond Brothers served as pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church, Ocala and later was a missionary to Africa.

LEN G. BROUGHTON

Len G. Broughton (1865-1936) was born in Wake County, North Carolina, the son of Gaston H. and Louisa Hawkins Franks Broughton. He graduated from Wake Forest College. Broughton served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville from 1923 to 1928. In 1925 the church had 2,415 members and a budget of $46,534.

ALAN BROWN

Alan Brown served as pastor of Five Points Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, 2008-20012.

ARNOLD C. BROWN

Arnold C. Brown served as director of missions for the Ridge Baptist Association, 2002-2003.

B. G. BROWN

B. G. Brown (1931-2008) was born in Miami, Florida, the son of William L. and Mildred G. Brown. He graduated from Stetson University and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brown served as pastor of churches in Missouri and Florida, including Lake Monroe Baptist Church, Lake Mary Baptist Church, and Miller Memorial Baptist Church, Orlando. He and his wife, Diane Morgan Brown had three children.

CHARLES L. BROWN

Charles L. Brown served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Polk City, 1949-1951.

CHARLES W. BROWN

Charles W. Brown served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Sneads.

GEORGE BROWN

George Brown ( -1981) was born in Madison, Florida. He served as pastor of Emporia Baptist Church, Pierson, First Baptist Church, DeLeon Springs, Holden Heights Baptist Church and Hyland Park Baptist Church. Brown and his wife Helen were married in 1930 and they had three sons.

J. A. BROWN

J. A. Brown was pastor of First Baptist Church, Hollywood in 1926.

JAMES BROWN

James Brown served as pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church, Tallahassee, 1970-1971.

JAMES L. BROWN, JR.

James L. Brown, Jr. (1949- ) was born in Wellington, KS. He graduated from Baylor University, Louisiana State University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Brown served as a missionary to Morocco from 1990 to 1993. From 1993 to 1995, he became director of Language Missions for the Florida Baptist State Convention. Brown served as Director of Florida Baptist Men Department from 1995 to 1999. He and his wife, Suzan McClure Brown have one daughter.

JERRY BROWN

Jerry Brown served as pastor of Ives Dairy Road Baptist Church (aka North Dade Baptist Church).

JOHN L. BROWN

John L. Brown served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Polk County.

JOHN W. BROWN, JR.

John W. Brown, Jr. served as pastor of Oakridge Baptist Church, (now Polk City Baptist Church).

JOSH BROWN

Josh Brown was pastor of Enterprise and Spring Head churches in the South Florida Association in 1927.

M. DOYLE BROWN, SR.

M. Doyle Brown, Sr. served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Ensley, 1969-1972.

MICHAEL BROWN

Michael Brown served as pastor of Knights Baptist Church, Plant City.

PETER BROWN

Peter Brown served as pastor of Alafia Baptist Church.

ROBERT E. BROWN

Robert E. Brown (1938- ) was born in Selma, AL. He graduated from Samford University, Birmingham, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis. Brown served as pastor of Cedar Hills Baptist Church, Jacksonville, 1981-1992. In 1992, he became Field Missionary Church Extension Department, East Central Florida, for the Florida Baptist Convention. Brown and his wife Bonnie Patterson Brow have two sons.

SCOTT BROWN

Scott Brown graduated from Louisiana Baptist University, Shreveport. He served as pastor of Santa Fe Baptist Church, Alachua. Brown and his wife Crystal have one daughter.

STEPHEN BROWN

Stephen Brown (1943-2021) was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Thomas E. and Ardith Brown. He served in the U. S. Navy. Brown graduated from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor to churches in Indiana and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Welaka. Brown and his wife Rebecca Ann Lewellen Brown have two children.

STEVEN BROWN

Steven Brown was born in Atlanta, GA. He serves as pastor of McDowell Baptist Church, St. Augustine. Brown and his wife, Diane Brown, have four children.

W. H. BROWN

W. H. Brown served as pastor of White Springs Baptist Church, 1951.

W. K. BROWN

W. K. Brown served as pastor of Hardeetown Baptist Church.

WAYNE BROWN

Wayne Brown served as pastor of Oakdale Baptist Church (now Valley Road), Crestview.

WILLARD A. BROWN, SR.

Willard A. Brown, Sr. (1913-) graduated from Wake Forest College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville. Brown moved to Florida in 1944 and served Baptist churches in Jacksonville, Bonifay, Pensacola, Callahan, and Daytona Beach, including Heights Baptist Church, Pensacola. He married Mary Christine Wilson and they had three children.

WILLIAM BROWN

William Brown served as pastor of West Bay Baptist Church, Panama City.

EDWIN B. BROWNING, SR.

Edwin B. Browning Sr. (July 20, 1904-January 12, 1981) was born near Greenville, Florida. He was one of those local Baptist historians that did a great work in a small area, but was not widely known in publication circles. Browning was very active in Baptist life of Madison and Middle Florida Association. He wrote the histories of First Baptist Church in Madison and Concord Baptist Church. In 1976 he was responsible for researching and writing script for 17 historical markers in Madison County. He served 10 years as moderator of Middle Florida Association. Browning earned degrees from Florida Southern and Florida State. He served 30 years in public education in Florida.

HOWARD BROWNING

Howard Browning served as pastor of Howard Carlisle Baptist Church, Panama City. He served as director of missions for the Northwest Coast Baptist Association, 1993-2004.

JAMES W. BROWNING

James W. Browning (1936-2014) was born in Madison, FL, the son of Edwin B and Louise Z Browning. He was a graduate of Florida State University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Browning pastored Orville Baptist Church (Kentucky), while a seminary student. Florida pastorates include Indian Springs Baptist Church (Miccosukee), First Baptist Church of Archer, Lemon Heights Baptist Church (Palatka), and Tenth Street Baptist Church, now Suncoast Baptist Church (Palmetto). He and his wife, Pat Browning, had two children.

PAUL E. BROYLES

Paul E. Broyles was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky. He graduated from Campbellville College and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Broyles served as pastor of College Park Baptist Church, Palatka. He served as a special consultant for the Florida Baptist Convention Church Training Department. Broyles and his wife Carol Ware Broyles have two children.

SHAWN BRUCE

Shawn Bruce served as pastor of Osteen Baptist Church.

MIKE BRUMLEY

Mike Brumley (1938-2016) was born in Granite, Oklahoma, the son of Jack and Mattie E. Brumley. He was a catcher for the Washington Senators (1964-1966). Brumley was ordained into the Baptist ministry in the early 1980s and became well known in the Bradenton, Sarasota area as an evangelical minister. He served as pastor of the Palma Sola Bay Baptist Church (now the Bridge Church of Palma Sola Bay), 1983-1987. Brumley was active in the creation of Baseball Chapel, a national ministry to professional teams. He and his wife, Carol had one son.

EUGENE BRUNSON

Eugene Brunson (W. E.) (1888-1973) was born in Crenshaw County, Alabama. He was a farmer and preacher. Brunson served as pastor in Alabama and Florida, including Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church, Pensacola and Pine Barren, Davisville. He married twice and had 14 children.

MAC BRUNSON

Mac Brunson, a native of Greenwood, South Carolina, graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv; DMin), Furman University and North Greenville University. Brunson served as pastor in Virginia, North Carolina, Texas and Florida. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville (2006-2018). In May, 2018, he was called as senior pastor of the Valleydale (Southern Baptist) Church, Birmingham, Ala. Brunson and his wife Deb have three children: Courtney, Trey and Wills.

COURTNEY E. D. BRYAN

Courtney E. D. Bryan served as pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, both of Gainesville.

FULTON BRYAN

Fulton Bryan(1924-2013) was born in North Carolina to Baker McCall Bryan and Ada Canady Bryan. He was educated at Wake Forest College and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and was ordained to the ministry in 1943. He served as pastor of churches in North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia and Florida. Bryan served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Blountstown, 1954-1957; First Baptist Church, Tarpon Springs, 1957-1958; and Lake Park Chapel, West Palm Beach, 1958-1962. Bryan and his wife, Mary Frances had three sons.

SHEPPARD BRYAN

Sheppard Bryan served as pastor of North Central Baptist Church, Gainesville.

W. A. BRYAN

W. A. Bryan (April 24, 1858-May 29, 1932) was called to preach at eighteen years of age. He traveled thousands of miles in West Florida as a missionary. He served 24 different churches as pastor and served as moderator for West Florida Association from 1891-1903. Bryan served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Cottondale,1897-1899, Damascus, Oaky Ridge, Piney Grove, Bethlehem, Pleasant Hill, Compass Lake, Econfina, 1915-18, Ebenezer, and Youngstown. He served as missionary for the Florida Baptist Association in 1903. At one time he represented Washington County in the legislature. Bryan and his wife had four children. He served as editor of the Baptist Headlight in 1899.

W. H. BRYAN

W. H. Bryan served as pastor of Piney Grove, Cottondale (1906-1910).

WAYNE D. BRYAN

Wayne D. Bryan received a Doctor of Theology degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1951. Bryan served as Professor of Old Testament at Baptist Bible Institute for seven years. Bryan and his wife Betty Sue retired to Birmingham, Alabama.

A. C. BRYANT

A. C. Bryant served as pastor of North Dade Baptist Church (now Ives Dairy Road Baptist Church).

ANITA BRYANT

Anita Jane Bryant (b. 1940; ) was a native of Oklahoma, who became a renowned singer- performer and television personality, after having been crowned the 1959 Miss America. She made a profession of faith in Christ in 1948 and continued to be a faithful Christian throughout her life. Miss Bryant and her husband Bob Green re-located to Miami Beach in 1961 and subsequently became members of the Northwest Baptist Church, Miami, led by Homer Lindsey, Jr. As a result of a “gay rights” ordinance being approved by the Metropolitan Dade County Commission, Anita Bryant became the leader and public face for the “Save Our Children” organization that led the campaign to repeal the “human rights ordinance.” The effort resulted in the securing of sufficient signatures to make the issue a ballot referendum during a June, 1977, election. The repeal vote was approved by voters in a 2 to 1 margin. Subsequently, Miss Bryant led similar campaigns around the country. Her pro-Christian advocacy against the gay-rights advocacy agenda resulted in a significant personal and financial loss of a lucrative secular entertainment career. By 2020, Miss Bryant had re-located to Oklahoma City, Okla., and continued to lead the gospel music-oriented Anita Bryant International Ministries. The couple have four children including: an adopted son Bobby, Jr. (b. 1963); a daughter Gloria Lynn (b. 1963); and twins William and Barbara Elisabet (b. 1969).

BEN P. BRYANT

Ben P. Bryant was born in Fitzgerald, Georgia. He graduated from the University of Miami, William Carey, College, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Bryand served as pastor of Olivet Baptist Church, Milton before he moved to Starke. He celebrated 30 years as pastor of First Baptist Church, Stark, on July 23, 2003. He retired in 2004.

D. E. BRYANT

D. E. Bryant served as pastor of Central Avenue Baptist Church, Lake Wales, 1970-1992.

ED BRYANT

Ed Bryant served as pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church, Wesley Chapel) and First Baptist Church, St. Catherine.

EDWIN WILBUR BRYANT

Edwin Wilbur Bryant (1917-1998) was born in Georgia. He served as a chaplain in the U. S. Navy for twenty-two years. Bryant was ordained by Tattnall Square Baptist Church, Macon, Georgia, in 1939. He graduated from Norman College, Mercer University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bryant served as pastor of Normandy Village Baptist Church, Jacksonville. He and his wife, Nell McLaurin Bryant had three children, Donna, Edwin and Karen.

EUGENE BRYANT

Eugene Bryant (1948- ) was born in Norfolk, VA. He graduated from Simpson College, San Francisco, and Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, CA. Bryant served as African-American church planting director for the Florida Baptist Convention, 1998-2002. He and his wife, Mildred Hayes Bryant have two daughters.

G. A. BRYANT

G. A. Bryant served as pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church, Wesley Chapel), 1895 and Withlacoochee Baptist Church, 1895. He served as missionary for the Pasco Baptist Association in 1895.

H. H. BRYANT

In 1881 H. H. Bryant served as pastor of Concord Church in Madison County, and First Baptist Church, Blountstown.

J. W. BRYANT

J. W. Bryant served as pastor of Union Hill Baptist Church, 1906-1909.

JAMES C. BRYANT

James C. Bryant (1931-2008) a native Floridian, graduated from Stetson University (B. A.), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M. Div.), University of Miami (M. A.), and the University of Kentucky (Ph. D.). Bryant served as a pastor, professor, writer, administrator and civil servant. He was an ordained Baptist preacher for over 40 years and served as pastor in Florida, Kentucky and Georgia. He taught at Florida State University and Mercer University. He retired from Mercer in 2006, and he published numerous biographies, church histories and academic articles. James Bryant was a gifted researcher and writer. In 2012 he was honored by the Florida Baptist Historical Society for his literary contributions and especially for his authorship of the history of Indian Springs Baptist Church. He and his wife Marion Carnett Bryant had two sons, David and Albert.

JACK T. BRYANT

Jack T. Bryant (1910-1995) served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Port Orange, Eau Gallie, and Oviedo. He and his wife Elsie Roper Bryant had two children.

JOSEPH EDWARD BRYANT

Joseph Edward Bryant (1890-1975) was the son of Granville Lee and Alma L. Hancock Bryant. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Linden, Sumter County, Tribly Baptist Church, Richland Baptist Church, Double Branch Baptist Church, and Clay Sink Baptist Church all in Pasco County. Bryant married Rosanna Witt in 1913 and she died in 1919. He later married Nannie Belle Pollard and they had two children.

LAMAR BRYANT

Lamar Bryant was pastor of Pleasant Grove in Cotton Plant from 1873-1880. He was also pastor of Stafford’s Pond (now First Baptist Church, Williston) and Wakahoota Church at Archer in 1875.

PAUL W. BRYANT

Paul W. Bryant (1951-2000) was serving as the new Executive Director of the Pensacola Bay Baptist Association when he was killed in an automobile accident on his way to Lake Yale. Bryant had served as pastor in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Florida. He had served as pastor of Brownsville Baptist Church in Pensacola. Bryant was a native of Newton, Mississippi, and a graduate of Delta State, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Connie, had two daughters, Lori and Adrienne.

RICHARD G. BRYANT

Richard G. Bryant a native of Louisiana graduated from Louisiana College and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as director of metropolitan missions in San Diego, California for 14 years before serving as director of missions for the Miami Baptist Association, 1971-1977.

ROY BRYANT

Roy Bryant served as pastor of Oakridge Baptist Church, (now Polk City Baptist Church).

W. A. BRYANT

W. A.Bryant served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Malone.

W. J. BRYANT

W. J. Bryant served as pastor of New Zion Baptist Church, Tampa.

WILL BRYANT

Will Bryant served as pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church, Wesley Chapel) and First Baptist Church, St. Catherine.

JAMES LAZARUS BRYARS

James Lazarus Bryars (December 7, 1832-November 13, 1908) was born in Stockton, Alabama. His parents were Charles Edward Bryars and Catherine Margaret Hubbard Bryars. Both parents were born in South Carolina. Bryars served as pastor in Alabama and Florida. He helped organized Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in 1856, and Oak Grove Baptist Church in 1883 in Escambia County, Florida. Bryars was a circuit riding preacher in West Florida, and sometimes the circuit included 20 churches. He was pastor of Damascus Baptist Church, Santa Rosa County, Pleasant Hill, and Pine Barren Baptist Churches. Bryers married Erin Elizabeth Miles in Escambia County, Florida on March 1, 1857. Upon her death, Bryers married Malinda Caroline Daily.

JACK E. BRYMER, SR.

Jack E. Brymer Sr., (b. May 20, 1936; d. October 28, 2020), editor of the Florida Baptist Witness from 1984 until 1994, was a journalist and ordained minister, who “brought a new perspective to the Witness in that he came primarily as a journalist. His concern for fairness, full disclosure, honesty, and integrity is in the tradition of our best kind of Christian journalism,” said Jerry M. Windsor, former secretary-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Historical Society in a 2005 article about the editors of the state Baptist newspaper. A native of rural Jefferson County, Ala., Brymer was the third of six children. He attended and graduated from Samford University in Birmingham and received the master’s in journalism from the University of Alabama. He later was awarded an honorary doctorate from Judson University. After graduation from college, Brymer served as the managing editor of The Alabama Baptist until 1984. After his departure from the Witness in 1994, he returned to Birmingham, serving in a variety of public relations, publications and communications roles at his alma mater, until his retirement in 2003. As an ordained minister, Brymer served in various capacities at several local churches, and as an active member of the Baptist Church of the Covenant in Birmingham. He was survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Jarman; a son, Jack Jr.; two daughters, Vicki and Carissa; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

O. CLINTON BUCHANON, JR.

O. Clinton Buchanon, Jr. (1956- ) was born in Ft. Pierce, Florida. He graduated from the Florida Baptist Theological College, Graceville in 1999. Buchanon served as pastor of Westville Baptist Church and Lemon Heights Baptist Church. He and his wife Kay McCullough have one son.

GAYLON BUCKLAND

Gaylon Buckland graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Nancy Kay Nugent Buckland served as missionaries to Honduras with the SBC International Mission Board. Buckland served as Director of Missions for the Orange Blossom Baptist Association, 2004-2015. The Buckland’s have three children, Michell, Melissa and Matt.

N. G. BUCKLEY

N. G. Buckley served as pastor of First Baptist Church, High Springs.

GARY L. BUCKNER

Gary L. Buckner is a native of Texas. He graduated from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Buckner has served as pastor of churches in Texas and Florida, including Lake Carroll Baptist Church.

J. B. BUFFINGTON

J. B. Buffington (1923-2009) was born in Morriston, FL to John and Irene Buffington. Buffington served as a pilot in the United States Army Air-Corps during World War II. He was called to preach in 1946 and ordained in 1950. Buffington graduated from Tennessee Temple College and Temple Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Lake Mystic Baptist Church, Bristol and Calvary Baptist Church, Lakeland. He and his wife Betty Jane married in 1944.

CHARLES B. BUGG

Charles B. Bugg (1942-) graduated from Stetson University, 1965 and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1969, 1972. Bugg served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Eau Gallie, Deland, Powers Drive Baptist Church, Orlando, and First Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia. He also taught preaching at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky during the 1990s. He and his wife, Diane, have two children.

R. W. BUGG

R. W. Bugg served as pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, Gainesville and First Baptist Church, High Springs.

W. F. BULLINGTON

W. F. Bullington served as pastor of Union Hill Baptist Church, 1961-1965.

BOB BUMGARNER

Bob Bumgarner has served as Lead Missional Strategist of the Jacksonville Baptist Association since 2020. He was elected Director of the Church Development Division of the Florida Baptist Convention in 2006. Bumgarner was born in Austin, Texas and he served as associate Director of the Pastoral Ministries Department (1997-2000); Director of Pastor/Staff Leadership, (2000-2004) and then Director of the Office of Leadership Development (2004-2006). Bumgarner graduated from Wichita State University (B. S.) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He served as pastor of Amanda Baptist Church in Middletown, Ohio (1988- 1991) and served as executive pastor of Arlington Baptist Church in Jacksonville (1991-1997).

KEVIN BUMGARNER

Kevin Bumgarner (b. 1966) holds the “unique” distinction as having served as the final editor of the print version of the Florida Baptist Witness before its 2017 dissolution as a cooperating ministry (agency) of the Florida Baptist State Convention. His editorship was from February, 2014, to July, 2017. Prior to going to the Florida Baptist Witness in 2014, Bumgarner worked at a variety of secular media including (and his years of service): the Pacific Business News (2010 – 2014), the Dallas Business Journal (2007 – 2010) and the Triad Business Journal in Greensboro, N.C. (1998 – 2007). His previous experience also included serving as business editor of The Huntsville (Ala.) Times (1997-1998) and various positions with the Wichita Business Journal (1990 – 1997). A native of Derby, Kansas, a small suburb outside Wichita, Bumgarner was a 1988 graduate of Wichita State University. In December of that year, Bumgarner married Melanie Moore. The couple had three children – two sons and a daughter. In August, 2017, Bumgarner, age 51, announced that he had been called to serve as director of communications at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Florida. Subsequently, in 2020, he accepted the duo position of editor and publisher of the Kodiak (Alaska) Daily Mirror.

HARPER BUMPERS

Harper Bumpers (1935-2017) grew up in Fulton, Alabama. He graduated from Stetson University and Luther Rice Seminary. In 2013, he and the St. Augustine Baptist Church celebrated 40 years that Bumpers had served as pastor. Bumpers served in the Korean War and went as pastor of First Baptist Church in Bayard in 1973. The Bayard church moved to the Mandarin Community of Jacksonville in 1986 and became St. Augustine Road Baptist Church. He and his first wife True Bumpers were married for 45 years until her death, they had three children. He was survived by his second wife of 15 years, Gerrie Bumpers.

JERRELL BUNN

Jerrell Bunn served as pastor of Rocky Bayou Baptist Church, 1977-1980.

WILLIAM H. BUNKLEY

William H. Bunkley is the son of Walter G. and Laura Aurora Bunkley. He served as Legislative Consultant for the Florida Baptist Convention, 1996-2011. In 2012, he served as the Florida Baptist Convention President of the Florida Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Inc. Bunkley is a long-serving radio personality hosting the Bill Bunkley Show on FaithTalk 570AM and 910AM. He and his wife Toni have one son.

D. E. BURDESHAW

D. E. Burdeshaw served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Malone.

WAYNE BURDESHAW

Wayne Burdeshaw served as pastor of Hobe Sound Baptist Church.

CHARLES W. BURDGES

Charles W. Burdges (1874-1963) was a native of South Carolina. He moved to Jacksonville in the early 1920s, and was ordained in 1923. He organized Hogan Church, Ramona Boulevard Church, and Cedar Creek Church, all in the Jacksonville area.

L. D. BURDICK

L. D. Burdick served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Barberville, 1911.

TIM BURDIN

Tim Burdin (1964- ) was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He was licensed (1995) and ordained (1996) to preach at the Bloomsdale Baptist Church in Bloomsdale, Missouri. He graduated from the Baptist College of Florida in 2013 and served as pastor in Missouri and New Hope Baptist Church, Westville, FL. Burden married Kathy L. Mosier in 1984.

CHARLES W. BURGESS

Charles W. Burgess served as pastor of Hogan Baptist Church, Jacksonville.

DON BURGESS

Don Burgess (1941-2001) was killed in a tragic head on automobile crash when an escaped prisoner in a stolen vehicle hit him on the Hammock Dunes toll bridge. Burgess was pastor of Hammock First Baptist Church in Flagler Beach. He was a graduate of the Baptist College of Florida, and was licensed and ordained by First Baptist Church in Palmetto. Burgess had served as the pastor of the First Baptist Churches of Fort McCoy, Panacea, and Otter Creek. He had also served as pastor of Hasty Pond near Marianna and Sugarloaf Key. Burgess had served in prison ministry in Dothan, Alabama, and Trenton. He and his wife, Joan, had two daughters, Brenda and Colleen, and five sons, Maurice, Kevin, Keenan, Tim, and Karl.

T. G. BURGESS

T. G. Burgess served as pastor of Berrydale Baptist Church, and Cora Baptist Church, both of Jay.

GORDON BURGIN

Gordon Burgin (1933-2019) was born in White Pine, Tennessee, the son of Martin and Adelaide Bailey Burgin. He graduated from the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville. Burgin served as pastor of Pisgah Baptist Church and Athena Baptist Church both in Perry; as well as Haywood Cates Baptist Church, Tallahassee, 1972-1987. He and his wife, Marilyn Louise Mathis Burgin had three children.

CLYDE BURKE

Clyde Burke (1884-1988) had the distinction of being the oldest living Baptist preacher in Florida when he died at age 104 in Sarasota. Burke was a native of Tennessee. He attended Carson-Newman College in Tennessee, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Venice, Florida, 1952-1954; Bayshore Gardens Chapel, 1956-1957; First Baptist Church, Arcadia, 1958; and Pine Island Baptist Church, 1962. On his 100th birthday he preached the morning service at Bay Haven Baptist Church in Sarasota. The church gave him a typewriter in celebration of his 100th birthday. He and his wife, Lorena Mathis Burke, had two daughters, Colleen and Helen, and two sons, Warren and Ted.

HAL C. BURKE

Hal C. Burke (1947- ) was born in Statesboro, GA. He graduated from the University of Florida and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. From 1977-1988, Burke served with Baptist Campus Ministries Orlando area and in 1988, FSU, Tallahassee, for the Florida Baptist Convention. He and his wife, Cathy Kautz Burke have one daughter.

M. F. BURKE

M. F. Burke was a pioneer preacher in the West Florida Baptist Association and died in 1906.

R. E. BURKE

R. E. Burke served as pastor of Ocklawaha Bridge Baptist Church, 1925-1926 and First Baptist Church, Macclenny, 1926-1927.

R. R. BURKE

R. R. Burke served as pastor of Hardeetown Baptist Church.

JOHN G. BURKHALTER

John G. Burkhalter wrote God was on the Beach D-Day as an open letter in the Florida Baptist Witness after D-Day in 1944. He served as a chaplain in the First Division, and went in the first day of invasion. His invasion account is personal, vivid, and moving. Burkhalter served as pastor of West Flagler Park Baptist Church in Miami for eight years before entering the chaplaincy in November 1942. Mrs. Burkhalter and their baby daughter, Mabel Jean, lived with Mrs. Burkhalter’s mother in Crawfordville, Indiana, during the war.

WILLIAM BURKHALTER

William Burkhalter graduated from Florida State University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville. He served with the International Mission Board as a missionary for seventeen years, primarily in Bangladesh and Indonesia. Burkhalter has served as pastor of First Baptist Pine Castle since 2001. He and his wife Joyce have two children.

BARNEY BURKS, JR.

Barney Burks, Jr. (1930-2017) was born in Birmingham, AL the son of Mamie Lou and Barney B. Burks, Sr. He served as a pilot in the Air Force during the Korean war. Burk was a business owner and served as mayor of Pensacola from 1973-1977. In 1977, Burks served as president of the Florida Baptist State Convention. Burks and his wife Peggy had five children.

BARNEY BURKS, SR.

Barney Burks, Sr. (1901-1975) was called to preach at age 24. Burks graduated from Howard College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served for over 50 years as a pastor in Alabama, Kentucky and Florida. Burks and his wife Lou Parker Burks had seven children.

C. W. BURNETT

C. W. Burnett served as pastor of Tribly Baptist Church, Pasco County, 1920-1921.

DELBERT M. BURNETT

Delbert M. Burnett served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Ellenton.

E. ALLEN BURNETT

E. Allen Burnett (1890-1971) was born in Augusta, Georgia, but spent most of his life in Florida. He was pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church, Ocala, Gainesville (1920), Williston (1920-1922) First Baptist Church, Stuart (1925-1927), Avondale in Jacksonville (1928-1929), First Baptist Church, Maysville, Kentucky (1929-1936). First Baptist Church, Frostproof (1936-1941), First Baptist Church, LaBelle and Crystal Springs Baptist Church. Burnett married Eloise Smoak of Ocala and they had two sons, James and Edward. Burnett remained a member of the Frostproof church until his death January 17, 1971.

HEARD T. BURNETTE

Heard T. Burnette (1905-1989) served as pastor of Lake Carroll Baptist Church, Tampa; Lutz Baptist Church; Youmans Baptist Church; Pine Island Baptist Church; Eastside Baptist Church, Tampa; Whitehurst Baptist Church; Amelia Baptist Church, Dade City; and Faulkenburg Baptist Church, Tampa. He was married to Jessie Pearl Grover Burnette (1907-1955) and they had one daughter and one son. After the death of his first wife, Burnette married Thelma G. Burnette.

ROBERT S. BURNEY

Robert S. Burney (1933-2003) was a native of Plant City. Burney and his wife Edith were appointed by the International Mission Board as missionaries to Nigeria in 1967. Burney served as professor of Greek and New Testament at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary at Ogbomosho. The Burney’s retired in 1996. The couple had two children; Robert B. and Elizabeth.

B. W. BURNS

B. W. Burns (1872-1969) served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Marianna from 1948 to 1954.

C. L. BURNS

C. L. Burns served as pastor of Piney Grove, Cottondale (1911-1914) and First Baptist Church, Cottondale (1909-1912).

DOUGLAS W. BURNS

Doughlas W. Burns graduated from the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville. He served as pastor in Live Oak and With City.

JAMES MICHAEL BURNS

James Michael Burns (August 13, 1943- ) was born in Velasco, Texas. He attended the University of Houston (B.S., 1970), and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.R.E., 1974; Ph.D., 1981). Burns served on the church staff of Baptist Temple of Houston, Texas, Timbergrove Baptist Church in Houston, and First Baptist Church, Everman, Texas. Burns joined the faculty at the Baptist College of Florida in 1979, and is Professor of Christian Counseling and head of the Counseling Department. Burns married Nancy Goodrum on May 30, 1970, and they have two sons; Timothy (1976) and Christopher (1980).

L. E. BURNS

L. E. Burns served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Ensley.

R. T. BURNS

R. T. Burns served as pastor of Odessa Baptist Church, Tampa, Summerfield Baptist Church, Tampa and Amelia Baptist Church, Dade City. Burns and his wife had twelve children.

W. A. BURNS

W. A. Burns (1872-1969) died May 12, 1969. He and his wife were natives of Kentucky, and he was a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Stetson University in Florida. In Florida he served as pastor of First Baptist Quincy, Panama City, Chipley, Chattahoochee, Havana, Dade City, and Greenwood. Burns served as city missionary for the Florida Baptist Association, 1915-1923. He and his wife celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on June 4, 1967, in Bonifay, Florida.

WILLIAM MARSHALL BURNS

William Marshall Burns served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Williston and in 1942 as pastor of First Baptist Church, Milton, and went in 1943 as pastor of First Baptist Church in Madison.

WILLIAM M. BURR

William Burr served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Longwood and Grace Baptist Church, Clermont.

A. JUDSON BURRELL

A. Judson Burrell ( -1999) was born in Princeton SC. He graduated from Mercer University and Winona Lake School of Theology. Burrell served as pastor of churches in Georgia and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Bradenton, Florida in 1944 and Rose Hill Baptist Church, GA 1964. He and his wife, Martha Howard Edwards Burrell, had three children, Theo, Olivia and Ann.

TED BURRELL

Ted Burrell was ordained by Rose Hill Baptist Church, Columbus, GA. He was the founding pastor of the Trinity Baptist Church, Ocala, 1991-1994. He served as pastor of Fort McCoy Baptist Church. He and his wife Barbara Eubanks Burrell have two daughters.

BOB BURROUGHS

Bob Burroughs (1937- ) was born in Tazewell, VA. He graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, OK and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Burroughs served on the music faculty of Samford University and Palm Beach Atlantic University. He was for eight years, 1994-2002, Director of the Church Music Department, Florida Baptist Convention. Burroughs and his wife, Esther have two children.

RUFUS D. BURROWS

Rufus D. Burrows was pastor of the Baptist church at Apalachicola in 1885. The church was begun on December 18, 1848 with seven black and three white members. The church was begun by Thomas J. Bowen of Gadsden County and John R. Jones of Jackson County. In 1885 Burrows appealed to Baptists to help them raise $1500 for a house of worship. Burrows reported that there was no Baptist church within 135 miles of Apalachicola.

DALE D. BURTON, JR.

Dale D. Burton, Jr. (1925-1986) was born in Dayton, Ohio. Burton served as pastor of Northeast Baptist Church, Miami from 1971 until his death in 1986.

DAVID E. BURTON

David E. Burton graduated from Union University, Jackson, TN and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Cinco Baptist Church, Fort Walton Beach, 1987-1989. In 1989 Burton became the Associate Evangelism Director fot he State and in 2002, he became the Director of Evangelism Division for the Florida Baptist Convention. In 2005, Burton began a non-profit ministry, David Burton Ministries. He and his wife Kathy had two children.

O. E. BURTON

O. E. Burton died January 15, 1971. He served as pastor of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and served for 17 years as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater. Burton and his wife, Martha, had two daughters; Cheryl and Susan, and three sons; O. E. Jr., Douglas, and Tom.

BEN BUSH

Ben Bush serves as pastor of Westwood Baptist Church, Live Oak.

BO BUSH, JR.

Bo Bush, Jr serves as pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Lake City.

C. V. BUSSELL

C. V. Bussell served as pastor of South Miami Baptist Church from 1934-1942 and Poinciana Chapel, Key West from 1943-1944.

A. W. BUSSEY

A. W. Bussey served as pastor in Georgia and Florida including First Baptist Church, Fort Pierce. Bussey also served as Associational Missionary for Indian River Baptist Association.

PAUL BUSTER

Paul Buster (1950- ) a Seminole Indian, was born in Big Cypress, Florida, the son of Junior and Mary Annie Osceola Buster. He graduated from the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville. Buster serves as pastor of First Seminole Baptist Church, Fort Lauderdale. Buster’s first marriage was to Daisy Jumper and they had three sons. He married Meg Buster and they have two daughters.

A. M. BUTLER

A. M. Butler was pastor of Seaboard Park Baptist Church in 1928 and Little River Baptist Church (now Good News Little River).

ALTON BUTLER

Alton Butler (1926-2016) was born in Wynne, Arkansas, the son of Raymond L., Sr. and Dora Lee Butler. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. Butler was ordained in 1949 by First Baptist Church, Kennett, Missouri. He graduated from Ouachita Baptist University, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Butler served as pastor of Myrtle Grove Baptist Church in Pensacola, 1963-1993. He served as president of the Florida Baptist Convention in 1981. Butler and his wife Audrey Nelle Butler had three children, Jerry, Michael and Melinda.

E. WINSTON BUTLER

E. Winston Butler graduated from Graham Bible College in North Carolina, Moody Bible Institute, and Bible Institute in Orlando. He served as pastor of Philadelphia Church in McAlpin, and went as pastor of Southside in Lake City in 1980.

JOSEPH BUTLER

Joseph Butler is a native of Quincy, Florida, and graduated from William Carey College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Marianna, Florida, and Parkview Baptist Church in Lake City. In 2006 he became director of missions of the Black Creek Baptist Association with offices in Orange Park. In 2014 Butler became pastor of First Baptist Church, Wauchula. He and his wife, Aimee, have four children.

MITCH BUTLER

Mitch Butler served as pastor of Venetia Terrace Baptist Church, Jacksonville.

RIC BUTLER

Ric Butler served as pastor of Warrington Baptist Church, Pensacola.

WAYNE BUTLER

Wayne Butler served as pastor of Ridgeview Baptist Church, Gainesville and Otter Creek Baptist Church. He and his wife, Debbie have two children.

WILLIE BUTLER

Willie Butler (1937-2015) retired in 2003 after serving 13 years as pastor of Providence Baptist Church in Chipola Association. Butler and his wife
Jo Ann had two daughters.

A. A. BUTNER

A. A. Butner (1927-2014) was born in Hartselle, Alabama, the son of Marion T. and Lola Butner. He served as pastor of Six Mile Creek Baptist Church, Tampa, and Bethany Baptist Church, Tampa. Butner and his wife, Erma Lee Butner had two children. After the dead of his first wife Butner married Estelle Butner in 1996.

C. M. BUTTON

C. M. Button served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Callahan.

JEFF BUTTS

Jeff Butts served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Mary Esther, 1959-1971 and Forest Heights Baptist Church, 1976-1977.

C. K. BYERLY

C. K. Byerly graduated from Moody Bible Institute, Chicago. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Eau Gallie, Merritt Park Baptist Church, Brevard County, Center Hill Baptist Church, Orlando, and Orsino Baptist Church, Brevard County.

GEORGE BYLAND

George Byland (1911-2001) was born in Shelbyville, Indiana, the son of Guy Bernard and Charlotte Adeline “Lottie” Ballard Byland. He served as pastor of San Pedro Baptist Church, Oak Level Baptist Church, Ocoee Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, Parrish. Byland and his wife Mildred had one daughter.

SHEPPARD BYRAN

Sheppard Byran (1910-1999) was born in Greenville, AL. He graduated from Samford University, Brimingham and Southwestern Baptist Seminary, Fort Worth. Byran served in the US Army Air Force during World War II as a Chaplain. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Malone (1934-1935), First Baptist Church, and North Central Baptist Church, Gainesville. His wife Mary Frances Baker Byran preceded him in death.

FOY C. BYRD

Foy C. Byrd served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Esto.

ROBERT BYRD

Robert Byrd served as pastor of Hardeetown Baptist Church, 1961-1963.

TERRIEL R. BYRD

Terriel R. Byrd (March 4, 1956- ) was born in Oxford, Ohio, to Charles Otis Byrd and Geneva Brown Byrd. He attended Cincinnati Bible College (A.S.), Miami University at Oxford (B.Ph., M.A.), Union Institute, and University at Cincinnati (Ph.D.). He served as pastor and campus ministries director in Ohio before coming to Florida. He is currently Assistant Professor of Religion and Director of Urban Ministries Studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He and his wife, Toni Moore Byrd, have three daughters, Kasha, Terra, and Rachel.

WILLIAM O. BYRD, JR.

William O. Byrd, Jr. served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Ensley and Armenia Baptist Church, Tampa.

E. MCCOY BYNUM

E. McCoy Bynum was ordained as a Baptist minister in June, 1938. He graduated from Bob Jones College (1935) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1943). Bynum served as a U. S. Navy chaplain during WWII. He has served as pastor in churches in Florida, Alabama and Texas. Bynum also served as Promotional Secretary for Missions, Pensacola Bay Baptist Association and Director of Missions, Big Lake Baptist Association. He was pastor of Highland Baptist Church, Molino from 1969-1971. Bynum married Evelyn Roton in 1937 and they had two sons Eugene, Jr. and Robert.

CARL BYORK

Carl Byork served as pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Escambia County.

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