Biographies E

November 23, 2020

Biographies G

November 23, 2020

Biographies F

A. RUDOLPH FAGAN

A. Rudolph Fagan (1930-2018) was the son of Lemuel and Grace Smith Fagan. He attended Stetson University, DeLand and graduated from Samford University, Birmingham and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth. Fagan pastored churches in Texas and Florida including Boca Grande, Sebring, Orlando and Bradenton. He had served as president of the Florida Baptist Convention in 1974 before serving as the president of the Stewardship Commission (1974-1994). Fagan and his wife Florrie Bateman Fagan had four children.

L.T. FAGAN

L. T. Fagan (1903-1976) was born in Mathiville, Mississippi. He graduated from Mississippi State College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Fagan was ordained in 1929. He served as pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Wauchula, First Baptist Church in Arcadia, 1945-1953, and Clewiston Baptist Church, 1953-1963. Fagan was also a retired military chaplain. He and his wife, Grace, had three sons, Rudy, Oscar, L. T., and three daughters.

MIKE FAHEY

Mike Fahey was born in Baltimore, Maryland, he graduated from Florida State University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served in the U. S. Air Force before serving as pastor of churches in North Carolina and Florida, including Florosa Baptist Church, Fort Walton. Fahey and his wife, Dessie Belle Holland Fahey had two children.

MARVIN ERNEST FAILE

Marvin Ernest Faile was born in Lancaster, South Carolina. He graduated from Tennessee Temple College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Faile served as pastor of churches in George, North Carolina and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Hampton, Florida. He and his wife Virginia Toles Faile had five children.

J. P. FAIRCLOTH

J. P. Faircloth served as field missionary for the Lafayette Baptist Association in 1906.

JACK FAIRCLOTH, SR.

Jack Faircloth, Sr. (1936-2017) was born in Bonifay to Lloyd and Flossie Paul Faircloth. Faircloth served as pastor to Hurricane Baptist Church, White Water Baptist Church, Oak Grove Baptist Church and for 48 plus years at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Graceville. Faircloth also served as Holmes County Clerk of Court and Holmes County Property Appraiser. He and his wife Lou had six children; Mary Ann, Jackie, Jr., Lynn, Cynthia, Lloyd, and Robin.

OVIS E. FAIRLEY

Ovis E. Fairley (1928-1992) was a graduate of Mississippi College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor in Mississippi, Kentucky, Montana, Wyoming, and Florida during his 30 year ministry. At the time of his death he was serving as mission pastor of College Park Baptist Church in Orlando. He and his wife, Virginia, had three daughters; Ellen, Carol, and Jacquiline, and two sons, Peter and Timothy.

LYLE FALKENHAGEN

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

ADELA FALES

Adela Fales spoke English and Spanish and was one of the very earliest pioneers in Home Mission work among Cubans for the Florida Baptist Convention. In 1884 the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and the State Mission Board of Florida appointed Miss Fales as a missionary to Cuba. Miss Fales served faithfully in Cuba, Key West, and Tampa. Her hard work and influence upon the Cuban population is well recorded.

BERNARD FALLIN

Bernard Fallin (1927-2008) was born in Socrum, Florida. He graduated from Florida Southern College and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Kathleen Baptist Church, Lakeland, First Baptist Church, North Fort Myers and East Gate Baptist Church. Fallin and his wife, Carolyn Fallin had two children.

OSWALD BENJAMIN FALLS

Oswald Benjamin Falls (July 4, 1877- January 1, 1967) was born in Bedford County, Virginia. He attended school at Fork Union Academy (1898), Richmond College (1905), and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1907). He served as pastor of Fulton Avenue Baptist Church in Baltimore (1907-1911), First Baptist Church in Denison, Texas (1911-1914), First Baptist Kissimmee, Florida (1916-1921), First Baptist Church in Bamberg, South Carolina (1922-1926), Wisconsin Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. (1926-1927) and others before he retired in 1949. Falls married Glennie Parker (who was born in Berwick, Nova Scotia) on October 12, 1910 in Marlboro, Massachusetts. They had five children; Howard, Oswald Jr., Helen, Catherine (born in Kissimmee) and Margaret. Helen taught missions at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary for 40 years. Helen died June 11, 2012, in Richmond, Virginia.

JAMES THOMAS FANN

James Thomas Fann served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Wildwood. He and his wife Mildred Bernice McLeod Fann had four sons.

T. U. FANN

T. U. Fann graduated from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Midway Baptist Church, Plant City, 1939-1940; and Calvary Baptist Church, Tampa. While at Calvary he also served as dean and instructor in the Calvary Church Bible School.

CHARLES DAVID FANT, SR.

Charles David Fant, Sr. (1903-1978) was a native of Linden, TX. He attended East Texas Baptist College, Marshall. Fant pastored churches in Texas, Louisiana and Florida. He served as pastor of Highland Baptist Church, Molino, Billory Baptist Church, Holley and Olivet Baptist Church, Milton. He married Eva G. Moulton Fant and they had six children. Following the death of Eva, Fant married Lois Ates.

CLYDE E. FANT

Clyde E. Fant served as O. L. Walker Chair, a faculty position being endowed by gifts from the churches of the Florida Baptist Convention and Dean of the Chapel for Stetson University, 1985-2000.

ALPHA THEODORE FARABEE

Alpha Theodore Farabee (January 28, 1850-June 14, 1912) was born in Athens, Georgia. He and his wife had eleven children. Farabee served as pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Myakka, Florida from 1893-1895, and Oak Grove Baptist Church, Wauchula from 1897-98, 1907-08. It was while Farabee was pastor that the name of the church was changed from Manatee Baptist Church of Christ to Bethany Baptist Church.

BASKIN “BASSIE” FARABEE

Baskin “Bassie” Farabee (1891-1975) was the son of D. J. and Florence Roberts Farabee of Hardee County. He was ordained at Ona Baptist Church in 1954. Farabee served as pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Myakka City. He and his wife Gladys had four daughters.

FRANK FARIS

Frank Faris (January 6, 1882-December 19, 1975) was born in Bristol, TN, the son of S. P. and Adelia (Evans) Faris. He attended school in West Virginia, briefly studied medicine, worked on the railroad, in a saw mill, mined coal, learned heavy construction, and eventually became a master mechanic. In 1910, he enlisted in the U. S. Army. Faris served as pastor of Green Pond Baptist Church, Polk City, Clay Sink Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Dover, Gibsonton Baptist Church, Seffner Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Cottondale, and Richland Baptist Church, Zephyrhills. He served as associational missionary for the South Florida Baptist Association, 1942-1945. He and his wife Alice Leona Hixon Faris had one daughter. Faris will be remembered for his dream of seeing training offered to non-college men for ministry. In 1943, T. S. Boehm, pastor of First Baptist Church in Lakeland gave Faris the nod he needed to help start Baptist Bible Institute. After the founding of the school, Faris served on the board of trustees for ten years. He was chairman of the board in 1957, when the school came under the auspices of the Florida Baptist Convention. Faris was born and raised a Catholic. He was saved at age 38 while attending a Baptist revival meeting.

DANIEL B. FARMER

Daniel B. Farmer (1847-1904) was born in Maine and died in Massachusetts in 1905. He worked in Florida for 25 years as pastor and evangelist. Farmer was pastor of Blue River (1888), Parkerburg (1888), Olivet Baptist Church, Ocala (1888-1890) Anthony (1893), First Baptist Church, Lake City (1897), and First Baptist Church, Winter Garden (1900-1901). He had an extensive library and was known for his great doctrinal preaching.

TOMMY FARMER

Tommy Farmer was a native of Deatsville, Alabama. He served in the U. S. Air Force before becoming a pastor. Farmer served as pastor of Oakland Baptist Church and Choctaw Beach Baptist Church (1973-1975). He and his wife, Jean had two children, Janet and Mike.

WILLIE FARMER, JR.

Willie Farmer, Jr. served as pastor of Choctaw Beach Baptist Church (1970-1972).

J. T. FARNELL

J. T. Farnell served as pastor of Live Oak Baptist Church, Macedonia Baptist Church, Midway Baptist Church, New Hopewell Baptist Church and San Pedro Baptist Church.

ARCHIBALD L. FARR

Archibald L. Farr (1826-1886) was born in Albion, New York and graduated from the University of Rochester (1854) and Rochester Seminary (1856). He served as a pastor in Illinois, Iowa, New York and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Orlando, First Baptist Church, DeLand.

G. E. FARR

G. E. Farr served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Seabreeze (now Calvary Baptist Church), Daytona Beach and First Baptist Church, Crescent City.

THEO H. FARR

Theo H. Farr (1912-1965) was a native of Texas. He served as pastor of Lake Helen Baptist Church, West Hill Baptist Church, Oklawaha Baptist Church, Whitfield Baptist Church, Pensacola and Fort McCoy Baptist Church, Marion County. Farr served as superintendent of missions in Escambia County. He was a teacher of music at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Farr was married to Pearl Millington Farr.

CHARLES S. FARRISS

Charles S. Farriss ( -1938) served as editor of the Florida Baptist Witness and on the faculty at Stetson University, DeLand.

BILL FAULKNER

Bill Faulkner served as Director of Missions for the Greater Orlando Baptist Association. He and his wife, Brenda have three children.

JOSEPH W. FAULKNER

Joseph W. Faulkner served as pastor of Spring, Warrior, Unity, Salam, and Perry Baptist churches in Taylor County. He served as missionary for the Florida Baptist Association, 1882-1884 and died in 1890.

TOM FAULKNER

Tom Faulkner served as pastor of San Pedro Baptist Church, Taylor County, 1887.

WALTER FAUST

Walter Faust (1895-1972) was a native of Chicago, Illinois. He served as pastor of Oklawaha Bridge Baptist Church and Central Baptist Church, Orlando (aka Calvary). Faust and his wife, Phyllis Mary McLennan Faust had one daughter and two sons.

ALEXIS FAXAS

Alexis Faxas is a native of Cuba. He serves as pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista Esperanza, Marianna. Faxas and his wife, Eilyn Faxas, have three sons.

WALTER B. FEAGINE

Walter B. Feagine (1887-1975) served as pastor in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. He served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater for over 15 years. Feagine was a graduate of Kings College, Bristol, Tennessee, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He received an honorary doctorate from Stetson University. Feagine and his wife, Beulah, had two sons, Carroll and Walter.

W. I. FEAZELL

W. I. Feazell served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Lake City.

ROGER P. FELIPE

Roger P. Felipe (1962- ) was born in Havana, Cuba. He graduated from Cordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Massachusetts, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Miami and Miami Christian College. Felipe served as Associate Team Strategist Theological Education Ministries for the Florida Baptist State Convention. He and his wife Elaine have two children.

KENY FELIX

Keny Felix was born in Guadeloupe to missionaries St. Louis and Nazette Felix. He graduated from the University of Miami and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Felix served as pastor of Bethel Evangelical Haitian Baptist Church, Miami Gardens.

EDWARD P. FENDLEY

Edward P. Fendley (1902-1962) served as pastor of Athens Baptist Church in Lake City, Main Street in Leesburg, and First Baptist Church, Delray Beach. He also served as pastor in Alabama, Georgia, and Arkansas. Fendley married Erin Livingston, and they had two daughters, Peggy and Carolyn, and one son, Edward Jr. Fendley died March 8, 1962, in Demopolis, Alabama.

JAMES A. FENTON

James A. Fenton served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Wabasso and Little River Baptist Church.

BILLY L. FERGUSON

Billy L. Ferguson (1924-2012) was the son of Floyd M. Sr. and Grace W. Ferguson. He was the founder and first pastor of Chapel by the Sea, Fort Pierce; later becoming pastor emeritus upon his retirement. Ferguson and his wife, Francis Ferguson had two children.

DAVID L. FERGUSON

David L. Ferguson was the son of Billy L. and Frances Ferguson. He served as pastor of the deaf ministry of South Beach Chapel by the Sea, Fort Pierce.

LLOYD ERNEST FERGUSON

Lloyd Ernest Ferguson (1891-1945) was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He married Elsie Virginia Bobo. He served as pastor of Myrtle Grove Baptist Church (1939-1940).

AL FERNANDEZ

Al Fernandez (1958-) the son of Cuban immigrants, Adalberto and Gerenarda Fernandez, is a native of Miami. He is a graduate of Florida International University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MA). He served Central Baptist Church, Miami from 1993 – 1997and Jubilee Community Church, Miami from 1998 – 2004. Since that time, he has served in several Florida Baptist Convention roles in south Florida. Beginning as an Associate Church Planting Field Missionary for the Southeast Region in 2004 – 2006, he then became an appointed Missionary of North American Mission Board, 2004 – 2015. During that time, he worked with the Florida Baptist Convention as Associate Director of the Urban Impact Ministry, 2007 – 2008; Director of the Urban Impact Ministry, 2008 – 2011 and Lead Strategist of the Church Planting Group 2011 – 2015. Since 2015 he has served as Southeast Regional Catalyst of the Florida Baptist Convention. Before beginning his time with NAMB/FBC, Al was active in his local association serving Miami Baptist Association on the Stewardship Committee, as leader of an Assist Team, and as team leader of the Leadership Development Committee, Strategic Focus Cities, Miami. He was a member of the State Board of Missions from 2001 – 2004 and Vice President of the State Board of Missions in 2003 – 2004. Fernandez and his wife Noemi have three children.

ROBERT E. FERREL

Robert E. Ferrel served churches in Mississippi, Ohio, Georgia, and North Dakota before becoming pastor of Pembroke Lakes Chapel in Miramar in 1980.

C. H. FERRELL

C. H. Ferrell served as pastor of the Sarasota Baptist Church in 1913. He moved there from Harrisburg, Illinois. He and his wife moved to Sarasota when he was about age 45.

R. W. FERRELL

R. W. Ferrell served as pastor of First Baptist Church, High Springs.

W. A. FERRELL

W. A. Ferrell served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hastings and died in 1934.

SHANE FICKLING

Shane Fickling served as pastor of West Hill Missionary Baptist Church, (now Whitfield Memorial), Pensacola and Creighton Road Baptist Church.

GERALD FIELDER

Gerald Fielder served as pastor of Leon Ebenezer Baptist Church, Leon County.

KENNETH FIELDS

Kenneth Fields graduated from Athens College, Scarritt College and Luther Rice Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Northside Baptist Church, Panama City. Fields and his wife, Terry had three daughters, Paula, Angela and Rebecca.

SAMUEL FIELDS

Samuel Fields was pastor of Coconut Grove Baptist Church in 1939.

JOHN THOMAS FILLINGIM

John Thomas Fillingim (March 15, 1856-June 24, 1946) was born at Cedartown (present day Molino). His parents were Valendine and Sarah Alexina Dukes Fillingim. John Thomas married Eugenia S. Durden on February 2, 1875, and they had seven sons and four daughters. Fillingim was pastor of numerous churches in the Pensacola area during his ministry, including Union Hill, Pine Barren, Ray’s Chapel, Pleasant Grove, Molino, Walnut Hill, (which he helped to organize in 1920), Poplar Dell, Oak Grove Baptist Church (a forty year pastorate), but he and his wife always remained members at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Fillingim served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives in 1886 and 1904.

WISNEL FILS-AIME

Wisnel Fils-Aime served as pastor of Beree Haitian Church, Miami.

W. E. FINDLEY

W. E. Findley served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Blountstown.

WILSON FINCH

Wilson Finch served as pastor of Franklin Street Baptist Church, Jacksonville, 1926-1928.

JAMES R. FINK

James R. Fink (1940-) was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. He graduated from Stetson University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Fink served as pastor of churches in Kentucky, Indiana and Florida, including Franklin Heights Baptist Chapel, Deland and Eliam Baptist Church, Melrose. He and his wife, Edna Mae Fink had two sons, James, Jr. and Paul.

JOHN FINK

John Fink served as a pastor of First Baptist Church, Longwood and died in December 1891.

LARRY FINLEY

Larry Finley served as pastor of churches in Georgia and Florida, including Greenwood Baptist Church, 1978-1980, First Baptist Church, Immokalee, Clay Hill Baptist Church, and Northside Baptist Church, Starke.

D. T. FIROR

D. T. Firor was pastor of Ojus and Lemon City Baptist churches in 1915.

MARK A. FISCHER

Mark A. Fischer served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hialeah.

J. L. A. FISH

J. L. A. Fish served faithfully as a pastor in Florida and died in 1890.

A. L. FISHER

A. L. Fisher served as pastor of FBC Brandon from 1924-1925.

BURTON A. FISHER

Burton A. Fisher served as pastor of Ridgewood Avenue Baptist Church, 1928-1929.

GRANVILLE C. FISHER

Granville C. Fisher was born in Nashville, TN. He graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville. Fisher served as pastor of Main Street Baptist Church, Jacksonville and Riverside Baptist Church and Little River Baptist Church, 1933-1934, both in Miami.

JAMES E. FISHER, III

James E. Fisher, III, (1961-2003) died while attending the Southern Baptist Pastors Conference in Phoenix, on June 24, 2003. He had served as pastor of Wauchula Hills Baptist Church and East Side Baptist Church, Punta Gorda. At the time of his death he was pastor of Liberty Community Church in North Port. He and his wife, Cindy, had one daughter (Ashley) and one son (A. J.).

LOUIS BENJAMIN FISHER, JR.

Louis Benjamin Fisher, Jr., (June 21, 1936- ) was born in Pompano Beach, Florida. He was the son of Louis and Inez Fisher. Fisher graduated from Pompano Beach High School (1954) and the University of Miami (B.A., 1961). He was ordained by First Baptist Church, Pompano Beach, in 1958. Fisher served as pastor of Loxhatchee in Loxhatchee; West Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale; Palm Springs in Hialeah, and Palm Springs in Palm Springs. Fisher organized the Benny Fisher Evangelistic Association in 1965, and preached all over Florida, and in many prominent pulpits outside the state. Fisher and his wife, Barbara, had two sons; Louis III and Lamar. Fisher’s family helped organize First Baptist Church of Pompano Beach.

THOMAS FISHER

Thomas Fisher was a minister at Tampa Second and died in 1896.

KARL NATHANIEL FLAGG

Karl Nathaniel Flagg (November 26, 1959- ) was born in Palatka, Florida, the son of John Henry Flagg, Sr., and Effie Lee Flagg-Smith. Flagg attended St. Johns River Community College, Miami Dade Community College (A.S., 1979), and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Flagg has served as pastor of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church (1991-present), and is President of the Karl N. Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel, Inc., in Palatka. He has been a city commissioner in Palatka (1990-1995), and has served as mayor since 2000. Flagg is married to Terriana Gilyard-Flagg (June 14, 1986—Flag Day). They have two daughters, Karla Nikole (April 1, 1991) and Kandyce Nateria (March 24, 1997).

C. R. FLANDERS

C. R. Flanders served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Milligan.

BILL FLANNIGAN

Bill Flannigan served as pastor of Plainview Baptist Church, Pensacola, 2000-2023. His wife is Hanna Flannigan.

VERNON F. FLEGLE

Vernon F. Flegle (1926-1999) served faithfully as pastor of seventeen different Baptist Churches in Florida over a ministry of 37 years. Flegle served Union Baptist Church, Lily (1961-1963), North Hillsboro Baptist Church, Arcadia (1963-1965), First Baptist Church Dundee (1965-1970), Garden Baptist Church, Tampa (1971-1975), First Baptist Church, Estero (1976-1980), Crossroads Baptist Church, Lithia (1980-1982), Lake Pearce Baptist Church, (1982-1984), First Baptist Church Arcadia (1985), and First Baptist Church, Moore Haven, where he retired in 1990. Flegle came out of retirement to pastor Limestone Baptist Church, Zion Hill Baptist, Fort Green, Fort Ogden, and Brownsville. Family members project that over 4,000 came to Christ in the ministry of Brother Flegle.

E. C. FLEMING

E. C. Fleming served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Laurel Hill.

JOHN FLEMING

John W. Fleming was born in Prestonburg, Kentucky (1941-) the son of Leonard and Hannah Fleming. He served: First Baptist, Pinellas Park (1960-1962); Northeast Park Baptist, St. Petersburg (1962-1967); First Baptist, Belle Glade (1967- 1968); First Baptist, Sebring (1968 -1970); First Baptist, Lake Wales (1970-1973); First Baptist, Pinellas Park (1973-1976); Parkwood Baptist, Jacksonville (1976-1979); First Baptist, Pompano Beach (1979- 1984); Perrine Baptist, Miami (1984-1988); Palm Lake Baptist, West Palm Beach (1988-1991); Olive Baptist, Pensacola (1991-1995) and First Baptist, Oveido (1995-1997). Denominationally, Fleming served as an age group specialist for the Florida Baptist Sunday School Department in Youth, Adult and General Officers and was twice elected President of the Florida Baptist Religious Education Association. He served as the Executive Director of Gulf Stream Baptist Association, Ft. Lauderdale (1997- 2007). He currently serves as Congregational Wellness Director for the Montgomery Baptist Association, Montgomery, Alabama. Fleming and his wife Kay have two daughters.

JULIAN FLEMING

Julian Fleming served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Milligan and First Baptist Church, Campbellton, 1976-1982.

LOUISE CECILIA FLEMING

Louise Cecilia Fleming (January 28, 1862-June 20, 1899) was one of the most remarkable Baptist women in Florida in the 1800s. She was born in Hibernia (near Green Cove Springs), Clay County, the daughter of a slave mother who was owned by a family in the farming business. The first name of her mother and the name of the slave-owning family are lost to us. Clay County Courthouse records burned and few records are available before 1865. Fleming attended church with her mother and the slave-owning family at the Bethel Baptist Church of Jacksonville. This church was organized in 1848 with eleven whites and 145 slaves. After the war the church divided along racial lines and the white members called themselves First Baptist Church, Jacksonville. The black members became what is now Bethel Baptist Institutional Church of Jacksonville. Fleming taught school for awhile after completing a tenth grade education. She moved to North Carolina and taught in the Raleigh area. She was invited to attend Shaw University, and graduated as class Valedictorian on May 27, 1885. She sought an appointment as an American Baptist Convention foreign missionary, and was appointed as their first black female missionary. She was appointed to the Congo in May 1886, and served until an illness caused her to come back to Raleigh for recuperation. She saw the need for medical attention in the Congo, and enrolled as the first black female to attend the Women s Medical College at Philadelphia (now known as the Medical College of Pennsylvania). Fleming was assigned to Ireba, in the upper Congo, on October 2, 1895, by the Women s Missionary Foreign Mission Society of the American Baptist Convention. She became medical missionary to a very large geographical area. During this service she became ill with African Sleeping Sickness. She returned to the United States for treatment and died at Philadelphia on June 20, 1899. Few Florida women have influenced the cause of Christ as valiantly and as faithfully as Dr. Louise Fleming. She is a role model for Baptist women in education, medicine, and mission service.

ROBERT FLEMING

Robert Fleming (August 3, 1797-March 29, 1880) was born in Warren County, Georgia. His father, Samuel Fleming, was a native of Ireland. His mother was a Grier and a near relative of Robert Grier the author of Grier’s Almanac. Fleming started teaching in 1815, and taught most of his life. It was in 1820, under the preaching of Methodist James O. Andrew that he was converted. In June 1821, Fleming was baptized into the Union Church in Warren County, Georgia, by Winder Hillman. Fleming was licensed to preach in November 1827, and then was ordained in 1830, in Warrenton. Fleming taught primarily in Warren, Meriweather, and Talbot counties in Georgia. He preached with complete preparation and often wrote out sermon manuscripts. He wrote and edited in his lifetime. Fleming is listed in the 1857 annuals as one of the active Baptist preachers in the Georgia/Florida Corridor. During the 1856 annual meeting of the Florida Baptist State Convention, meeting in Thomasville, GA, he was elected president, and was re-elected to served in 1867. He was married three times. His first wife was Elizabeth Grenby, his second wife was Charlotte D. Sherwood, and his third wife was Mrs. R. A. Harris, widow of Dr. Bennet Harris.

B. B. FLETCHER

B. B. Fletcher graduated from Hardin Simmons University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was a veteran of World War II. Fletcher served as pastor of churches in Indiana, Texas and Florida, including Southside Estate Chapel, Jacksonville and First Baptist Church, Palmetto.

BOBBY FLETCHER

Bobby Fletcher served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Gray Gables, 1962-1964.

E. H. FLETCHER

E. H. Fletcher served as pastor of Hatch Bend Baptist Church, Branford.

J. B. FLETCHER

J. B. Fletcher served as pastor of Flat Creek Baptist Church in 1893.

JEFF FLETCHER

Jeff Fletcher served as pastor of East Naples Baptist Church, 1998-2006.

NOEL HALBERT FLETCHER

Noel Halbert Fletcher, Jr. (1954-2010) was a native of Florida, the son of Hal, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Howland Fletcher. He was a graduate of Mississippi College, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Mid-America Baptist Seminary. Fletcher was ordained at Westwood Baptist Church, Live Oak. He served as pastor at Ft. Walton Beach, (Southside) Live Oak, and Jacksonville churches. At the time of his death he was pastor of Ridgewood Baptist Church in Orange Park. Fletcher and his wife Lauren had three sons, Jason, Josh and Joel.

ESNEL FLEURJUSTE

Esnel Fleurjuste served as pastor of Cornerstone Haitian Church, Miramar.

FLORIDA BAPTIST CONVENTION

On Monday evening, November 20, 1854, delegates from three Florida Baptist associations (West Florida, Florida, and Alachua) met in the parlor of pastor Richard J. Mays and organized the Florida Baptist Convention. They met in Clifton House which was located near Concord Church about twelve miles west of Madison, Florida. Officers elected for the first year were R. J. Mays, president; D. G. Daniel, secretary; S. C. Craft, assistant secretary, and John Cason, treasurer. There are 2,031 churches, 490 missions, and 1,039,280 members in the Florida Baptist Convention. State Convention headquarters are located in Jacksonville, Florida.
Dr. John Sullivan served as the Executive Director-Treasurer from 1989-2014. Tommy Green is the current Executive Director-Treasurer.

ELIE FLORADIN

Elie Floradin served as pastor of New Bethel Haitian Baptist Church, Miami.

HOUSTON MARSHALL FLOURNOY

Houston Marshall Flournoy (1930-2017) was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Stetson University in DeLand, FL, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. Flournoy served as pastor in Southern Baptist churches in Florida and Kentucky and was pastor of the Azelea Baptist Church, Pasadena Baptist Church, in St. Petersburg and Midway Baptist Church, Palatka, 1950-1951. He also served as a Southern Baptist missionary in Brazil, along with his wife, for 26 years before retiring in 1988. Flournoy and his wife Margaret had four children.

J. M. FLOWERS

J. M. Flowers was pastor of South Miami Baptist Church in 1927.

JEFF FLOWERS

Jeff Flowers served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Malone and Damascus Baptist Church, Graceville, 1988-1990.

JESSE MESSER FLOWERS, JR.

Jesse Messer Flowers, Jr. (1795-1870) was born in South Carolina the son of Anna Dean and Rev. Jesse Flowers, Sr. He served as pastor of Milton Baptist Church. Flowers was married three times: Elizabeth Hooten who bore three children, Mary who bore four children, and Martha who bore him one child. Flowers served as a private in the War of 1812.

E. O. FLOYD

E. O. Floyd served as pastor of Corinth Baptist Church, Jasper, 1919-1921.

GREGORY FLOYD

Gregory Floyd (1952- ) was born in Marianna, FL. He graduated from Mississippi College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Floyd served as Baptist Campus Ministry Director, Tampa Area for the Florida Baptist State Convention. He and his wife Martha Duncan Floyd have two children.

J. C. FLOYD

J. C. Floyd served as pastor of Pleasant Home Baptist Church, Holt.

TERRY FLOYD

Terry Floyd (1938-2009) was born in Portsmouth, VA to Wes and Vesta Floyd. He graduated from Mid-American Baptist Theological Seminary. Floyd served as pastor of churches in Tennessee, Arkansas and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Holt, 1987-1995. He and his wife Irene Holman Floyd had two sons.

W. C. FLOYD

W. C. Floyd was the fifth pastor of First Baptist, Crestview, and Shady Grove Baptist Church, Grand Ridge. He was an elderly widower whose children were grown and lived elsewhere.

WILLIAM H. “BILL” FLOYD

William Hugh “Bill” Floyd (b. 1947; d. 2016) was born in Thomasville, Georgia, the son of Clarence and Leila Simpson Floyd. He graduated from Valdosta State College, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Anderson Seminary. He served as pastor of churches in Georgia and Florida, including service as the first fulltime pastor of the Elizabeth Baptist Church, Monticello, from 1991 to 1998. He later served the Damascus Baptist Church, Graceville. He also served as a director of missions in Florida for the Suwannee Baptist Association, 1999-2000 and was administrative assistant to the vice president of the Baptist College of Florida. Floyd and his wife Linda Gail Godwin Floyd had two children, Amanda Rachel and David Michael.

A. L. FLURY

A. L. Flury served as pastor of churches in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Florida for over 60 years, including First Baptist Church, Hernando. He was elected “Emeritus” of First Baptist Church, Panacea for his serve of the church as substitute pastor during his son, William R. Flury’s absence. He was married to Cora Elizabeth Flury.

WILLIAM R. FLURY

William R. Flury (1922-2013) was the son of Rev.A. L. and Cora Elizabeth Flury. He graduated from the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville. Flury served as pastor of Collins Chapel Baptist Church, Malone, Mt. Elon Baptist Church, Tallahassee, First Baptist Church, Panacea and Everglades City Baptist Church. He was ordained in 1964 by Mt. Elon Baptist Church, Tallahassee where he served as pastor. Flury and his wife Frances Kate Oliver Flury had three children.

WOODROW FLYNN

Woodrow Flynn (1914-1980) was a native of Rutherford County, the son of John and Effie Jones Flynn. He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Poma Park Baptist Church, 1938; Beulah Baptist Church, Fruitland; First Baptist Church, Macclenny, 1939-1942; and Woodstock Park Baptist Church, Jacksonville, 1949-1953. Flynn served as associational missionary for the New River Baptist Association in 1946. He and his wife Edna Cole Flynn had two sons.

ROY FOBES

Roy Fobes served as pastor of Brownsville Baptist Church, Pensacola.

JOSEPH B. FOLDS

Joseph B. Folds (c. 1915-2001) graduated from Stetson University, DeLand and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Longwood, 1934-1935, Whitney Baptist Church, and West Flagler Park Baptist Church, Miami. Folds served as field secretary for the Orange Blossom, and Ridge Baptist Association 1965-1977 and as Director of Missions of South Florida Baptist Association from 1963 until his retirement in 1982. He and his wife, Mildred, had three sons, Joseph Jr., John and James.

TIM FOLDS

Tim Folds served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Graceville.

R. C. FOLKS

R. C. Folks was pastor of Park Baptist Church in 1927 and 1928.

JOSEPH NEIL FOLMAR

Joseph Neil Folmar (1927-2015) was born in Alabama. He served in the United States Army and later attended Stetson University (B.A.) and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. Joe served as pastor in Indiana, Alabama and Florida, including Brentwood Baptist Church, Jacksonville. He served as chaplain for hospice and as recording secretary for the Florida Baptist Convention, 1981-1984, and 1985-1989. Joe and his wife Barbara had three children, Barbara, Debi, and Frank.

R. H. FOLMAR

R. H. Folmar served as pastor of Bascom Baptist Church, 1911, First Baptist Church, Malone in 1912, Greenwood Baptist Church, 1912-1914 and Friendship Baptist Church, Malone.

HINTON FLOYD FOLSOM

Hinton Floyd Folsom (February 7, 1914-1983) was born to Hinton Folsom and Harriet Floyd White Folsom in Marianna, Florida. His father was Jackson County tax collector and his mother was a housewife. Folsom had two brothers (Frank, 1910; James 1901), and two sisters (Lucile, 1904 and Grace, 1907). Folsom finished high school at Jackson County High School in Marianna in 1931. He attended Western Kentucky Teachers College in Bowling Green (B.S., 1944), and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Th.D., 1949). He married Mary Josephine Hardy in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on February 22, 1938. They had two children, James (1944),
and Grace (1950). Folsom was converted at age nine and baptized at First Baptist Church, Marianna. He was ordained as a Baptist minister at First Baptist Church, Marianna on September 10, 1942. Folsom served as pastor at Rocky Springs Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky (1942-1943), Burton Memorial Baptist Church in Bowling Green (1943-1946), Audubon Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, (1946-1949), and Miami Shores Baptist Church in Miami, Florida for 27 years. Dr. Folsom gave up a successful business career at Daffin Mercantile in Marianna to enter the ministry.

J. L. FOLSOM

J. L. Folsom served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Havana.

FRITZ FONTUS

Fritz Fontus served as pastor of Haitian Evangelical Baptist Church.

WILLIAM E. FOOTE

William E. Foote served as pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, and Molino Baptist Church, both of Escambia County.

JOHN FRANKLIN FORBES

John Franklin Forbes (June 13, 1853-March 30, 1926) was born in Middlesex, New York. He served as the first President of DeLand College (later Stetson University). Stetson University opened its doors as DeLand Academy in 1883, and had no president. Dr. J. H. Griffith, pastor of DeLand First Baptist Church, served as principal at DeLand Academy until 1885. In 1885, Forbes went to DeLand Academy as President of DeLand College. He was personally selected by Henry DeLand, the founder of the school. The son of a Baptist minister, Forbes grew up in New York. He was well qualified for the new work and had the academic and experimental knowledge to head the new school. He earned his A.D. in 1878; A.M. in 1881; and Ph.D. in 1885. Forbes served as President of Stetson University from 1885-1903. Forbes became President at age 32 at a starting salary of $2,000 per year, plus room and board for himself and his family. He left Stetson in 1903 to enter private business. He was in business at Rochester, New York (1903- 1910), and associated with Rochester Business Institute from 1910-1926. He served as President of Rochester Business Institute from 1924-1926.

ROY FORBES

Roy Forbes served as pastor of Lily Union Baptist Church, Ona, 1935-1937.

W. W. FORBES

W. W. Forbes served as pastor of Peace Creek Baptist Church, Bartow, 1927 and Ferndale Baptist Church, Apopka, 1930, 1939-1940.

CHARLES SHELBY FORD

Charles Shelby Ford (1921-2019) was born at Crescent City, Florida. He was the son of Edward White Ford and Effie Lee Render Ford. His father was a medical doctor in Putnam County, and his mother was a housewife. He had three brothers (Edward, William, and John), and four sisters (Nancy, Elizabeth, Annabell, and Kitty). Ford graduated from Crescent City High School, the University of Florida (B.S., B.A., M.A.), and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (B.D., 1952). Ford was converted at age 13, and baptized at Crescent City Baptist Church in 1934. He and his wife served as missionaries to Nigeria, West Africa as teachers in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Ford met his wife Dorothy Lucille Taylor while serving in Nigeria and they married in Abeokuta, Nigeria, on December 6, 1954. They had three sons, Charles Taylor (1956), Stephen (1957), and John (1958). Before missions service Ford had served as a teacher and a Naval officer.

JAMES NOAH FORD

James Noah Ford (1883-1961) was born in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Noah H. and Margaret M. Hoover Ford. He served as pastor of Tribly Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Eustis, First Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach (1921-1924) and First Baptist Church, Lake Wales. Ford and his wife, Winnie Ann Brown Ford had six children.

JOHN ELIJAH FORD

John Elijah Ford (1862-1943) was born in Owensboro, KY, the son of Isom and Anne Helm Ford. He graduated from Fisk University, Beloit College and the Divinity School of Chicago where he finished as its first African American graduate in 1894 and the University of Denver. Ford served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, Jacksonville for over thirty years. He was married to Justina Warren while serving as minster at the Bethany Church in Chicago.

WAYNE FORD

Wayne Ford served as director of missions for the Apalachee Baptist Association, 1996-1998.

WILLIAM HERSHEL FORD

William Hershel Ford is best known for his pastoral work as pastor of First Baptist Church, El Paso, Texas, and the very popular series of 12 sermon books entitled, Simple Sermons. Ford was born in Monroe, Georgia, on November 21, 1900. He attended Wake Forrest and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ford served as pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Jacksonville in the 1940s.

C. A. FOREHAND

C. A. Forehand graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, OK and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, TX. He served as pastor of Poplar Dell Baptist Church, and Pine Barren Baptist Church, Escambia County.

OSWALD AMOS FOREHAND

Oswald Amos Forehand (1914-1994) attended Howard College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, Bratt Baptist Church, Poplar Dell Baptist Church, and Pine Barren Baptist Church, Davisville. Forehand married Dorothy Aleen Tidwell Forehand and they had five children.

BRENDA FORLINES

Brenda Forlines (1944- ) was born in South Boston, VA. She graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia. Forlines served as Director, Church and Community Migrant Ministries for the Florida Baptist State Convention.

J. T. FOREST

J. T. Forrest served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Okahumpka.

J. STERLING FORRESTER

J. Sterling Forrester (1933-) was born in Dothan, Alabama. He graduated from Stetson University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Forrester served as pastor of Bayshore Baptist Church, Bradenton and Southside Baptist Church, Bradenton. He and his wife Mary Jean Cox Forrester had two children, Paul and Julie.

JOHN FORSMAN

John Forsman graduated from Norman College. He served as pastor of Corinth Baptist Church, Hosford and Greensboro Baptist Church. Forsman and his wife, Martha Walden Forsman had four children.

WILLIAM L. FORTE

William L. Forte (1854-1951) was born in Monroe County, AL the son of William and Nancy Curry Forte. He served as pastor of Poplar Dell Baptist Church. Forte married Georgia Warren Forte and they had four children.

JAMES FORTINBERRY

James Fortinberry (1931- ) was born in Glendale, AZ. He graduated from Luther Rice Seminary, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and the University of Southern Mississippi. Fortinberry served as executive director of the Greater Orlando Baptist Association, 1981-1985, pastor of Dover Shores Baptist Church, Orlando, 1972-1981, and First Baptist Church, Turkey Creek, 1962-1972. From 1985-1995, Fortinberry served as Director New Work Assistance Department of the Florida Baptist State Convention. He and his wife, Montez Shearer Fortinberry had three children.

RUSS FORTNEY

Russ Fortney served as pastor of Beach Haven Baptist Church, Pensacola and died in 2021.

B. FOSCUE

B. Foscue served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church, Campbellton), 1826-1827.

A. P. FOSTER

A. P. Foster served as pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Tampa.

EARL FOSTER

Earl Foster (1943-2018) was a native of Bad Axe, Michigan. He graduated from Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana, Central Michigan University and Andersonville Baptist Seminary. He served as a pastor in Indiana, Pennsylvania and Florida, including Faith Community Church, Pasco County.

JERRY LEE FOSTER

Jerry Lee Foster (1938-2009) was born in Jacksonville, FL. He graduated from the University of Florida and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Foster had served as pastor of Good News Baptist Church in Jacksonville (1984-2009) at the time of his death. He and his wife Sandra married in 1962.

JUNIUS FOSTER

Junius Foster (1922-2008) was born in Richmond, VA. He graduated from the University of Richmond and attended Crozer Theological Seminary, Chester, PA. Foster served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Daytona Beach, First Baptist Church, Miami, Stetson Baptist Church, DeLand and First Baptist Church, New Smyrna Beach. He and his wife Dotti, had four children.

LYNN FOSTER

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

WALTER C. FOSTER

Walter C. Foster (1865-1933) was born in Prince Edward County, Virginia, the son of William Rowland and Isabelle Cunningham Foster. He graduated from Richmond College. Foster served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, St. Petersburg, First Baptist Church, Apopka, First Baptist Church, Palatka and First Baptist Church, Inverness. He and his wife Berta H. Foster had two children

FRITZ FOUNTAIN

Fritz Fountain graduated from Stetson University. He was ordained by Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Lake City in 1957. Fountain served as pastor of New Oak Grove Baptist Church, Lake City and Berean Baptist Church, Tampa. He served as director of missions for the Suwannee Baptist Association, 2003-2010.

RICHARD FOUNTAIN

Richard Fountain served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Tavares. Wife, Patricia.

W. W. FOUNTAIN

W. W. Fountain (1919-2021) was born in Tekoa, Alabama. He graduated from Bob Jones University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Fountain served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, St. Augustine, 1963-1966. He and his wife Iverle Lawson Fountain had three sons.

CHARLES D. FOURAKER

Charles D. Fouraker (1934-2015) was born in Wellborn, FL, the son of Trubie Fouraker and Agnes Orene Stansel Kent. He served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Fouraker attended Stetson University. He served as pastor of churches in Illinois, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida, including Springfield Baptist Church, Jacksonville; Springhill Church, Fernandina Beach; Union Church, O’Brien and Thomas Creek, Jacksonville. Fouraker and his wife Doris Mildred MacDougall (1935-2011) had two sons, Charles Gregery Fouraker (1962-2014) and Marshall Todd Fouraker (1960).

FRANK JAMES FOWLER

Frank James Fowler (November 13, 1870-November 13, 1933) was born at Melrose, Florida, on an orange plantation. His parents were Hugh J. and Polly Baldwin Fowler. They were faithful members and leaders in the Eliam Baptist Church in Melrose. After conversion and a call to preach, Frank preached his first sermon at the Baptist church at Ochwilla. He attended Mercer University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He married Mattie Aiken of Branesville, Georgia, after his first year in the seminary. He returned to Florida and was pastor of the Waldo Baptist Church, LaCrosse, Lake Butler, and Starke churches. While at Starke,
his wife died leaving a young daughter Elvie, who died later. Fowler then returned to The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to finish his studies in that he felt called as a foreign missionary. He became pastor of Trenton Street Baptist Church in Harriman, Tennessee. While there he met and married Daisy Cate Fowler on October 26, 1903. They were appointed as foreign missionaries to Argentina and served together until Dr. Fowler s death in 1933. Mrs. Fowler died in 1953 after returning to the states in 1934. The Fowlers were premier foreign missionaries. Dr. Fowler was the first native Floridian to be appointed by the Southern Baptist Convention Foreign Mission Board. They had three children, James, Margaret, and Franklin. The Fowler family was honored at the 2004 Florida Baptist Convention held in Jacksonville. The 1933 Florida Baptist Convention Annual was dedicated to Frank Fowler upon his death three weeks before the convention met.

HOMER BAXTER FOWLER

Homer Baxter Fowler (1897-1951) was born in Gordon County, Georgia, the son of Jonathan and Margaret Fowler. He served as an infantry soldier in World War I. He served as pastor of Richland Baptist Church, Zephyrhills, 1935-1936. Fowler and his wife Lula Lacount Fowler had five children.

MALLEY J. FOWLER

Malley J. Fowler (1890-1988) was born in North Carolina and moved to Florida in 1906. In 1910 Fowler married Frances O’Lena Dees who died in 1963. They had six children. Fowler married Jamie E. Weaver and she died in 1984. Fowler was ordained at Brewer Lake Baptist Church in 1914 and he served as a Baptist preacher for 58 years (1914-1972). Fowler served as pastor of 18 different Southern Baptist churches in his pastoral ministry, including Corinth Baptist Church, Jasper and San Pedro Baptist Church, Taylor County.

WALTER M. FOWLER

Walter M. Fowler (1932-2002) was born in Union, South Carolina, the son of Victor L. and Jeanette Eva Sanders Fowler. He was ordained by Holopaw Baptist Mission in 1968 where he served as pastor until 1970 and graduated from Luther Rice Seminary. Fowler served as pastor of Oak Level Baptist Church, Ocoee for 37 years. He and his wife, Sally E. Fowler (1929-2003) had three children. After the death of his first wife, Fowler remarried Mildred Louise Fowler.

MICHAEL FOX

Michael Fox served as pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church, Raiford.

RICHARD “CHIP” FOX

Richard “Chip” Fox served as pastor of Avalon Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Jay and director of missions for the Santa Rosa Baptist Association, 2006-2022.

PAUL R. FOXWORTH

Paul R. Foxworth (1941-2012) was born in Palm Harbor, FL the son of Alrie Jackson and Emma Lee Skinner Foxworth. He graduated from the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville. Foxworth served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Wildwood. He and his wife Gwendolyn Holley Foxworth had three children.

OTIS W. FOYE

Otis W. Foye ( -1945) served as pastor of Dorchester Temple Baptist Church, MA. Foye wintered in Mount Dora and served as pastor of Mt. Dora Baptist Church during his stay. He and his wife had one son and one daughter.

GEORGE FRANCIS

George Francis served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Jasper.

GEORGE LOUIS FRANCIS

George Louis Francis (1952- ) was born in Daytona Beach, Florida. He graduated from Stetson University (B. A., 1979) and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M. Div., 1984). He served as pastor of Auburndale Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky and he and his wife Sharyn Lee Maxwell of Miami Beach married in 1972 and had three children, Daniel (1973), Christy (1980) and Joshua (1987).

TED E. FRANCIS

Ted E. Francis was born in Waynesville, North Carolina, the son of C. T. Francis. He graduated from Georgetown College, Kentucky and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Francis served as pastor of churches in Missouri, North Carolina and Florida, including Tenth Street Baptist Church, Palmetto and Emmanuel Baptist Church, Ellenton. He and his wife, Judy Francis had four children.

CHRISTOPHER FRANCOIS

Christopher Francois served as pastor of Christ Baptist Haitian Church, North Miami.

JEANTY FRANCOIS

Jeanty Francois served as pastor of El Shadai Evangelical Haitian Church, Fort Lauderdale.

LOUVERTURE FRANCOIS

Louverture Francois served as pastor of New Covenant Haitian Baptist Church, Miami.

CARL R. FRANKLIN

Carl R. Franklin was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He graduated from Samford University. Franklin served as pastor in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, including Highland Baptist Church, Pensacola, First Baptist Church, Alachua and Calvary Baptist Church, St. Augustine. He and his wife Helen Bush Franklin Have two daughters and two sons.

R. L. FRANKLIN

R. L. Franklin served as pastor of Waldo Baptist Church, 1950-1951 and Fruitville Baptist Church.

RUSSELL FRANKLIN

Russell Franklin graduated from the Baptist College of Florida and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served churches in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, including Olean Park Baptist Church, Jacksonville Beach and Hickory Grove, Green Cove Springs. He and his wife Cami have two children.

SAM FRANKLIN

Sam Franklin served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Umatilla.

ROSA LEE FRANKS

Rosa Lee Franks (1918-2012) was born at Walker, Alabama. She was the daughter of Paul Franks and Josephine Palumbo Franks. She had six brothers (Sam, 1904; Pete, 1911; Norman, 1912; Joe, 1914; Frankie, 1916; Gary, 1920; and one sister, Theresa, 1923. Franks was born of Italian parents near Birmingham, Alabama. Her parents were led to Christ by the Italian missionary, Rev. Pucciarelli, and they became very active in the Baptist church. Rosa Lee was converted at age 11 and baptized at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Birmingham in 1929. She served faithfully as a Home Missionary summer worker in Miami (1947-1949), and then served in the Miami Goodwill Center for many years. Rosa Lee could speak Spanish and Italian, and was faithful in seeing many come to Christ at the Miami Home Mission Board Goodwill Center.

MARY EVELYN FREDENBURG

Mary Evelyn Fredenburg (1923-2020) was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She was the daughter of David Ralph Fredenburg and Mary Elizabeth Davis Fredenburg. Her father was a plant electrician, and her mother was a housewife. Mary had a brother, David Marshall (April 16, 1932), and two sisters, Mildred Agnes (November 19, 1925), and Margaret Carol (December 24, 1928). Mary Evelyn was raised in Wauben, Minnesota (1923-1936) and Orlando, Florida (1936- 1940). She graduated from Orlando High School in 1940, attended Mars Hill College in North Carolina, and received her R.N. at Southern Baptist Hospital at New Orleans. She received her B.S. in nursing from Women’s State College (new Florida State University) in Tallahassee, and also attended The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Minnesota. Mary Evelyn was converted at age 14 and baptized at the Baptist Church in Pinecastle, Florida, in 1936. She served as a Southern Baptist Convention foreign missionary to Nigeria, West Africa.

GEORGE FREDERICK

George Frederick served as pastor of Eden Baptist Church, Brooksville.

STAN FREDERICK

Stan Frederick served as pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, Winter Garden.

WARREN FREDERICK

Warren Frederick (1922-2015) was born in Lakeland, Florida, the son of Gerald C. and Olive Pearce Frederick. He was born in Lakeland, Florida. Frederick attended Columbia Bible College, SC and Stetson University, DeLand. He was licensed to preach by Palatka Heights (now Hillcrest) Baptist Church. Frederick served as pastor of Midway Baptist Church, Palatka, Francis Baptist Church, and McDowell Baptist Church, St. Augustine for over 50 years. He and his wife Pauline had five children.

WAYNE FREDERICK

Wayne Frederick served as pastor of San Mateo Baptist Church, 1967-1970.

W. C. FREDRICK

W. C. Fredrick served as pastor of White City Baptist Church, St. Lucie, 1960-1961.

FREE WILL BAPTIST

The Free Will Baptist Churches come from an Armenian influence of theology that were produced from two distinct strains. The Southern line was begun in 1727 when Paul Palmer organized a church at Chowan, North Carolina. The Northern line was begun when Benjamin Randall organized a congregation in New Durham, New Hampshire. Both groups taught free grace, free will, and free salvation. The two groups merged into the National Association of Free Will Baptists on November 5, 1935. Their doctrine teaches Christ as a ransom for all and not just the elect, all are called to repentance, baptism is by immersion, communion is open, and foot-washing is practiced. There is a system of congregational government, and they have two Bible Colleges, two liberal arts colleges, 209, 223 members in 40 states, and 2,500 churches. About 160,000 of the membership reside in the southern states.

J. DIXON FREE

J. Dixon Free was a native of North Carolina. He graduated from Stetson University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Dixon served as pastor of Northside Baptist Church, Panama City and First Baptist Church, Ormond Beach. He and his wife, Mary Carolyn had two children.

H. DONALD FREEMAN

H. Donald Freeman (1930-) was born at Genoa Florida in Hamilton County. He was saved in 1942 while listening to the radio ministry of Dr. Robert Witty. At age 16 he preached his first sermon and was ordained at the Watertown Baptist Church. Freeman was a bi-vocational minister and worked for the Florida Department of Transportation. He served as supply preacher in many churches in Beulah, Suwannee and Lafayette associations. In 1959 Freeman married Frances Dodd and they have three children: Regina, Marisa and Timothy.

TRAVIS RICHARD FREEMAN

Travis Richard Freeman (October 8, 1946- ) attended college at Ouachita Baptist University getting his B.A. in 1987. He received his M.Div in 1990, and the Ph.D. in 1997 from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Freeman served as pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, Arkansas from 1983 to 1985, and served in numerous teaching and service positions in Arkansas and Texas. Freeman married Dawn Pennington in 1964. They had two children; Travis Richard Jr., in 1965, and Veronica in 1970. Freeman joined the faculty of the Baptist College of Florida where he taught Old Testament.

VAN FREEMAN

Van Freeman (1959-2010) was born in Rome, Georgia, the son of Bill and Jacqueline Freeman. He graduated from Criswell College. Freeman was ordained by Ramona Boulevard Baptist Church, Jacksonville where he also served as pastor. Other churches he has served are Suwanee Station Baptist Church, Live Oak; First Baptist Church, East Palatka; and Hillcrest Baptist Church, Palatka. Freeman is married to Angela Howell Freeman.

EDWARD MARION FREER

Edward Marion Freer (1884-1955) was born in Hillsborough County, Florida, the son of Joseph Marion and Sarah Francis Lylous Freer. He served as pastor of Richland Baptist Church, Zephyrhills, 1938-1940; Clay Sink Baptist Church; Linden Baptist Church, Sumter County; Double Branch Baptist Church (now Wesley Chapel); First Baptist Church, Belleview, Marion County; and Santa Clara Baptist Mission. He married Lillian H. Wheeler in 1904 and she died about 1913. Freer married Pearl Phillips in December, 1913 and they had one infant daughter.

GARY FRENCH

Gary French graduated from the Baptist College of Florida in Graceville. He served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Malone, Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Green Cove Springs, and now serves as pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Perry. He and his wife, Nancy, have three children.

H. M. FRIER

H. M. Frier (spelled Friar in the FBC, 1896 annual) spent his life preaching in Middle Florida. He was elected moderator of the Florida Baptist Association in 1879 and served 11 years. He was the first pastor of Macedonia Church and with the exception of two years, served that church continually until his death. He died in 1896.

JOSEPH RYAN FRIER

Joseph Ryan Frier (1850-1939) was born in Socrum, Florida, the son of Henry Milton and Elizabeth (Rushing) Frier. He served as pastor of Baptist churches in Polk, Hillsborough, Pasco and Seminole counties, including Richland, Clay Sink, Withlacoochee in Pasco and First Baptist Church, Longwood, Seminole. He and his wife Henrietta Melissa Edmondson Frier had six children.

OWEN JUDSON FRIER

Owen Judson Frier (1862-1931) was born in Polk County, FL to Henry Milton and Elizabeth Rushing Frier. He was the first minister ordained by First Baptist Church, Winter Haven in 1895. Frier was licensed to preach by the Baptist Church at Punta Gorda and ordained by First Baptist Church, Winter Haven. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Lakeland, Seffner Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Winter Haven, First Baptist Church, Plant City, First Baptist Church, Kissimmee, and First Baptist Church, White Springs. While pastoring in Kissimmee, Frier lost his first wife, Georgia Virginia Hayman Frier in 1902 (daughter of Florida pioneer minister J. M. Hayman). Frier then married Cornelia “Carrie” Williams. In 1906 he moved to South Georgia and in 1916 relocated to South Carolina.

RYAN FRIER

Ryan Frier (also spelled Fryer and Friar) (b. 1800; d. 1890) was born in Bulloch County, Georgia. On October 9, 1819, he married Sarah Peacock who was born in 1804, in Bulloch County, Georgia. She was the daughter of Isham Peacock, a prominent Primitive Baptist minister. Ryan and Sarah Frier had ten children. Frier was converted and baptized into the Upper Black Creek Church in Bulloch County, Georgia. He was ordained on February 9, 1833 at Union Church, Lowndes County, Ga., at the request of Friendship Church. Frier and his family moved back and forth between Georgia and Florida. In 1843, Frier was appointed as the first itinerant missionary for the newly organized Florida Baptist Association. Concurrent with his missionary service, Frier served as pastor of Columbia County churches Columbia and South Prong; and Hamilton County churches Beulah and Concord. As a result of his itinerant ministry, Frier also started Missionary Baptist congregations in the Georgia counties of Lowndes and Echols. Around 1870, Frier moved his family to Central Florida, near Plant City, where he lived the last twenty years of his life. He died at the age of 90 in Plant City. Sarah died one week later and both are buried in Shiloh Cemetery near Plant City.

HENRY DURANT FRINK

Henry Durant Frink (1904-1954) was born in Maxville, Florida. He graduated from Stetson University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Th.D. Frink served as pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, and then came as pastor of First Baptist Church in Dunedin, Florida. He later served Clermont, First Baptist Church in Melbourne, and was pastor at Park Hill, Florida, at his death. He died July 26, 1954. Frink married Lorraine Mims Frink from Melbourne, Florida. They had two sons; Henry Durant Jr., and Robert, and two daughters; Flanola and Eva Melle.

LOYS FRINK

Loys Frink (1902-1967) was born at McRae, Georgia. He was brought to Florida by his parents who later owned businesses at Maxwell, Eau Gallie and Ft. Pearce, Florida. Frink went to school at Baptist Bible Institute in New Orleans in 1926 and Mercer University in 1926. Frink married Elizabeth Holloway of Tampa on January 7, 1928. Frink served as pastor at Fort Pierce, Avon Park, Winter Park, Titusville, Inverness, Deerfield Beach, and served also in Melborne and at Rio Baptist Church. During World War II Frink served as an army chaplain in the Philippines (1944-1946). Frink and his wife Elizabeth Holloway had four children: Kenneth, Richard, Charlotte and Yvonne.

JAMES E. FROST

James E. Frost (1918-1990) was born in Waurika, OK. He graduated from Louisiana State University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Frost served as Sunday School Secretary for the Florida Baptist State Convention from 1970-1983. He and his wife Alice Ruth Matteson Frost had three sons.

KERMIS M. FROST

Kermis M. Frost (1921-2007) served as pastor of Lake Pierce Baptist Mission, 1965 and Lena Vista Baptist Church. He and his wife, Jean L. Frost had two children.

GEORGE E. FRYAR, III

George E. Fryar, III was the son of George Edward Fryar, Jr. He served as pastor of O’Brien Baptist Church, 1991-2014 and as director of missions for the Suwannee Baptist Association, 2001. Fryar was married to Vaster Fryar.

C. H. FRYE

C. H. Frye served as pastor of Springfield Baptist Church, Panama City.

W. A. FRYE

W. A. Frye was the son of Rev. and Mrs. C. H. Frye. He graduated from the Blue Mountain College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Frye served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Apalachicola, First Baptist Church, Cottondale (1951-1953), Springfield Baptist Church, Panama City, and Wewahitchka (1955-1962). He and his wife had two daughters.

R. FRYER

In 1845 R. Fryer was pastor of four churches in the Florida Baptist Association. He was pastor of Columbia in Columbia County, Florida; South Prong in Columbia County; Beulah in Hamilton County; and Concord in Hamilton County.

GORDON FULFORD

Gordon Fulford (1921- ) served as pastor of Live Oak, Callahan, Ruhamah and Yulee.

JIM FULFORD

Jim Fulford was a native of Americus, Georgia. He graduated from Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville, Norman College, Moultrie, University of Chattanooga, Carnegie Institute, Atlanta and Luther Rice Seminary, Jacksonville. Fulford and his wife, Syble Pittman Fulford had one son.

WORTH FULGHUM

Worth Fulghum served as pastor of Venetia Terrace Baptist Church, Jacksonville. He and his wife Mary Sue had two sons and one daughter.

BUCKLEY STILLMAN FULLER

Buckley Stillman Fuller (September 3, 1806-April 20, 1870) served as pastor of Sharon in Madison County, Indian Springs in Leon County, Hickstown in Madison, and Liberty in Thomas County, Georgia. In 1860 Fuller was pastor of Elizabeth Church in Jefferson County, Florida. Fuller served as president of the Florida Baptist State Convention in 1868.

FORBES FULLER

Forbes Fuller served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Altoona, 1944-1946.

JAMES WOODROW FULLER, SR.

James Woodrow Fuller, Sr. (1914-1993) was a native of Benton County, Mississippi. He was ordained in 1931 by the Endroa Church in Memphis. He graduated from Union University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of churches in Kentucky and Texas before coming to Florida. In 1969 he became the first director of the Florida Baptist Convention’s missions division. He served from 1969 to 1980. His mission administration experience in Texas helped him become a missions giant in Florida. He served the convention at a crucial time in missions strategy. His leadership included the shift from convention district leadership to local associational leadership. He led in the Florida-Pennsylvania-South Jersey and the Caribbean partnerships formation. Fuller served as director of missions for the Black Creek Baptist Association in 1977. He served as interim executive-director treasurer of the convention after the resignation of Dr. Harold Bennett. He and his wife, June, had two daughters; Ann Fuller Coffman, and Virginia Fuller Johnson, and two sons; James Jr. and Robert.

W. E. FULLER

W. E. Fuller served as pastor of Astatula Baptist Church, 1929-1930 and First Baptist Church, Tavares.

RANDY FULLERTON

Randy Fullerton is a native of Missouri. He has served as pastor of churches in Missouri and Florida, including Glendale Baptist Church, Vero Beach. Fullerton’s wife Mary Louise is a teacher.

WARNER FUSSELLE

Warner Fusselle was the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Fusselle. He graduated from the University of Florida and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville. Fusselle served as interim pastor of First Baptist Church, High Springs, FL before becoming pastor of First Baptist Church, Gainesville, GA where he served for ten years. After leaving Gainesville Fusselle became the president of Palm Beach Atlantic College for five years.

CLYDE A. FUTCH

Clyde A. Futch (1905-1994) was born in Plant City, Florida, the son of Willie Mandell and Eva Collins Futch. He served as pastor of Lake Buffum Baptist Church, Fort Meade; First Baptist Church, Alturas; First Baptist Church, Parrish and Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, Galloway. Futch and his wife Florence Hamilton Futch had two daughters, Dorothy and Mildred.

LEWIS C. FUTCH

Lewis C. Futch served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Longwood and Midway Baptist Church, Plant City (1953-1954).

SWINTON FUTCH

Swinton Futch was born in Wilacoochee, Georgia, the son of Henry T. “Dumps” and Georgia Louise Bradford Futch. He was ordained at Nashville, Georgia, on November 20, 1955. Futch graduated from Norman College, Mercer University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He was serving as pastor of Lemon Heights Church, Palatka in 1980. Futch and his wife Catherine Fergerson Futch have two children.

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