Biographies C

November 23, 2020

Biographies E

November 23, 2020

Biographies D

CHARLES B. DAILEY

Charles B. Dailey celebrated his 45th anniversary as pastor of First Baptist Church in Oakland on February 15, 2004. The church also celebrated its 124th anniversary in 2004.

JACK P. DALTON

Dalton,-Jack-P.

Jack P. Dalton (1908-1969) was born in Slocomb, Alabama. He graduated from Fort Meade, Florida High School, Stetson University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He completed the Chaplain’s School at Harvard University. Dalton served as pastor of four Baptist churches in Florida, First Baptist Church, Pahokee, Avon Park, Dunnellon, and Lake Forest, Jacksonville. He served two tours of duty as an Air Force chaplain, and reached the rank of Lt. Colonel. He also served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Florala, Alabama, right after World War II. Dalton made a tremendous contribution to Florida Baptists in that his Ph.D. dissertation at the University of Florida written in 1952, was on the history of Florida Baptists. Dalton and his wife, Frances, had four children. Jack P. Dalton died December 27, 1969. At the time of his death he was head of the History and Political Science Department at Mary Hardin-Baylor College in Belton, Texas.

MICHAEL DAMERON

Michael Dameron and his wife Dee served for five years with the International Mission Board in Africa and South America. He now serves as pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Oxford.

A. H. DAMON

A. H. Damon served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Williston.

BARNARD H. DAMON

Barnard H. Damon (1822-1910) was born in New York. He served as pastor in Lawty, Waldo, and Bronson, Florida. Damon served as missionary to the Beulah Baptist Association in 1898 and New River Baptist Association in 1905. He and his wife Lucy Francher Damon had six children.

HUGH DAMPIER

Hugh Dampier (1941-) served five years in the United States Air Force. He was saved in 1974 and called to preach in 1975. He graduated from the Baptist College of Florida and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dampier served as pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, Live Oak, and Madison Street Baptist Church, Starke and served for 11 years as Director of Missions of Beulah Baptist Association before his retirement in 2007. He and his wife, Shirley, had two children, Chris and Tina.

DAVID DANIELS

David Daniels served with his wife Lynda Lee as missionaries to South America for 28 years. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Palm Beach. Daniels and his wife have two daughters.

ELAM JACKSON DANIELS

Daniels,-E.J.

Elam Jackson Daniels (November 1, 1908-March 13, 1987) was born at O’Brien in Suwannee County, Florida. His parents were James E. and Meriba Williams Daniels. Daniel’s father was a farmer-timberman and his mother was a school teacher. He had five brothers and one sister. He graduated from Branford High School in Branford, Florida, in 1929. Daniels attended Stetson University (1929-1930), and Southern Florida Baptist School, Plant City (1930-1933) where he received a certificate and did further studies at Florida Southern in Lakeland (1933-1935). He received the D.D. degree from Bob Jones University in 1948. Daniels married Elizabeth Weaver in 1931. Daniels was converted in 1928 at age 19, and was baptized at the O’Brien Baptist Church at O’Brien, Florida. Daniels served as pastor of five Southern Baptist churches. Broadway Baptist Church, Tampa (1930-1933); First Baptist Church, Eagle Lake, Florida (1933-1936); First Baptist Church, Winter Garden, Florida (1936-1942); First Baptist Church, Fort Pierce, Florida, (1942-1943); and First Baptist Church, Fairfield, Alabama (1943-1947). Daniels served as a Southern Baptist evangelist from 1947 until his death. Daniels preached in hundreds of revival meetings, wrote over 30 books and booklets, and influenced many young ministers by his personally vibrant preaching. He was used widely all over the Southern Baptist Convention in revivals and became best known as a tent preacher with an emphasis on associational and area-wide crusades. Orlando served as the base of operations for E. J. and Elizabeth. They had extensive publishing interests and featured The Family Magazine as a way of promoting local and world evangelism. E. J. Daniels became known as The Million Soul Man as thousands upon thousands responded to his gospel preaching in India, Korea, and Africa. Christ For the World ministry made a worldwide gospel impact in preaching, publishing, and missions. Daniels established Golden Rule Press, but stated his most rewarding work was the ministry of winning souls. He and Elizabeth had one daughter, Kaye Janna, who lived in Orlando, and two grandchildren.

H. E. DANIELS

H. E. Daniels was a bi-vocational pastor in Jackson County for over 20 years. He served as pastor of Providence Baptist Church, Grand Ridge for 17 years. He then served as pastor of Inwood Baptist Church in the Chipola Association. Daniels and his wife celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 1988. He was a Baptist preacher by calling and a grocery store owner-operator by trade.

JIM DANIELS

Jim Daniels served as pastor of First Baptist Church, LaBelle, 1990-1994.

L. C. DANIELS

L. C. Daniels was pastor of Circle Hill Baptist Church in West Florida Baptist Association in 1889.

LYNDA LEE DANIELS

Lynda Lee Daniels (1948-2011) was born in Miami, Florida, the daughter of Martin D. and Marjorie B. Kjellstrom. She served as a missionary nurse to South America for 28 years. Daniels served the Florida Baptist Convention’s Women’s Missions and Ministries departments as a camp nurse at GA/Acteen camp. She and her husband David Daniels had two daughters.

HAROLD DANN

Harold Dann (1922-2002) graduated from Florida Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Inwood Baptist Church, Golfview Baptist Church, Mount Olive Baptist Church and The Good News Baptist Church. Dann and his wife, Margaret had two children.

GRADY DARDEN

Grady Darden served as pastor of Florahome Baptist Church, 1987-1990.

JEAN-DONA DARIUS

Jean-Dona Darius was born in Haiti. He graduated from Rutgers University. Darius served as pastor of Haitian Evangelical Baptist Church, Miami. He and his wife, Carol Noel have three children, Camille, Sebastian, and Samuel.

W. T. DART

W. T. Dart served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Eustis and First Baptist Church, Wauchula, 1919-1922.

G. S. DAUGHTRY

G. S. Daughtry served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Williston.

ROBERT H. DAUGHTRY

Robert H. Daughtry (1924-1975) a native of O’Brien, FL, graduated from Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Daughtry served as a home missionary in Louisiana for three years and as pastor in Georgia and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Cedar Key and Westwood Baptist Church, Live Oak. He and his wife Juanita had four children.

HARRY DAUKINS

Harry Daukins served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Sorrento.

J. T. DAVENPORT

J. T. Davenport served as pastor of Bronson Creek Baptist Church and Pickett Lake Baptist Church, Lafayette Association.

S. G. DAVENPORT

S. G. Davenport served as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, and as missionary to Lafayette Baptist Association in 1899.

HAROLD A. DAVIDSON

Harold A. Davidson (1911-1980) was ordained by Riverside Baptist Church, Miami in 1943.He served as pastor of Flagler Street Baptist Church in Miami, and First Baptist Church in Live Oak. Davidson served as chaplain for the police and fire departments of Jacksonville. He and his wife had one daughter, Carolyn, and one son, John .

JERRY DAVIDSON

Jerry Davidson served as pastor of Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, Cottondale.

W. B. DAVIDSON

W. B. Davidson served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Brandon, 1929-1930 and Tenth Avenue Baptist Church.

STEVEN DAVIES

Steven Davies served as pastor of Village Baptist Church, Destin since 1992. Davies graduated from Shorter College, (BS, 1982); Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M. Div. 1985); and Luther Rice Seminary (2007). He and his wife Beverly have four children.

CECIL LORING DAVIS

Davis,-Cecil-Loring

Cecil Loring Davis (May 13, 1913-November 21, 1992) was born in Lee, Florida, to Hugh John and Vannie Bell Stroud Davis. Davis graduated from Mars Hill College, Carson-Newman College (B.A.) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He was a veteran of World War II, and served as a flight instructor with the U.S. Army. Davis taught at Baptist Bible Institute from 1955-1978. He served as pastor of churches in North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, including Greenwood Baptist Church, 1955-1957. He married Doris Murff Davis and they had one daughter, Sylvia and four sons, John Northrup, James Murff, Cecil Jr., and Robert Marshall.

CHARLES DAVIS

Charles Davis served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Chiefland, 1951-1955.

CHARLES E. DAVIS, JR.

Charles E. Davis, Jr. was born in Americus, GA, 1943. He graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Georgia Southern College and Georgia Southwestern College. Davis served in the Church Music Department, 1988-2009, for the Florida Baptist Convention. He and his wife Gloria Bridges Davis have two children.

CHRIS DAVIS

Chris Davis serves as pastor of Northside Baptist Church, Starke.

CORNELIUS DAVIS

Cornelius Davis served as president of the Florida Baptist Convention in 1978. He was a graduate of the University of Georgia (A.B.) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (B.D., Th.D.) Davis was the founding pastor of Lakeside Baptist Church, Lakeland, where he served over 13 years, (1964-1977). He then served as pastor of Southside Church, Jacksonville, and First Baptist Church, Wauchula, 1984-1994. Davis served as Florida Baptist Convention president, 1977-1978.

CULON P. DAVIS

Culon P. Davis served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Longwood.

DON DAVIS

Don Davis served as pastor of Beach Baptist Chapel, Panama City.

EARL DAVIS

Davis,-Earl

Earl Davis (1938-) was a native of Madison, Florida. He received his doctorate of theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Marianna from 1967 to 1970. He resigned at Marianna in 1970 to become pastor of First Baptist Church, Dalton, Georgia and left there to become pastor of First Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee. Davis had a unique visitation ministry. He determined to visit all of his church members his first year on the church field. He then made it a goal to visit each member on his or her birthday.

FRED DAVIS

Fred Davis served as pastor of Twin Lakes Baptist Church.

FREDDY DAVIS

Freddy Davis served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Woodville.

FLOYD P. DAVIS

Floyd P. Davis served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Havana.

HAYES B. DAVIS, SR.

Hayes B. Davis, Sr., (1928-2006) served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, Lakeland, Fort Ogden Baptist Church and Calvary Church, Milton. He later served as director of missions of the Gadsden County Baptist Association. He served Florida Baptist churches for 55 years. He and his wife, Nancy, had two children; Hayes, Jr., and Nanette.

HILTON DAVIS

Hilton Davis served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Conway.

J. A. DAVIS, SR.

J. A. Davis, Sr.( 1876-1935) was born in Owens County, KY and ordained in 1885. He was educated at Georgetown College, KY; Owens College, Harrisburg, KY; and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY. served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Fort Meade, Terra Ceia Baptist Church (1921), First Baptist Church, Jasper (1920-1921), First Baptist Church, Brandon (1928-1929), First Baptist Church, Macclenny, (1929-1931), First Baptist Church, Avon Park, and First Baptist Church, Hastings. Davis and his wife, Rhonda Ella Davis had two children.

J. H. DAVIS

J. H. Davis served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hernando.

J. N. DAVIS

J. N. Davis served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Callahan (aka Sharon).

J. HAROLD DAVIS

J. Harold Davis (1937-2024) was born in Bowling Green, the son of Alvie and Dolly Davis. He served as a Southern Baptist minister for more than 55 years including as pastor of Terra Ceia Baptist Church. He was married to Myrtie Sue Davis (30 years) and Ollie Perry Davis (20 years). Davis had two daughters, Deborah and Stephanie.

JACK DAVIS

Jack Davis served as pastor of Union Hill Baptist Church, 1949-1952.

JAMES R. DAVIS

James R. Davis served as pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Wauchula.

JOHN HARVEY DAVIS

John Harvey Davis (1913-1987) attended Norman Junior College, Mercer University, University of Florida, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Olustee, Belleview, Main Street in Inverness, Lecanto, Inglis, Northside in Brooksville, Northside in Dade City, Morriston, Hernando, and Fellowship Baptist Church in Raiford. He also served as director of missions in New River Baptist Association. He and his wife, Effie, had one daughter, Anita.

MITCHELL DAVIS

Mitchell Davis served as pastor of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Westville, 1957-1959.

O. B. DAVIS

O. B. Davis served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Cedar Key.

PERRY F. DAVIS

Perry F. Davis served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hastings.

PETER DAVIS

Peter Davis served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Southport.

R. B. DAVIS

R. B. Davis served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Fort Meade.

R. W. DAVIS

In 1864 R. W. Davis served in the West Florida Baptist Association as pastor of the Pilgrim’s Rest Church in Henry County, Alabama.

ROBERT B. DAVIS

Robert B. Davis (1886-1964) was born in Winter Park, FL, the son of Rev. Benjamin Askew Davis and Lucy A. Perry Davis. He attended Columbia College, Lake City and was a tight rope artist on the school team. Davis served as pastor of Whitfield Memorial Baptist Church, Pensacola.

ROBERT K. DAVIS

Robert K. Davis (1944-2014) was a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Elba, Alabama. North Central Baptist Church, Gainesville, First Baptist Church, Lake City (23 years) and Woodstock Baptist Church, Jacksonville (11 years). Davis was preceded in death by a son, Jeff, who was a Columbia County Sheriff deputy who died in the line of duty in 2002. Davis also served 20 years with the Florida National Guard. Davis was named pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church, Lake City in 2013. He was survived by his wife Pat, son John and daughter Nan.

ROLAND DAVIS

Roland Davis was the son of George Wyles and Ethel Gertrude Wintring Davis. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Bowling Green, First Baptist Church, Samoset and Terra Ceia Baptist Church.

RUEBEN B. DAVIS

Rueben B. Davis began preaching in 1926. He served as pastor of Poplar Dell Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Bratt, Oak Grove Baptist Church, McCullough Baptist Church all of Escambia County and First Baptist Church, Wildwood. He married Iris Jones of Jay.

Q. C. DAVIS

Q. C. Davis served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Eustis.

TAMMY FANN DAVIS

Tammy Fann Davis was born in Franklin, TN, 1958, the daughter of Hayes Anderson and Margaret Ella Fann. She graduated from Belmont College, Nashville and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville. Davis served in the Mission Ministries Department of the Florida Baptist Convention. She married David Cornelius Davis July 5, 1986.

THEODORE DAVIS

Theodore “Thee” Davis served as pastor of Ephesus Baptist Church, Hilliard. He served as missionary to the St. Mary’s River Baptist Association (now First Coast Churches) in 1896 and 1899.

THOMAS JEFFERSON DAVIS

Thomas Jefferson Davis was born 1834 in Twiggs County, Georgia, enlisted in the Confederate States Army on May 1, 1861, in Russell County, Alabama. He served in Company F, later Company C, 6th Alabama Regiment. Wounded July 2, 1863, at the battle of Gettysburg when a minie ball pierced through his right hip, he “could not stand to be carried on the retreat,” was left at the field hospital for 10 days, and then imprisoned at David’s Island, New York. During his imprisonment he suffered gangrene with loss of muscle, nerve and bone. By 1885, he had settled in Pensacola. An ordained minister, he served Pleasant Grove and Tenth Avenue (today’s East Hill). He also was a leader in Bethlehem, Elim and Pensacola Bay Baptist associations. Davis and his wife Sarah Askew Davis had eight children. He died April 2, 1905, and was buried at St. John’s Cemetery, Pensacola.

W. H. DAVIS

W. H. Davis served as pastor of Greenwood Baptist Church, 1854-1857.

W. T. DAVIS

W. T. Davis served as pastor of Magnolia Baptist Church, Southport Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Woodville, and Hickory Level Baptist Church, Marianna. In 1936 the Florida Baptist Home Mission Board paid W.T. Davis $5.00 per month to preach at Econfina. He preached there once a month that year.

WILLIAM M. DAVIS

William M. Davis lived in Greenwood, Florida, in 1856. In the 1856 minutes of the West Florida Associational Minutes he is listed as an ordained minister. He was elected as a delegate to the 1857 Florida Baptist Convention. Davis served as pastor of Greenwood Baptist Church, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Jackson County, First Baptist Church, Lake City, and First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach.

WILLIAM SHUFORD DAVIS

William Shuford Davis was born in Baltimore, MD, 1943. He graduated from Florida State University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Wheaton College. Davis served as Baptist Campus Minister, Student Work Department for the Florida Baptist Convention, 1971-1988. He and his wife, Faye married in 1967.

CARL P. DAW

Carl P. Daw served as pastor of Greensboro Baptist Church.

ALBERT DAVID DAWSON

Albert David Dawson (September 4, 1916-September 2, 1979) was a pioneer church builder and missionary among Florida Baptists from 1944-1979. Dawson served primarily in Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. He also served as field secretary of Palm-Lake and Gulf Stream Associations from 1953 to 1970. Dawson served as director of missions in Gulf Stream Association for 26 years. He was survived by his wife, Tanna Dawson, who served faithfully through the Florida Baptist WMU organization.

E. T. DAWSON

E. T. Dawson served as pastor of Indian Springs Baptist Church, Tallahassee 1926-1929.

HARRY A. DAY

Harry A. Day was a native of Tennessee. He attended Stetson and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Eau Gallie, First Baptist Church, Okeechobee, First Baptist Church, Dania, Webster Memorial Baptist Church, Lakeland, North Boulevard Baptist Church, Tampa, Burns Baptist Mission, Tampa, Baptist Italian Mission, Tampa, Albany Baptist Mission, Tampa, and Spencer Memorial, Tampa. He also served 12 years as a chaplain in the United States Army. He died November 15, 1950, in Tampa.

HAYWOOD DAY

Haywood Day graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served churches in Georgia, Alabama, Germany and Florida. In 2013, Day retired as pastor of Bluewater Baptist Church, Niceville after 20 years as pastor. He and his wife Gail were honored by the church and Day was named pastor emeritus.

HOWARD M. DAY

Howard M. Day was born in Mulberry, Florida. He graduated from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Florida. He served for twenty-one years in the Navy as a Chaplain. Day served as pastor of Paran Baptist Church, Grandin. He and his wife Elizabeth M. Ransom Day have one son.

JAMES S. DAY, JR.

James S. Day, Jr. (1902-1968) served as pastor of Southside Baptist Church, Lakeland from 1934-1951. Day was born in Bradenton, Florida, and received the B. A. (1922) and D.D. (1943) degrees from Stetson University. He also received the Th.M. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1925). James S. Day, Jr., and Col. F. N. K. Bailey were initiators in an attempt to start Florida Baptist Junior College at Sebring in about 1926. This is when Day was pastor at First Baptist Church, Sebring but the Florida economic boom collapsed and the school never really got started. Day was very instrumental in the beginning of Florida Baptist Institute in Lakeland.

JAMES S. DAY, SR.

James Day, Sr. (June 5, 1876-May 16, 1945) was born in Sparta, Wisconsin. He came from a missionary family, his father was born in India, and his grandfather was the founder of the Lone Star Mission in India that worked with the Telegus people. Day graduated from Summerlin Institute in Bartow, Stetson University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor in Kentucky and Florida and spent 16 years as a Chaplain in the United States Navy. He served as pastor of Mulberry, Palmetto, Terra Ceia, Oviedo and Key West. He and his wife Olive Wilhelm had four children, James S. Day, Jr., Olive, Ann and Howard.

JOHN W. DAY

John W. Day served in the Civil War with the Twentieth Alabama Battalion of Artillery. After the war, Day served on the Executive Committee of the
Middle Florida Baptist Association, 1910.

JONATHAN DEAL

Jonathan Deal was born in Dale County, Alabama. His death was reported in the 1896 minutes of the West Florida Baptist Association. He had been an ordained minister for eight years. He served six of those years in the Columbia Baptist Association in Alabama and his last two years in the West Florida Baptist Association.

R. C. DEAL

R. C. Deal served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Malone and First Baptist Church, LaBelle.

ELLIS B. DEAN

Ellis B. Dean was born in Lubbock, TX, 1954. He graduated from Texas Tech University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth. Dean served as a field missionary, Southwest Florida for the Florida Baptist Convention. He and his wife Cynthia S. Dean had two children.

JIMMY DEAN

Jimmy Dean served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Barberville.

PRATT DEAN

Pratt Dean served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Cottondale, 1961-1966.

REEVES CLAYTON DEAN

Reeves Clayton Dean (October 23, 1910- ) was born in Arnoldsville, Georgia. He was the son of Thomas Clayton Dean and Nettie Lee Powers. His father was a farmer and his mother was a school teacher. There were nine children in the family; five boys and four girls. Dean was raised in Arnoldsville (1910-1926) and Winter Haven (1926-1928). He attended college at Norman Park, Georgia (1928-1929), Valdosta State College (1954-1956), and Florida State University (B.S., 1958). Dean also attended Baptist Bible Institute in Lakeland, Florida (1951-1952). He married Katherine Barrows Dean on February 8, 1930, and they had one child, Vivian (September 14, 1931). Dean was converted at age 11, and baptized at First Baptist Church, Arnoldsville. He was ordained as a deacon at Lake Alfred Baptist Church in Lake Alfred, Florida, in 1941. He then was ordained as a minister at First Baptist Church, Avon Park in 1950. Dean was pastor of Venus Baptist Church, Venus, Florida (1948-1949), First Baptist Church, Lake Alfred, Florida (1951-1954), First Baptist Church, Lake Park, Georgia (1954-1956), and Haywood Cates Memorial Baptist Church in 1959. He also served as Minister to the Deaf at First Baptist Church, Tallahassee, Florida in 1957.

T. S. DEAN

T. S. Dean served as pastor of Orange Hill in Washington County in 1877.

TED WESLEY DEAN

Ted Wesley Dean (1951-) was born in Plant City, Florida, the son of Charles Wesley and Marion Medich Dean. He was ordained by Beulah Baptist Church, Lithia. Dean graduated from Baptist College of Florida and Andersonville Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, Lithia, Richland Baptist Church, Zephyrhills and First Baptist Church Palm River, Tampa. Dean and his wife, Helen Virginia Reeder Dean had two children, Tracey and Troy.

JAMES THOMAS DeARMOND

James Thomas DeArmond (1877-1939) was born in Collierville, Tennessee. He served in the Spanish-American War, in 1894. DeArmond served as pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Hardee County; Second Baptist Church, Arcadia, 1932-1934; North Hillsborough Baptist Church, Arcadia; and Oak Park Baptist Mission, 1937-1939. He and his wife, Una Layle Rutledge DeAmond had three daughters, Susie, Sally and Ruth.

JAMES “JIMMY” DEAS

James “Jimmy” Deas served as pastor of First Black Creek Baptist Church, Penney Farms, Fernandina Beach Baptist Church, Corinth Church, Jasper; First Church, McIntosh; Deltona Lakes Baptist Church in Deltona and Westwood Baptist Church. He has the masters and doctor of ministry degree from Luther Rice Seminary. Deas was born in Ft. Knox, Kentucky, and raised in North Florida. He graduated from North Florida Junior College (A.A.) and Luther Rice Seminary (B.Min., M.Div., D.Min). He and his wife, Sherry Andrews Deas, have two children.

E. MELTON “MEL” DEASON

E. Melton “Mel” Deason (b. 1935; d. 2024), a retired pastor who served a number of churches in Alabama and Florida, died Jan. 8., 2024 He was 88. Deason grew up attending Ensley Baptist Church and graduated from Howard College (now Samford University) in 1957. He earned a master of divinity and doctor of ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. During his 65 years of ministry, Deason served churches in several Alabama cities — Reform, Gulf Shores, LaFayette and Selma. He also served in Kentucky and in Florida, where he retired from East Hill Baptist Church in Pensacola after serving 17 years. After his retirement, Deason returned to Birmingham and served as interim pastor for several churches, including Central Park Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Vincent and Westwood Baptist Church in Forestdale. He also volunteered for nonprofit and religious organizations. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth. The couple had two daughters, Julie and Catherine.

H. L. DEASON

H. L. Deason served as pastor Blackwater Baptist Mission, 1972-1974.

CRAIG DeBENEDICTUS

Craig DeBenedictus served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Destin.

GARY DeBUSK

Gary DeBusk (1953-2007) was born in Dayton, KY. He graduated from Stetson University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. DeBusk served as pastor of churches in Kentucky, Georgia and Florida, including Emporia Baptist Church, Pierson, 1972-1975 and Ravenna Park Baptist Church, Sanford, 1979-1983. He and his wife had two sons.

RAY DEBUSK

Ray Debusk served as pastor of Athena Baptist Church, Perry, 1971-1979.

ROBERT W. DeCORAH

Robert W. DeCorah served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Conway.

JOHN E. DEER

John E. Deer (1854-1935) was born in Monroe County, Alabama, on June 3, 1854, the first child of John T. Deer and Sarah M. Curry Deer. He married Sarah Murphy about 1895, and they had six children. Deer worked for Lovelace Brothers Lumber Company at Roberts before he entered the ministry. He served as pastor of Damascus Baptist Church, Pine Level and Shady Grove (present day, First Baptist Church, Jay). He also served as a pastor in Alabama.

FRANK DEEREY, JR.

Frank Deerey, Jr. was born in New Orleans, LA. He graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Deerey served as pastor of First Baptist Church, LaBelle. He and his wife Cathy have two children.

J. W. DEERING

Deering,-J.-W.

J. W. Deering was serving as pastor of Mt. Olive Church, Plant City in 1980. His wife was Bessie Wadsworth Deering.

M. DEES

M. Dees served as pastor of Troupville Baptist Church, GA in 1845.

ZACHARIAH DEES

Zachariah Dees ( -April 21, 1901) was born in North Carolina, the son of Lemuel Dees and Bettie Davis Dees. He was converted at age 18, and his limited education was received in the schools of Hamilton County, Florida. He was first married to Lucinda Johnson, and then to Eliza C. Jones of LaFayette County, Florida. He was the father of 16 children. Dees was licensed to preach by Macedonia Church in Suwannee County. His preaching ministry was primarily in LaFayette County. He served five years in the Army during the Seminole War. Dees served as field missionary for the Suwannee Baptist Association in 1886.

EARL DEESE

Earl Deese served as pastor of Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, Cottondale.

MARVIN DEESE

Marvin Deese (October 8, 1924-May 15, 2002) was born at Webb, Alabama. He was the son of William Archie Deese and Mamie Temples Deese. He served in the United States Navy in the Pacific in World War II. He worked for Burlington Mills and the United States Postal Service. He married Ruthie Dumas, and they had five children (Ann, Betty, Duke, Rodney, and Lamar). He later married Lillian Dixon Messer. Deese entered the ministry in 1952. He graduated from Baptist Bible Institute in 1964. He served several churches in Alabama, Georgia and Florida, including Grand Ridge Baptist Church.

RODNEY GLENN DEESE

Rodney Glenn Deese (1952-2011) was the son of Marvin and Ruthie Deese. He was a bi-vocational pastor and psychological specialist. He served as pastor of Sardis Baptist Church (aka Shady Grove), Cottondale. Deese was active in the prison ministry in Jackson County. He and his wife Linda Parker Deese had two children.

W. R. DEESE

W. R. Deese served as pastor of Union Hill Baptist Church, 1904-1906.

GASPER deGARDENAS

Alberto Diaz went from New York to Cuba in the spring of 1883, as an employee of the American Bible Society. He and a few friends rented Prado 115 in Havana as a preaching station. W. F. Wood traveled from Key West to Havana and preached at Prado 115 on January 10, 1886. Four men stepped forward for baptism. One of those men was Gasper de Gardenas. He served as a courageous preacher of the gospel in Cuba and a pioneer in Baptist work there. He died in December 1925. Gardenas had been invited to the 115 Prado service by a friend. He found his first Bible there and within 24 hours had read the complete New Testament. He was a teacher by trade and very soon a preacher by calling.

DAN DEIG

Dan Deig has served as pastor of Oceanway Baptist Church, New Smyrna Beach since 2015. He and his wife Alexandria have three children.

MIGUEL DE LA CRUZ

Miguel De La Cruz was born in Reynosa, Mexico, 1950. He graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Miami Campus. De La Cruz served as Multi-Ethnic Catalytic Missionary, South Central Florida Region, Language Missions Division for the Florida Baptist Convention and Hispanic pastor of First Baptist Church, Naples. He and his wife Mirta Tovar had three children.

OSCAR DeLEON

Oscar DeLeon served as pastor of Pinecrest Spanish, Sanford and Bay Haven Spanish Mission, Sarasota.

FRANK DELROSE, JR.

Frank Delrose, Jr. (1922-2008) was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1955. Delrose served as minister of education at St. Johns Park in Jacksonville, 1958-1963; Webster Avenue in Lakeland, 1957- 1958; and Lake Forest in Jacksonville, 1955-1957. Delrose served as an associate in the Florida Baptist Convention’s Sunday School Department from 1963 until his retirement in 1985. Delrose and his wife Marion were married 63 years and had one son, Tim and a daughter, Teresa.

LARRY DEMAKOWSKI

Larry Demakowski (1942-2018) was a Southern Baptist minister for over 45 years pastoring in lower Alabama and North Florida. Demakowski served as pastor of Five Points Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, 1986-1992 and First Baptist Church, Woodville. He and his wife Kay had one son, David and one daughter, Laura.

MURIAL RAYMOND DEMEREE

Murial Raymond DeMeree (May 14, 1904-January 31, 1977) was born in Canon City, Colorado. DeMeree and his wife, Helen, were the pioneer workers in deaf ministry in Florida. He also served with the deaf in Georgia, South Carolina, and Colorado. He retired after working with the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

LINDA GRAMLING DEMOTT

Linda Gramling (Mrs. Herbert) Demott (b. 1940) was presented the 2023 Baptist Heritage Award for “her visionary and yeoman efforts to preserve, record and publish the history of the Elizabeth Baptist Church, Monticello, Florida,” according to the Florida Baptist Historical Society selection document. Mrs. Demott, as a lifelong member of the Elizabeth Baptist Church, Monticello, worked diligently beginning in the early 1990s to collect, organize and develop material for a history book on the church that was established in 1831. Mrs. Demott, along with co-author Donald S. Hepburn produced in 2024 the book, Elizabeth Baptist Church: The Story of a Pioneer Baptist Church on Mission: 1831 – 2023. In her committed volunteer service to the church, Mrs. Demott, since 1955 also has served as the volunteer music leader and pianist. Her high level of interest in music resulted in her being enlisted year-after-year as the associational music director for the Middle Florida Baptist Association. Additionally, for many years she was enlisted by the Church Music Department, Florida Baptist Convention, to serve as a leader of specialty conferences designed for the small church music leaders. For 25 years Mrs. Demott taught piano at the Aucilla Christian Academy. Throughout her married life Mrs. Demott was a committed spouse, fulltime homemaker, and a mother of four children. Because of her interest and abilities in music, at middle-age, Mrs. Demott pursued formal academic training in music at the North Florida Junior College and the Florida State University School of Music.

W. M. DEMPSEY

W. M.Dempsey served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Fort Pierce.

W. E. DENHAM

W. E. Denham was a native of South Wales and came to America in 1905. He was ordained in 1911 and became a well-known and beloved Southern Baptist preacher. He served as pastor in Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Louisiana and Missouri. Denham served as professor of Old Testament in Hebrew and English at the Baptist Bible Institute before becoming pastor of First Baptist Church of Miami, Lemon City in 1943.

MORRIS DENMAN

Morris Denman (1942-2021) was the son of Catherine and Morris W. Denman, Sr. He served as pastor to churches in Atlanta, Missouri, South Carolina, and Florida. He graduated from Georgia State University, Atlanta, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City and Luther Rice Seminary, Atlanta. He served as pastor of Cook Memorial, Panama City, Scenic Heights Baptist Church, and Southside Baptist Church both of Pensacola. He and his wife Sue have three daughters.

THOMAS D. DENMAN

Thomas D. Denman (July 9, 1869-December 3, 1952) was born in Wyandotte, Michigan. After serving churches in Michigan, Denman became pastor at Tarpon Springs, Florida from 1923 to 1927, and then served at McIntosh from 1927 to 1947, until his retirement. Denman also served as pastor of Paran, Palatka, Melrose and Sparr Baptist churches. In 1902 he married Rachel McIntosh from Clare, Michigan.

W. E. DENNINGTON

W. E. Dennington (also listed as W. T.) (1899-1950) was born in Hickman County, KY. and graduated Baptist College, Clinton, KY. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, LaBelle 1927-1928 (W. T.). Dennington was licensed to preach in May of 1934 and ordained in December of 1934. He also served as pastor of Second Baptist Church and Oak Hill Baptist Church, Arcadia. Dennington was married to Lovie Marie Dean on November 6, 1917.

JAY DENNIS

Dennis,-Jay

Jay Dennis serves as pastor of First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland. Dennis served as president of the Florida Baptist Convention in 2001.

E. M. DENNISON

E. M. Dennison served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville from 1859-1862.

MILFORD J. DENNISON

Milford J. Dennison (1919-1996) was the son of Mannie A. and Beulah M. Gillette Dennison. He served as pastor of Oakland Baptist Church, Winter Garden, Fort Meade Baptist Mission, First Baptist Church, Wimauma, Lake Carroll Baptist Church, and Westside Baptist Church, Zephyrhills. Dennison married Bertha Mae Williams Dennison in 1942.

FELTS DENT JR.

Felts Dent, Jr. (1935-) was born in Milledgeville, Georgia. He graduated from Mercer University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dent served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Wauchula, 1962-1969 and First Baptist Church, Lakeland, 1969-1977. He and his wife Patricia Souther Dent had two daughters, Donna and Teresa.

ISIDORO LESSA dePAULA

Isidoro Lessa dePaula (b. 1943; d. 2023), a native of Minas Gerais, Brazil, first came to the United States in 1970 where he began preparing for a 35-year ministry of leading worship and music in local churches. He studied piano and composition (M.A.1973) at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and subsequently studied conducting (M.A. 1981, D.M.A., 1985) at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He returned to Brazil where he taught music at the Baptist Theological Seminary of Niteroi and the Baptist Theological Seminary of Southern Brazil in Tijuca. In 1989 Dr. dePaula migrated to the United States where he served as a professor of music and as the program director for the community school (1997 – 2022) at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He concurrently served for ten years as minister of music at the First Baptist Church, Tuskawilla. Dr. dePaula and his wife Barbara (married 1974) had two sons, Marcus and Matthew and a daughter Marisa.

KRAMA FAY DeSHA, JR.

Krama Fay DeSha, Jr. served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Tavares.

J. B. DeSHAZO

J. B. DeShazo served as pastor of Union Hill Baptist Church, 1909-1912, 1913-1916, 1921. DeShazo died in 1934 in South Florida.

W. G. DeSHAZO

W. G. DeShazo served as pastor of Burton Baptist Church and Hopewell Baptist Church both in the Middle Florida Baptist Association.

PRESTON E. DEVALL

Preston E. Devall (1930-2008) was born in Ponchatoula, LA. He served as a Baptist minister in churches throughout Florida for 47 years. He was minister of the First Baptist Church, Fruitland Park from the late 60’s to the early 70’s and Leon Ebenezer Baptist Church, Leon County. He and his wife Linnie Bell had six children.

BELMONT DeVANE

Belmont DeVane (1902-1975) was a Florida native, the son of Madison W. and Virginia L. “Jennie” Brown DeVane. He served as pastor of Richland Baptist Church, Zephyrhills, Grant Park Baptist Church, Tampa, Orient Park Baptist Church, Tampa, Youmans First Baptist Church and Canal Point First Baptist Church. He married Blanche Cameron Stanford DeVane who was a widow and the mother three children, Ira, Gladys and Alethea.

HARRY DeVANE

Harry DeVane (c 1893-November 29, 1974) was a native of Cork Academy, seven miles from Plant City. He preached his first sermon at Bethany Baptist Church, Plant City, 1925 and was ordained in 1926. He served as pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Plant City for 30 years. He also served as chaplain for the South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City.

JOSEPH BENJAMIN DeVANE

Joseph Benjamin DeVane (1883-1972) was born in the Cork community of east Hillsborough County, Florida, the son of John Bryant and Alabama Rodgers DeVane. He was ordained by Eastside Baptist Church, Haines City, Florida in 1935. DeVane served as pastor of Richland Baptist Church, Zephyrhills, 1942-1945. He and his wife, Mary Ellen Graves DeVane had seven children, Delois, Clark, James, Everett, Thelma, Josephine and Opal.

J. M. DEVANON

J. M. Davanon served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Altoona.

J. M. DEVENEAU

J. M. Deveneau served as pastor of Citra Baptist Church and Belleview Baptist Church. He served as field missionary for the Harmony Baptist Association in 1901.

J. M. DEVETTE

deVette,-J.M.

J. M. deVette (1884-1964) was born in the Netherlands. In 1888 his family moved to Muskegon, Michigan. He was ordained and married in 1913. He moved to Florida and served churches in Northeast Florida and South Georgia, including Yulee Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Geneva, Callahan Baptist Church, Hilliard Baptist Church, Ephesus Baptist Church, Ruhamah Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church, Fernandina. He also operated a woodworking shop in Fernandina. DeVette and his wife Ethel Larson deVette had two children.

VIRGIL DEVORE

Virgil Devore served as pastor of Tenth Street Baptist Church, Palmetto.

T. S. DEW

T. S. Dew served in the West Florida Baptist Association in 1860 and lived in Ucheeana. He was pastor of Union Baptist Church in Washington County in 1870.

L. C. DEWITT

L. C. DeWitt served as a Baptist minister in Florida and died in Marion Association in 1934.

E. G. DIAMOND

E. G. Diamond served as pastor of Sardis Baptist Church, Worthington Springs, Wacahoota Baptist Church, Micanopy, 1930-1931 and First Baptist Church, Bagdad.

M. G. DIAMOND

M. G. Diamond served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Jasper (1924-1927).

ALBERTO DIAZ

Alberta Diaz was the key figure in seeing Baptist work begin in Cuba. He was a soldier in the 1880s time of rebellion. He escaped from the hand of the Spaniards and moved to New York. He worked in a tobacco factory by day and studied medicine at night. While ill he discovered a Bible and translated it from English to Spanish. Upon doing this he trusted Christ as his Saviour and soon returned to Cuba to tell of his new found faith. Another Cuban crisis drove him and he family back to New York where they attended the Willoughby Avenue Baptist Church. Diaz was baptized there on November 26, 1882. The American Bible Society hired Diaz and sent him back to Cuba with boxes of Bibles in the spring of 1883. With many trials and persecutions, Diaz continued to preach and he and a small group of men rented a hall at Prado 115 in Havana. The Florida Baptist State Board of Missions sent W. F. Wood to investigate this new work in Cuba. Wood preached at Prado 115 and four stepped forward for baptism. By January 26, 1886, the first Baptist Church was constituted in Havana. Diaz went with Wood back to Key West where he was ordained January 27, 1886, and returned to Cuba. After the war he became Presbyterian. He died in 1916.

EDWIN DIAZ

Edwin Diaz Hendricks Avenue Spanish Mission, Jacksonville, 1977-1978 and First Baptist Church, Hialeah Spanish.

MOISES ABELLA DIAZ

Moises Abella Diaz (1936-2020) was a native of Cuba who served as a pastor for many years before coming to the United States. He served as pastor of Iglesia Bautista Rescate, Hialeah.

THOMAS HERNANDES DIAZ

Thomas Hernandes Diaz was born in Havana, Cuba, 1952. He graduated from Hispanic Baptist Theological Seminary and Wayland Baptist University. Diaz served as a missionary associate as Catalytic Language Director for the Key West Baptist Association assigned by the Home Mission Board. He has served as pastor of churches in Texas and Florida. His wife is Julia Diaz who is also a native of Havana.

E. C. J. DICKENS

E. C. J. Dickens served as pastor of Sardis Baptist Church, Worthington Springs.

BILLY J. DICKERSON

Dickerson,-Billy-J.

Billy J. Dickerson graduated from Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor in Texas and Florida. He served as pastor of Jackson Heights, Tampa from 1962 to 1967, and First Baptist Church, Mango for over 40 years. He and his wife Vesta had four children.

FRANK DICKERSON

Frank Dickerson served as pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church, Wesley Chapel).

ROBERT WILLIAM DICKERT

Robert William Dickert (1888-1975) was one of those unsung heroes in Florida Baptist life who served small pastorates all his ministry and was not that well known in ministerial circles. Dickert served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Barberville, Calvary Baptist Church, St. Augustine, 1946-1949, and First Baptist Church, Longwood. He served as associational missionary to the Seminole Baptist Association in 1944. Dickert and his wife, Nellie Mae, had one daughter, Mildred, and one son, Robert. Upon the death of Robert and Nellie Mae, they left $10,000 in church bonds for the work of the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. They are dead, but they speak.

HOWARD BRYANT DICKEY, SR.

Howard Bryant Dickey, Sr. (1940-2018) was born in Bartow to J. Alvis and Gladys Dickey. He attended Florida Southern college, Baptist Bible Institute,
Graceville, and Andersonville Baptist Seminary. Dickey served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Mulberry, First Missionary Baptist Church, Pensacola and Shady Hammock Baptist Church, Lake Wales, 1994-2017. He and his wife Deborah had five children.

BILL DICKINSON

Bill Dickinson served as pastor of Basinger First Baptist Church.

HERB A. DICKINSON, JR.

Herb A. Dickinson, Jr. served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Temple Terrace and director of missions for the Palm Lake Baptist Association, 1989-1999. His wife is Jean Dickinson.

JEAN F. DICKMAN

Jean F. Dickman (1927-2014) was born in Daytona Beach, Florida, the daughter of Ellsworth and France Sparber Dickman. She graduated from Stetson University and served as a Missionary Surgeon for the Southern Baptist Mission Board.

JOHN DICKS

Dicks,-John

John Dicks (1890-1986) served in the Beulah Association for over 80 years. He served as pastor of 31 churches in seven associations. He married Pearl Tyre in 1907, and they were married over 65 years. They had seven children. Dicks began his pastoral ministry during the circuit riding days and pastored as many as six churches at one time. He baptized over 1,200 people in his ministry. He baptized 66 in one service at Pine Grove in Trenton, Florida, and 38 in another service at Central in Aucilla, Florida. Some of the longer pastorates in Beulah Association were Eastside (7 years), Elim (7 years), Mt. Zion (9 years), Philippi (10 years), White Springs (11 years), and Providence Village (18 years). Dicks served Jennings (7 years) in Suwannee Association, and Sardis in Santa Fe Association (18 years) and Hatch Bend. It has been said that no man has done more for rural churches in the Florida Baptist Convention than John Dicks. On May 1, 1967, the John Dicks Scholarship Fund was begun especially for assisting ministerial students attending Baptist Bible Institute. Many ministers have been assisted by this fund.

JIM DICKSON

Jim Dickson (1932-2013) was born in Memphis, TN, the son of Jeff and Mary Dickson. He attended Florida Baptist College and served churches in Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. He retired in 2004 while serving as pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Deland. Dickson served 21 years in the ministry and his last seven years were at Northside (1998-2004). He and his wife, Joan, live in Deland. Dickson and his wife Joan had four children.

JOHN M. DICKSON, JR.

John M. Dickson, Jr. was the son of Louise B. and John M. Dickson, Sr. He was converted in 1932 and ordained to the ministry in 1939. Dickson was from Marianna and he attended Stetson University, the University of Florida, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor in Georgia and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Bunnell, Tenth Ave Baptist Church, Tampa, Mcintosh Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, Okeechobee. He served as director of missions for the Tampa Bay Baptist Association, 1954-1955 and worked as chaplain at Florida School for Boys at Okeechobee for 10 years. Dickson and his wife Lenora Carson Dickson had three children, James, Richard and Arline.

KELLY DICKSON

Kelly Dickson served as pastor of Westview Baptist Church and Howard Carlisle Baptist Church both of Panama City.

J. F. DICKY

J. F. Dicky was pastor at Fort Lauderdale in 1927.

BLANCHE JOE DIER, JR.

Blanche Joe Dier Jr. (1925-2005) was a 1944 graduate of LSU, a 1949 graduate of New Orleans Baptist Seminary and earned a master’s degree from Troy State University in 1979. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953, serving as a chaplain at military installations in Washington, British Columbia, Oregon, Florida, Okinawa, Mississippi and Alaska. A World War II veteran, he retired at Hurlburt Field, Fla., with the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1976. Dier served as pastor of Village Baptist Church, Destin, 1978-1982.

JOE DIGMON

Joe Digmon (1934-2009) was the son of Jimmie and Maude Digmon. He served 42 years as a Baptist preacher. Digmon was a veteran of the United States Army and worked for Monsanto Chemical Company for 35 years. He served as pastor of Ray’s Chapel and Bethel Baptist Church in Jay. Digmon and his wife Gail had two sons.

CHARLES G. DILWORTH

Charles G. Dilworth was pastor of Northwood Church in Miami in 1927.

CHARLES W. DILWORTH

Charles W. Dilworth served as the first pastor of First Baptist Church, Belle Glade in 1933.

E. E. DIXON

E. E. Dixon served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Barberville.

LYNN DIXON

Lynn Dixon served as pastor of Damascus Baptist Church, Graceville, 1990-1991.

ROBERT DIXON

Robert Dixon graduated from the University of North Carolina and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He serves as director of missions for the Middle Florida Baptist Association. Dixon and his wife Kim have four children.

J. RAY DOBBINS

J. Ray Dobbins (1918-1998) led in the organization of Lake Asbury Baptist Church and served as pastor of First Black Creek Baptist Church, Penney Farms. He served as Director of Missions of the Miami Baptist Association for 14 years and Director of Cooperative Missions for the Florida Baptist Convention for 16 years. Dobbins and his wife Doris Vaughn Dobbins had three children.

MICHAEL V. DOBBINS

Michael V. Dobbins (1946-) served as pastor of Florosa Chapel, Mary Ester, Florida, 1974-1975.

C. E. W. DOBBS

C. E. W. Dobbs served as a Baptist minister in Florida and died in Jacksonville in 1917. He was pastor in Key West in 1910.

MARK A. DOBBS

Mark A. Dobbs (1915-1985) was a native of Hall, Montana. He graduated from Stetson University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dobbs served as pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, Winter Garden, Dbbe Ridge Baptist Church, Tampa and Westside Baptist Church, Fort Pierce. He and his wife, Willi Mell Dobbs had one son.

EDUARDO DOCAMPO

Eduardo Docampo graduated from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of New Orleans. He served as Director of Missions for the Greater Orlando Baptist Association, 1996-1998.

BURDETTE W. DOCTER

Burdette W. Docter attended Baptist Bible Institute in Graceville, Florida. Docter served as pastor of Unity Church in Vernon, First Baptist Church, Laurel Hill and First Baptist Church, Winter Beach.

GEORGE SIMUEL DODD

George Simuel Dodd (1932-2014) was born in Austell, Georgia. He was a 20 year veteran of the United States Army and received the Purple Heart in the Korean War and a Bronze Star in Viet Nam. He was a 1972 graduate of (the Baptist College of Florida) the Baptist Bible Institute. He served as pastor of churches in Mississippi and Florida. George and his wife Gracie had three children: Tony, Don and Evelyn.

J. EARL DODD

J. Earl Dodd served as a Baptist minister in Florida and died at Greensboro in 1934.

RALPH DODD

Ralph Dodd served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Havana.

DOYLE WILLIAM DODSON, JR.

Doyle William Dodson, Jr. (1927-2017) was born in Knoxville, TN to Doyle William Sr. and Sophronia Russell Dodson. He graduated from Carson-Newman College, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Luther Rice Seminary. He pastored churches in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee for over 55 years including Brownsville Baptist Church, Pensacola. He and his wife Janelle Slaughter Dodson had four daughters.

JOHN B. DOHERTY

John B. Doherty served as the first pastor of Crystal Lake Baptist Church, 1958-1963.

RENEAU BAKER DOMINEY

Reneau Baker Dominey (August 4, 1929- ) was born in Clayton, Alabama. His parents were Raymond Jay and Cladia Christian Baker. His father was a blacksmith and his mother was a housewife. Dominey had one brother, Raymond Godfrey, who was born January 29, 1927. Dominey finished high school at Clayton High and attended Howard College (now Samford University) (A.B., 1951), and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (B.D., 1954). He married Jean Marie Patterson, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. E. N. Patterson. Dr. Patterson taught evangelism at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The marriage took place November 26, 1953, at Fairhope, Alabama and they had four sons. Dominey was converted at age 10 and ordained November 8, 1953, at Clayton Baptist Church. He served as pastor of Gainesville Baptist Church in Gainesville, Mississippi (1953), Midway Baptist Church in Thomasville, Alabama (1954), Hunter Memorial Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama (1954-1957), and Greensboro Baptist Church in Greensboro, Florida (1957-1963), Oakcrest Baptist Church, Pensacola (1964-), and Ensley Memorial Baptist Church, Pensacola (1975-1977). Dominey was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed woodwork and carpentry.

LEWIS A. DONNELLY

Lewis A. Donnelly served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Okahumpka, First Black Creek Baptist Church, Penney Farm and Beulah Baptist Church, Clay County in 1913-1918 and 1930-1932.

JOHN DORMAN

John Dorman (1942-2022) was born in Perry, Florida, the son of Henry Frank and Annie Lois Baxter Dorman. He served as pastor of New Home Baptist Church, Madison and Blue Creek Baptist Church. Dorman and his wife, Andrea Dorman had four sons, Anthony, John, Lincoln and James.

T.J. DORMANY

In 1864 T. J. Dormany was pastor of Limestone Church in Washington County and Pittman’s Creek Church in Holmes County.

J. J. DOROUGH

J. J. Dorough ( -2004) graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of churches in Indiana, Mississippi, West Virginia and Florida, including Fort McCoy Baptist Church, Marion County, Midway Baptist Church, Plant City, and First Baptist Church, Dover where he served for 21 years. He and his wife, Corinne Dorough, had four children.

T. H. DORRIS

T. H. Dorris (1892-1971) of Miami died January 13, 1971. Dorris served as pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Miami before he retired. He and his wife, Maude, had one daughter, Dorothy, and one son, James.

ROGER S. DORSETT

Roger S. Dorsett (1935- ) was born in Toccopala, Mississippi. He graduated from Mississippi Baptist College and Florida State University. He has served as pastor of churches in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, including Parkview Baptist Church, Lakeland. Dorsett served as superintendent of the Florida Baptist Children’s Home, 1968-1974. He and his wife Mildred Gipson Dorsett had three children.

JOHN C. DOSS

John C. Doss (1927-1977) was a graduate of Mercer University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Carabelle and Southside Church, Perry. He and his wife, Martha Drinkwater Doss, had two sons, Michael and Jerry.

W. W. DOSSEY

W. W. Dossey was ordained by Cross Roads Baptist Church, East Hillsborough County. He served as pastor of Webster Memorial Baptist Church, Lakeland; Gapway Baptist Church, 1930-1932; Webster Avenue Baptist Church, Tampa and East Side Baptist Church, Tampa.

J. M. DOTSON

J. M. Dotson was pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Myakka City, Florida, from 1895-1899. He assisted in the organization of Bowling Green, Zolfo Springs, and Frostproof. Dotson and his wife had six sons and three daughters.

A. E. DOUGLAS

A. E. Douglas served as pastor of Emporia Baptist Church, Pierson, 1939.

D. D. DOUGLAS

D. D. Douglas served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Longwood.

D. W. DOUGLAS

D. W. Douglas served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Sorrento.

GREG DOUGLAS

Greg Douglas (1955-2021) was born in Brooker, Florida, the son of Howard and Jean Douglas. He served as pastor of Pine Grove Baptist Church, Trenton. Douglas and his wife, Susan Moody Douglas had two sons, Jared and Jacob.

H. V. DOUGLAS

H. V. Douglas served as pastor of Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, Cottondale.

MARK DOUGLAS

Mark Douglas served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Wauchula.

SAMUEL DOUGLAS

Samuel Douglas served as pastor of Sandy Baptist Church, Peace River Baptist Association in 1956.

C. T. DOUGLASS

C. T. Douglass ( -1916) served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Winter Park, 1915-1916.

L. DOURY

L. Doury served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Winter Garden, 1889-1890.

JOE DOUTHITT

Joe Douthitt (1932-2021) was born in Batesville, Arkansas. He served as pastor of Elder Springs Baptist Church, Sanford; Lake Monroe Baptist Church; First Baptist Church, Osteen, and Lockhart Baptist Church (31 years). Douthitt and his wife, Beverly had three children.

J. N. A. DOWNEY

J. N. A. Downey served as pastor of First Baptist Church, LaBelle, 1914.

DAVID DOWNING

David Downing graduated from the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville and Liberty University, Lynchburg. He served as pastor of Westside Baptist Church, Plant City and Central Baptist Church, Cross City. He is married to Carla.

JOHN DOWNING

John Downing served as pastor of College Road Baptist Church, Ocala for 30 years, 1982-2012. Downing attended William Carey College, Hattiesburg. He served for three years at South Flomaton Baptist Church before becoming pastor at College Road in 1982. Downing and his wife Deloris have two children, Ann and John, Jr.

RICHARD ERNEST DOWNING

Richard Ernest Downing (1879-1934) was born in Lake County Tennessee. He was saved at age 14. He graduated from Union University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1905 and served pastorates in Tennessee and Kentucky. He served as pastor of Buena Vista Baptist Church, Miami (which united with Stanton Memorial Baptist Church) Miami from 1929 until his death.

GEORGE DOWNS

George Downs served as pastor of San Mateo Baptist Church, 1949 and Calvary Baptist Church, St. Augustine, 1953-1954.

G. M. DOYLE

G. M. Doyle was the son of W. G. and Mary E. Doyle. He served as pastor of Florida Avenue Baptist Church, Tenth Avenue Baptist Church and Orient Park Baptist Church.

W. G. DOYLE

W. G. Doyle (1879-1948) served as pastor of El Bethel Baptist Church, Tampa, First Baptist Church, Brandon (1919-1921), Paran Baptist Church, Grandin (1922), Sulphur Springs, Tampa, (1925), Orange Glade Baptist Church in 1928, Buffalo Ave Baptist Church, Tampa (1916), Port Tampa, and Florida Avenue Baptist Church. Doyle and his wife Mary Doyle had five children.

PHILLIP M. DRAAYOM

Phillip M. Draayom (1945-2006) was born in Bradenton, Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree in theology from The Baptist College of Florida. He served as pastor in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Draayom was best known among Florida Baptists as the Director of the Physical Plant at The Baptist College of Florida. He and his wife, Mary, had two sons; John and Paul, and one daughter; Michelle.

DAVID DRAKE

David Drake was born in Kentucky on March 7, 1955 to Roger and Elizabeth Drake. He graduated from St. Petersburg College, Trinity College, Dunedin, and Luther Rice Seminary He served: Clay Sink Baptist Church, Webster, 1975-1976; Northside Baptist Church, Brooksville 1976-1979; First Baptist Church, Bushnell, 1979-1981; Webster Memorial Baptist Church, Lakeland 1981-1987; First Baptist Church, Elfers 1987-1989; and First Baptist Church Eagle Lake 1989-2002. Since then, he has served as Director of Missions for the Northeast Florida Baptist Association. Denominationally, he has been on the State Board of Missions for three terms (1986-87, 1999-2002, 2006-07). Drake has served in active chaplaincy since 2005 as a sworn law enforcement chaplain and as a Florida Disaster Relief Chaplain. He is married to Jody and they have a son and a daughter.

THOMAS JEFFERSON DRAPER

Draper,-Tom

Thomas Jefferson Draper (April 27, 1915-November 2, 2003) was born in Brinkley, Arkansas. His father was Thomas Jefferson Draper, and his mother was Junia Americus George. His father was a chemist, and his mother was a graduate nurse. Draper graduated from Memphis Tech High School in 1933, and Florida State University (B.S., 1955). He also attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1949-1950). Draper married Anne Ford on November 23, 1938. She was born May 21, 1917, and they married in Memphis, Tennessee. They had two children, Charles David (February 9, 1954), and Debra Anne (September 1, 1956). Draper served eight years as a factory drug representative, five years as inspector for the Army Air Force and then as Minister of Education. Converted at age nine at First Baptist Church, Helena, Arkansas, Draper was ordained at Dauphin Way Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, in 1943. He served as Minister of Education at Calvary Baptist Church in Kansas City (1946-1949), First Baptist Church, Laurel, Mississippi (1949-1950), First Baptist Church, Pensacola (1950-1952), First Baptist Church, Decatur, Georgia (1952-1953), and First Baptist Church, Tallahassee. He served as Director of Missions of the Greater Orlando Baptist Association from 1968-1981. He was survived by his wife, Helen, and children; David, Deborah, Valerie, Donna, Karen, Jeff, and Kathleen. His first wife, Anne, preceded him in death.

H. E. DRAUGHON

H. E. Draughon served as pastor of West Pittman Baptist Church, Westville, 1939-1940, 1946-1947 and Union Hill Baptist Church, 1943-1946.

WALTER D. DRAUGHON, JR.

Walter D. Draughon, Jr. (1925-2008) was born in Newton, Alabama. He served in the United States Navy (1943-1949) and graduated from Tulane University (BBA), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M. Div.) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (D. ed.). He held pastorates in Louisiana, Alabama and Oklahoma. Draughon went to Baptist Bible Institute in 1958 and stayed until his retirement in 1991. He taught religious education and counseling and served as academic dean from 1961-1991. He was named dean emeritus in 1992. Draughon was survived by his wife of 59 years, Jacqueline Perry Draughon, and three children, Gwendalyn, Perry Kenyon and Walter “D” III.

WILLIS DREADEM

Willis Dreadem served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Malone.

C. E. DRIGGERS

C. E. Driggers served as pastor of Oak-Griner Baptist Church in 1930 and Fellowship Baptist Church, Ocala. Driggers died in 1932.

RUSSELL PAM DRINNEN

Russell Pam Drinnen (1932- ) was born in Knoxville, TN the daughter of Luther O. and Ellen C. Drinnen. She graduated from the Carver School of Missions and Social Work and Carson-Newman College. Drinnen served as associate, Baptist Young Women, WMU Department of the Florida Baptist Convention.

LUCIAN DRURY

Lucian Drury (Lucien) served as pastor of Antioch Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church, Longwood) in 1888, and the Baptist Church in Apopka for eight years. Drury also served as pastor in Dellingham, Mass. and as a professor at Bishop College, Marshall, TX. He and his wife Phoebe had two sons.

JIM DuBOIS

Jim DuBois served as pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church, Wesley Chapel).

JAMES CALVIN DuBOSE

James Calvin DuBose (1878-1953) was the son of James Isaiah and Mahalie Frances Pinkston DuBose. He attended Columbia College, Lake City. DuBose served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Ft. Pierce, Shiloh Baptist Church, Fort White, Sebastian, First Baptist Church, Vero Beach, Wabasso, Qauy, and Okeechobee. DuBose was also a watchmaker, optometrist and jeweler. He and his wife Alice Eleanor Jones DuBose were married in 1899.

JEWELL W. DUBOSE

Jewell W. Dubose (1922-2002) was a native of Mississippi. He served as a merchant marine during World War II. Dubose was a graduate of Southern University, Hattisburg and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as a minister for 55 years including Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Baker, 1955-1958; Highland Baptist Church, Molino (1971-1984). He and his wife Etrulah G. ‘Trudy’ Dubose had two children.

JOSEPH P. DUBOSE, JR.

Dubose,-Joseph

Joseph P. Dubose, Jr. (March 9, 1925 – April 4, 2012 ) was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He was converted and ordained at First Baptist Church, Orangeburg, and Dr. Roy O. McLain was the ordaining pastor. Dubose attended school at The Citadel (1941-1942), Colby College (1943), The University of South Carolina (B.S., 1948), and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (B.D., 1953), (Th.M., 1956), (D.Min., 1975). Dubose served as pastor at Tea Creek Baptist Church, Lovett, Indiana (1953-1954), associate pastor, First Baptist Church, Asheville, North Carolina (1954-1956), pastor of First Baptist Church, Marion, North Carolina (1956-1963), pastor of East Hill Baptist Church, Pensacola (1963-1977), and President of Baptist Bible Institute, 1977 to 1990. Dubose married Sybil Mellian Dubose, and they had three children; Joseph Daniel (1948), Jay Stephen (1952), and Jonathan Palmer (1955). Dubose was a First Lieutenant serving in the South Pacific in Work War II (1943-1946). Dubose preached widely and served his denomination faithfully as President at Baptist Bible Institute. He was a churchman. He brought accreditation to the College at a crucial time for the school.

RAYFORD DUCK

Rayford Duck (1925-1998) was born in Alexander City, Alabama, the son of Archibald Clifton and Ella Mae Litsey Duck.He served as pastor of Woodlawn Baptist Church, Okaloosa County, Oakdale Valley Road Baptist Church, and Damascus Baptist Church, Graceville, 1984-1987. Duck retired to Crestview where he has served as interim pastor for Rosemont Baptist Church, Niceville and Pine Summit Baptist Church, Pensacola. He and his wife Jean H. Duck had two sons and one daughter.

REX DUCKETT

Rex Duckett was a native of Ashville, North Carolina and a graduate of Wake Forest College. He was a veteran of World War I. Duckett served as pastor of churches in North Carolina, Viginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia and Florida, including Central Baptist Church, St. Petersburg; Southside Baptist Church and Melrose Heights Baptist Church, Miami. He and his wife Daphene Stell Duckett had one daughter.

ELIFRANCE DUCLOS

Elifrance Duclos served as pastor of Mount Olive Haitian Church, Jacksonville.

CHUCK DUGAN

Chuck Dugan serves as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hammock. Wife: Sherry.

D. M. DUGGAN

D. M. Duggan served as pastor of First Baptist Church, St. Petersburg.

DARREYL C. DUGGAR

Darreyl C. Duggar is the son of H. C. and Kathlyn Duggar. He graduated from Florida State University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Duggar served as pastor of churches in Tennessee, Ohio, Alabama and Florida, including Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He served as director of missions for the Apalachee Baptist Association. Duggar and his wife, Marcia Duggar have two children, Shannon and Zack.

HOMER DUGGAR

Dubose,-Joseph

Homer Duggar (1904-1978) was a native of Tallahassee. Duggar served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Sopchoppy, First Baptist Church, Crawfordville, Leon Ebenezer Baptist Church, Leon County, and First Baptist Church, Woodville. He served as pastor or interim pastor of Florida Baptist churches from 1946 to 1978. He and his wife, Elizabeth, had seven daughters, and one son.

CLAUDE WALKER DUKE

Duke,-Walter

Claude Walker Duke (1865-1936) was born July 17, 1865, in Nansemond County, Virginia. He graduated from Richmond College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Duke was pastor of First Baptist Church, Tampa (1905-1936) for 31 years. When Duke went to Tampa as pastor there were 346 members. At the time of his death on September 3, 1936, there were 2,550 members, and church property was worth $205,000. Duke served as president of the Florida Baptist State Convention in 1920 and 1921.

HARYEY DUKE

Harvey Duke (-2011) was born to John Elmer Duke and Mary Lucille Regan in Orlando, FL. He grew up in Jacksonville, FL. He graduated from Stetson University and the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Duke served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. While serving in the military, he felt called into full-time ministry and served as a Navy Reserve Chaplain until he retired at the rank of Captain. He was ordained into the ministry by Woodlawn Baptist Church in Jacksonville. Duke served the churches in Florida and North Carolina for over sixty years. He served as pastor of Palm Bay Baptist Church of Palm Bay, Union Baptist Church, of O’Brien, Central Baptist Church, of Leesburg. In 1951, Duke married June Claire Stewart and they had two sons, David and Mark.

JIMMY DUKES

Jimmy Dukes (1942-) is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. He graduated from Delta State University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M. Div., Th. D.). In 2007 Dukes became Director of the Theological Education and Distance Learning Department. Dukes had previously served as pastor and associate provost and professor at New Orleans Seminary. He and his wife Retia (1941-2009) had two sons.

ELIE DUMENY

Elie Dumeny served as pastor of Haitian Evangelical Baptist Church, Miami.

ARVIL DUNAWAY

Arvil Dunaway (1930-2019) was born in Greenwood, Florida to William and Clara Dunaway. He was a medic for the United States Army for 20 years; serving in the Korean War. After the served he graduated from Baptist Bible Institute in Graceville, William Carey College, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi including Shady Grove Baptist Church, Jackson County, and First Church, Southport in 1980. Dunaway and his wife Nell had four children.

B. F. DUNAWAY

B. F. Dunaway served as pastor of Sardis Baptist Church, (now Shady Grove) Grand Ridge.

ROBERT A. DUNAWAY

Robert A. Dunaway served as pastor of Ephesus Baptist Church, Hilliard.

RODGER D. DUNBAR

Rodger D. Dunbar served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, Jacksonville, 1880-1885.

CALEB DUNCAN

Caleb Duncan (1994- ) is the son of Donnie and Jackie Duncan. He graduated from the Baptist College of Florida and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He serves as Associational Missions Strategist for the West Florida Baptist Association. Duncan and his wife, Jennifer Duncan have one son.

CLYDE DUNCAN

Clyde Duncan was the son of Earl and Mary Ellen Duncan. He graduated from Stetson University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Duncan served as pastor of Fort Christmas Baptist Church; Parkview Baptist Church, Ft. Pierce, 1949-1950; Westside Baptist Church, Fort Pierce; First Baptist Church, Oneco; and Cedar Grove Baptist Church. He served as district missionary for the Indian River Baptist Association in 1958. Duncan and his wife Anna Jewel Duncan had four children.

DANIEL DUNCAN

Duncan,-Daniel

Daniel Duncan graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He served as pastor in Alabama, Kentucky, and Florida. In Florida he served as pastor of Long Avenue Baptist Church, Port St. Joe, and Gateway Baptist Church, Blountstown.

KEITH DUNCAN

Keith Duncan (1963-2021) was the son of Clarence and Fran Duncan. He graduated from the University of Florida and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Duncan served as pastor of Church at the Springs, Ocala at the time of his death. He and his wife, Deanne had two children.

MARGIE DUNCAN

Margie Duncan served as Baptist Collegiate Minister, Stetson University, 1977-2009 for the Florida Baptist Convention.

MARTY DUNCAN

Marty Duncan served as pastor of Crossway Baptist Church in Tallahassee. He was a 26 year veteran of law enforcement serving as a senior level chaplain. Duncan and his wife, Susan, have three children.

POPE A. DUNCAN

Duncan,-Pope

Pope A. Duncan (September 8, 1920-2003) was a Kentucky native who had served as president of two different colleges before going to Stetson University (1977-1987). He had served as President of South Georgia College and Georgia Southern College. Duncan attended the University of Georgia (B.A., M.S., in physics) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., Th.D.). He was an ordained minister, and served as pastor in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. He served as professor of religion at Stetson (1946-1948, 1949-1953), and later associate professor of church history at Southeastern Theological Seminary. He was elected president of Stetson when he was 57 years of age, and served during the Stetson 50 million dollar campaign. He worked hard to support faculty study, research, and writing. Duncan served as Secretary-Treasurer and Curator, Florida Baptist Historical Society 1950 — 1952.

JAMES T. DUNHAM

James T. Dunham (1929-) was born in Greene County, MS. He graduated from Clarks Memorial Junior College, MS, Mississippi College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach.

EDWARD MANLOVE CLAYTON DUNKLIN

Edward Manlove Clayton Dunklin (April 28, 1863-March 10, 1952) was born in Collirene, Lowndes County, Alabama. He received his early schooling at Barnes School in Strata, Florida, and graduated in 1897 from Georgetown College in Kentucky, and finished at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Louisville, Kentucky in 1898. Dunklin’s family were slave owners, and when the slaves were set free, the family moved to Florida and bought orange groves. Freezing weather forced them out of the grove business. Dunklin was licensed to preach by the Ocala Church, and ordained on July 30, 1891, by the Oxford Church in the Alachua Association. He married Pauline Gomes on June 25, 1902. He served as pastor at Oxford, Peniel, Belleview, Apopka, Coleman, and Center Hill. He served as missionary of the State Board in the Tampa area from 1910-1917. From 1917-1921, he served as missionary in the St. Johns River Association. Then from 1921-1938, he entered his greatest service as missionary in the Indian River Association. He organized the Lemon Heights and Hollister Baptist Churches. He had a great and powerful influence in preaching to the Seminole Indians and received tribal and national recognition for his work.

DON DUNLAP

Don Dunlap served as pastor of Leon Ebenezer Baptist Church and Lake Talquin, Tallahassee.

J. A. DUNLAP

J. A. Dunlap attended Mercer University. He served as pastor of Baldwin Baptist Church, Duval County, 1929.

GEORGE E. DUNN, SR.

Dunn,-George

George E. Dunn, Sr. (c 1938-July 24, 1997) was born in Tampa, Florida, the son of Rev. and Mrs. George W. Dunn. He was a graduate of the University of Tampa and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. served as pastor of North Hillsborough Baptist Church, Arcadia, First Baptist Church, Bonita Springs, and West Side Baptist Church, Hollywood. Dunn served as Director of Missions of Florida Keys, 1978-1979; Santa Rosa, 1977, and Seminole Baptist Associations, 1979-1996. He was the mission director of Seminole Association at the time of his death in 1997, and had served since 1979. Dunn was best known to Florida Baptists as facilities coordinator of the Florida Baptist Convention for over 20 years. He was always at the convention to give help and coordination to all convention efforts. He and his wife, Beverly, had three children.

GEORGE W. DUNN

George W. Dunn served as pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Wauchula, 1947-49, First Baptist Church, Bronson, Bethany Baptist Church, Plant City, and New Zion Baptist Church.

JAMES T. DUNNAM

James T. Dunnam (1929-2009) was born in Bothwell, MS. Dunnam graduated from Mississippi College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach (1962-1968). In 1968 he went as pastor of First Baptist Church, Cocoa. While in Tampa Dunnam also pastored at Northgate Baptist Church. First Baptist Church of Carrollwood and First Baptist Church of Northdale. Dunnam and his wife Betty Sue Holt Dunnam had three children.

E. L. DUPREE

E. L. Dupree served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Jasper (1943-1945).

JAMES EDGAR DUPREE

James Edgar Dupree (1872-1955) was the son of John Haley Dupree. He served as a Baptist preacher for 44 years. He served as pastor of Phoenix Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Capitola Baptist Church, Leon County and First Baptist Church, Jasper. Dupree and his wife Minnie F. Dupree (1873-1896) married in 1894 and she died in 1896. He then married Mabel Hall Dupree (1882-1948) in 1901.

J. L. DuRANT

J. L. DuRant served as pastor of Highlands Baptist Church and Flomich Avenue Baptist Church, Daytona Beach.

CECIL DURDEN

Cecil Durden (1917-1981 was born in Lady Lake, Florida, the son of Luis Rufus and Freddie Lee DeVaun Durden. He founded and was pastor at Valrico Baptist for five years. Durden also served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Tampa, Union Baptist Church, Trenton, Mt. Horab, High Springs and Riverside Baptist. He and his wife Ruth Lillian Shaw Durden had two children.

GEORGE A. DURHAM

George A. Durham (1913-1993) was a native of Tampa. He was licensed and ordained by the Seminole Church. He attended Florida Bible Institute in 1939, and also New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of churches in Charlotte Harbor, Fort Myers, and Westwood Baptist Church, Live Oak, 1950-1953. He also served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Sebastian, Salem Baptist Church in Tampa, and First Baptist Church in Port St. Lucie. He and his wife, Helen, were married 56 years. They had one daughter, Florence, and two sons, George Jr. and James.

M. A. “MAC” DURRANCE

M. A. “Mac” Durrance (1923-2002) was born in Bradenton. He was ordained into the ministry in 1972. Durrance served as pastor of Hi-Haven Baptist Church, Clewiston, Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church, Arcadia, Dry Prairie Baptist Church, Duette and Crewsville Bethel Baptist Church. He and his wife Evelyn were married for fifty-four years.

MILTON DOW DURRANCE

Dupree,-James

Milton Dow Durrance (1924-2001) was a native of Wauchula, Florida. He was the son of Dow and Nell Durrance. His father, uncle, and two grandfathers were Baptist preachers. He was ordained in 1950 at the age of 26. He served as pastor of Woodruff Heights Mission in Avon Park, First Baptist Church, Bowling Green, First Baptist Church, Williston, New Zion Baptist Church, Tampa, and First Baptist Church, Arcadia. He also served as pastor and interim pastor of chruches in Georgia. He and his wife, Wilma, had four daughters, Brenda, Kay, Alisa, and Darlene. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Vivian Weeks Durrance and a son, Dennis.

SAMUEL F. DURRANCE

Samuel F. Durrance (December 20, 1884-March 15, 1951) lived and labored in Central Florida. He married Ada Lee Williams and they had four daughters and one son. He was a well known preacher and pastor in a wide variety of south central Florida churches, including Dry Prairie Baptist Church, Bowling Green, Florida, where he served as pastor twice, 1923-1925 and 1933-1951. He was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and died while living near Wauchula, Florida.

L. E. DUTTON

L. E. Dutton was pastor of Delray Beach Baptist Church in 1934 and 1935.

RAY DUVAL

Ray Duval served as pastor of Leon Ebenezer Baptist Church, Leon County.

B. DYAL

B. Dyal served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, New River Baptist Association in 1905.

KENNETH E. DYAL, SR.

Kenneth E. Dyal, Sr. (1953-2010) was a native of Ft. Myers. He served for 25 years as the pastor of The Church at Argyle in Jacksonville. He and his wife Becky had two sons, Kenny and Darrell.

W. B. DYE

W. B. Dye served faithfully in Kentucky, and then moved to Florida due to failing lungs. He worked at Bartow, Kissimmee, and Plant City. He died February 7, 1895.

H. O. “TONY” DYER, JR.

H. O. “Tony” Dyer, Jr. (1948-2020) was born in Houston, Texas, the son of H. O. “Tony” Sr. and Dorothy Dyer. He graduated from Southeastern Baptist College and Luther Rice Seminary. Dyer served as pastor of churches in Mississippi, Missouri, Texas and Florida, including Tamiami Baptist Church, Miami. He and his wife, Evelynn Laird Dyer had two children.

LUTHER B. DYER

Luther B. Dyer (1924-1998) served as pastor in Oklahoma, Missouri and Florida. He was the State Evangelism Director in Missouri from1968 to 1974. He also served as pastor of Wayside Baptist Church, Miami, and Spencer Memorial Baptist Church, Tampa. In 1982 he became Director of Missions for the South Florida Association and served there until his retirement in 1988. He and his wife, Wanda, had one daughter, Melinda.

JULIAN L. DYESS

Julian L. Dyess served as pastor of Hatch Bend Baptist Church, Branford.

M. L. DYESS

M. L. Dyess served as field missionary for the St. Johns River Baptist Association, 1885-1886 and as a pastor in the Florida Baptist Convention and died at Rex in August 1903.

W. M. DYESS

W. M. Dyess served as pastor of Bostwick Baptist Church, Palatka.

BOB DYGERT

Bob Dygert served as pastor of Knights Baptist Church, Plant City.

FLOYD L. DYKES

Dykes,-Floyd

Floyd L. Dykes (1895-1982) was a Baptist preacher for over 60 years. He served as a pastor for 44 years. He attended Newton Institute and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary when it was Baptist Bible Institute. His pastorates included Bonifay, River Junction, Graceville, First Baptist, Crestview, Vernon, Alford, Milligan, Pilgrim’s Rest, Baker, Live Oak, Vernon (1936-1942), and Gulf Beach, Panama City. He also served as moderator in Okaloosa and West Florida Associations. Dykes and his wife, Lottie May Dykes, had two daughters, Sarah and Bernice.

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