Biographies F

November 23, 2020

Biographies H

November 23, 2020

Biographies G

J. F. GABLE

J. F. Gable served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hastings.

GLENN GAFFNEY

Glenn Gaffney (1926-2006) was born in Lincolnton, NC, the son of Carl and Carrie Gaffney. He graduated from Mars Hill and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Gaffney pastored churches in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, including Calvary Baptist Church, St. Augustine, 1961-1963. In 1970, Gaffney was called to Regina, Canada where he started the first Southern Baptist Church in the region. He and his wife Nancy Griffin Gaffney had three children.

JAMES LUTHER GAINES

James Luther Gaines (1901-1965) served in the ministry for 44 years. At the time of his death he was pastor of Orsino Baptist Church in Merritt Island, Florida. Gaines attended junior college at Newton, Alabama, and graduated from Howard College, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He organized Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa in 1944, with 113 charter members. When he left the church, they had 1,300 members. He was active in radio evangelism. He and his wife, Ola E. Gaines, had one son, James Jr., and one daughter, Mary.

PRESTON GAINEY

Preston Gainey (1972-) graduated from The Baptist College of Florida (2001, B. A. Th.). He went as pastor to Hopewell Baptist Church, Madison in 2001. Gainey married his wife Jessica in 1997. They have three children Emilie, Lydia and Ashlyn.

MALCOLM GALBRAITH

Malcolm Galbraith served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, St. Augustine, 1949-1952 and Bayless Baptist Church, Starke.

ROBERT W. GALBRAITH

Robert W. Galbraith (1919-2001) was born in Norfolk, VA. He graduated from the University of Tampa. Galbraith served as associate Brotherhood secretary of the Brotherhood Department, Florida Baptist Convention, 1961-1984. He and his wife Florence Evelyn Galbraith had four children.

DALE E. GALLOWAY

Dale E. Galloway (1948-2009) served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Dowling Park and was founder of Calvary Baptist Church, Live Oak, 1992, where he served as pastor until his death. He and his wife Bonnie Galloway had three children, Mistee, Tim and Corey.

WILLIAM CARL GALLUPS, JR.

William Carl Gallups, Jr. is the son of Bill and Holly Gallups. He graduated from Florida State University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Gallups received the call to preach after a ten year career in law enforcement and Florida Department of Corrections, He has served as pastor of Hickory Hammock Baptist Church, Milton since 1987. Gallups and his wife Pamela Blount Gallups have one son.

JACOB H. GAMBLE

Jacob H. Gamble (1917-2007) was ordained by the First Baptist Church of Easton, Maryland, where he served as pastor from 1945-1951. He also served as pastor at Rockville, Maryland, and served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Winter Haven from 1940-1984. Gamble and his wife Wanda had one daughter.

LEON MASON GAMBRELL

Leon Mason Gambrell (January 3, 1891- ) was born at Fordyce, Arkansas. He attended school at Ouachita Baptist College (1908-1911), Baylor University (1912-1914), and Oklahoma Baptist University (1915-1917). Gambrell received the A.B. degree from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1917, and was the first person to receive a degree from the school at its present location. He received a diploma from The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1944. Gambrell taught history at Oklahoma Baptist University and Church Finance at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary from 1921 to 1923. He was director of Educational Finance at First Baptist Church, Amarillo, Texas in 1918 to 1919, First Baptist Church, Denton, Texas, in 1920, First Baptist Church in Oklahoma City in 1925 to 11926. He served as pastor at Haskell, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Oklahoma City; Shawnee, Oklahoma; Daytona Beach, Florida; and Lake Wales, Florida. Gambrell became President of the Florida Baptist Institute (now The Baptist College of Florida) located at Lakeland, Florida, on December 2, 1946. Gambrell and his wife, Gladys, had two sons, David and Thomas, and one daughter, Martha.

A. E. GAMMAGE

A. E. Gammage (1872-1949) was born in England. He came to this country as a boy, where he later attended William Jewell College. He was the first pastor of the Riverside Church which he organized in Kansas City. His pastorates in Florida included Zephyrhills, Tarpon Springs, Elfers, and New Port Richey. He was the first pastor of Riverside Baptist Church, Miami in 1921. He later organized the Calvary Baptist Church, and served as their pastor for 27 years.

J. A. GANDY

J. A. Gandy in 1873 served as pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Adamsville.

JESS EDDIE GANDY

Jess Eddie Gandy (1946-) graduated from William Carey College (1969, B.S.), New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1979, M.Div.) and Luther Rice Seminary (1989, D. Min.). Gandy served in Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia before moving to Florida. He served as a captain in the United States Army and served also as president of the West Virginia Baptist Convention. He has served as pastor of First Baptist Church in High Springs since 1995. He and his wife, Carmen, have two children, April and Eddie.

RAYMOND GANDY

Raymond “Larry” Gandy served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Polk County.

TRENT GANN

Trent Gann graduated from The Baptist College of Florida and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Dellwood Baptist Church, Chipley and in 2012 became pastor of First Baptist Church, Woodville. His wife Jennifer is a native of Panama City and a graduate of Florida State University.

EARNEST GANS

Earnest Gans (1925-2016) was a bi-vocational pastor with 20 years of service in Florida where he served as Principal of Eastpoint Elementary and Pastor of Eastpoint Baptist, while residing in Apalachicola. He and his family moved to Okeechobee in June of 1970. During his time in Okeechobee he also served as Interim Pastor of 441 Baptist Church, Treasure Island Baptist Church, Buckhead Ridge Baptist Church, Fort Drum Baptist Church, Brighton Baptist Church, and Eastside Baptist Church.

FRED D. GANT

Fred D. Gant (1908-1967) was born in Dover, FL, the son of Fred H. and Ada Irene De Shong Gant. He graduated from Florida Southern College. Gant was licensed to preach in 1933, by the Dover LaVilla Baptist Church and ordained by Alafia Church. He served as a chaplain during World War II. Gant served as pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Plant City, First Baptist Church, Micanopy, 1952-1964 and Tee and Green Baptist Church, Punta Gorda. He and his wife Helen J. Gant had three children.

JAMES M. GANTT, JR.

James M. Gantt, Jr. served as pastor of Damascus Baptist Church, Graceville.

JULIO GARCIA

Julio Garcia served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hialeah Spanish speaking congregation.

DANIEL GARCON

Daniel Garcon comes from a small community in southeast Haiti. After accepting a call to ministry in 2005, Garcon began church planting training with the Florida Baptist Convention. After serving at a church in Naples, he left Florida to spend a few years in Boston with his family. He returned to Florida in 2018 and immediately began serving Haitian churches in the region. Garcon and nine others planted Christ Center Fellowship of Lehigh Acres in June 2019, where he now serves as pastor.

DAVID M. GARDNER, JR.

David M. Gardner, Jr was ordained by First Baptist Church, St. Petersburg. He attended Stetson University and served as pastor of Ocklawaha Bridge Baptist Church, 1942-1943 and Calvary Baptist Church, Daytona, 1943-1944.

DAVID M. GARDNER, SR.

David M. Gardner, Sr. (1887-1972) was a native of Milan, Tennessee. He graduated from Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Gardner served as pastor in Clarendon and Memphis, Tennessee. He then served Ensley Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and served 16 years as pastor of First Baptist Church in Saint Petersburg. Gardner served as editor of the Baptist Standard of Texas, from 1944 to 1954.

ED GARDNER

Ed Gardner served as pastor of New Baptist Church, Taylor Association, Florida Ave Baptist Church, Tampa and Gulf Ridge Baptist Church, Tampa.

J. B. GARDNER

J. B. Gardner graduated from the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville, Florida. He served as pastor of Hickory Hill Baptist Church, Westville, Florida and New Teamon Baptist Church, Slocomb, Alabama. The Gardner’s had four children.

JAMES GARDNER

James Gardner served as pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Escambia County.

JEFF GARDNER

Jeff Gardner served as pastor of Lake Mystic Baptist Church, Bristol.

M. C. GARDNER

M. C. Gardner served as pastor of Second Baptist Church, Ocala and First Baptist Church, Delray Beach.

VIRGIL GARDNER

Virgil Gardner (1892-1991) was a graduate of Howard College (1921, A.B.) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1925, Th.M.). He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, DeFuniak Springs (1950-1958). After retirement he served nine churches as interim in Alabama and Florida. In 1945 Gardner received an honorary doctorate from Howard College. He and his wife, Hattie Hancock Gardner, had two daughters.

WILLIAM V. GARDNER

William V. Gardner served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hollywood.

OTIS W. GARLAND

Otis W. Garland served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Wauchula from 1938-1962. Garland resigned in 1943 to 1947 to serve as chaplain in the U. S. Air Force during World War II. Source: First Baptist Church, Wauchula, 1876-2001.

JOHN T. GARNER

John T. Garner (1959-2021) was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, the son of Carl and Doris Ann Bettini Garner. He served as pastor of Oakview Baptist Church, Okeechobee. Garner and his wife Laurinda “Laurie” Garner had three children.

LUTHER B. GARNER

Luther B. Garner (1888-1967) died May 7, 1967. His last two pastorates were in Texas, but he served Olive, Ensley, and Calvary churches in Pensacola, Florida.

JERRY GARRARD

Jerry Garrard graduated from Georgia Southern and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Quincy (1980-1985), and served as pastor of Celebration Baptist Church, Tallahassee from 1985-2005. He served as president of the Florida Baptist Convention in 1998. In 2006 Garrard joined the faculty of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

C. D. GARRET

C. D. Garret served as pastor of Eden Baptist Church, Brooksville.

C. G. GARRETT

C. G. Garrett served as pastor of Shady Grove Baptist Church, Grand Ridge, Damascus Baptist Church, Graceville, 1941-1942 and First Baptist Church, Ponce de Leon.

CHAN C. GARRETT

Chan C. Garrett (1934- ) was born in Brooksville, Florida, the son of J. Ray and Virginia C. Garrett. He graduated from Baylor University, southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Stetson University. Garrett served as pastor of Middleburg Baptist Church, Long Branch Baptist Church, Frontenac Baptist Church, Sharpes; Coronado Baptist Church, New Smyrna Beach; and Sierra Norwood Baptist Church. He and his wife JuDeane Loftin Garrett had three children.

CYRIL GARRETT

Cyril Garrett served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Altoona, 1946-1948. Garrett was called to serve as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Elmhurst,
Illinois in 1950.

FLOYD GARRETT

Floyd Garrett served as pastor of Hickory Hill Baptist Church, Westville.

J. RAY GARRETT

J. Ray Garrett (1908-1977) graduated from Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, TX. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Inverness, 1933-1936 and First Baptist Church, Cocoa, 1936-1940. Garrett left the Cocoa pastorate to become pastor of the Second Baptist Church, Washington, DC. He and his wife Virginia C. Garrett had two sons.

LESTER T. GARRETT

Lester T. Garrett (1929-2012) served as a Baptist minister in Alabama, Mississippi, Michigan and Florida. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Ensley. He and his wife Alice had four children.

JOHN G. GARRISON

John G. Garrison graduated from Samford University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Covington Seminary. He served as a missionary in Zambia for ten years and then worked with the Indiana Baptist State Convention. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church Jasper, Indiana and in 2008 became pastor of Oakview Baptist Church in Okeechobee. He and his wife Amelia have three children.

E. H. GARROTT

E. H. Garrott (June 16, 1871-March 25, 1949) was born in Christian County, Kentucky. He served as pastor in Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, and for his last 19 years, he served in Florida. In 1935 he was pastor at Apalachicola. He retired from the pastorate in 1941, and lived in Quincy, Florida.

JOSHUA M. GARVIN

Joshua M. Garvin (1923-2003) was born in Live Oak, Florida. He served as a deacon at Glendale Baptist Church in Miami, and was called to preach at age 55. Garvin served as interim pastor of New Life Baptist Church while a student at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He was named senior pastor of the Carol City Congregation in 1981. He worked 15 years with the Broward Correctional Institute. Garvin served as moderator of the Miami Baptist Association, and also served on numerous boards of the Florida Baptist Convention. Garvin and his wife Joanne had six children. He was known as a pastor with evangelistic passion and grace.

HARRY CRAWFORD GARWOOD

Harry Crawford Garwood (1884-1960) was born in Champaign County, Illinois, and graduated from Stetson (AB, 1913); The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1917); and Yale (Ph.D., 1934). He was the organizing pastor of the Stanton Memorial Church of Miami, Florida, in 1917. In April 1960, while on his way to preach an anniversary sermon at the Stanton Memorial Church, he had a stroke and died. He served as the Secretary-Treasurer-Curator of the Florida Baptist Historical Society from 1954 to 1960. His Stetson University and Florida Baptists was published by the Historical Society in 1962. Garwood served on the Stetson campus for 39 years. He was best known as the Dean of the School.

J. O. GASH

J. O. Gash was pastor of First Baptist Church, Fort Pearce in 1927.

R. KENNETH GASKIN, SR.

R. Kenneth Gaskin, Sr. was born in Alachua, Florida (1936) and Jewell was born in Palatka (1937). He graduated from Valdosta State University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Gaskin served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Bunnell and Coral Park Baptist Church. He and his wife Jewell Horton Gaskin served as SBC missionaries to Dahomey, West Africa in 1973. They have two children.

T. ELMER GASKINS

T. Elmer Gaskins (1916-2011) was a native of Bartow, Florida. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the Navy. Gaskins served as pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, Winter Garden.

LEON GASPARD

León Gaspard served as pastor of Eglise Baptiste de la Glorificatin, Miami.

ROBERT DAVID GASPERSON

Robert David Gasperson (May 5, 1952- ) was born in Asheville, North Carolina. He was licensed by the New Salem Baptist Church in Skyland, North Carolina, in 1969. He was ordained in 1974 by the Balfour Baptist Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Gasperson served as pastor of the Brookview Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky (1975-1978), the Crossroads Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, Florida (1980-1988), the Immanuel Baptist Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (1988-1994), and the Sherbrook Baptist Church in Lantana, Florida (1994- ). Gasperson has the B.A. (1974) from Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, North Carolina, the M.Div. (1977) and Ph.D. degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (1980). Gasperson has taught for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, The Baptist College of Florida, and the South Florida Center for Theological Studies. He has authored four books and fourteen articles. He has served widely in denominational service and has served faithfully on the Board of Directors of the Florida Baptist Historical Society. Gasperson’s wife is Moreen of Orangeburg, South Carolina, and they have two children, Robert (1977), and Angela (1981).

JOSEPH GASTON

Joseph Gaston served as the Director of the Haitian Church Development Department among the 293 Florida Baptist Haitian congregations (2002-2015). He is a native of Port Au Prince, Haiti. Gaston graduated from State University of Laws and Economics, Haiti, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville. He serves as pastor of Faith Bible Church, Lake Worth. Gaston and his wife Marie Y. Eugene Gaston have two sons

SAM M. GASTON

Sam M. Gaston was the son of H. O. and Annie Lee Gaston. He served as pastor of Wildwood Baptist Church and Coleman Baptist Church.

DEAN GATCH

Dean Gatch was born in Eastland, Texas and grew up in Eustis, FL. He served as a Marine in WWII, after which he returned to central Florida. Gatch attended Stetson University in Deland, and the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville. He pastored in small rural churches in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, including Ferndale Baptist Church, 1949, Dona Visa Baptist Church, 1965, Satsuma Baptist Church, Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, Cottondale, 1977, and Florahome Baptist Church. He and his wife Juanita Jeter Gatch had five children, all daughters (Elaine, Salem, Becky, Cyndy, and Rachel).

F. P. GATES

F. P. Gates was a native of Ohio and a student to the Louisville Seminary. He served fourteen years in mission work in Kentucky. Gates served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Tarpon Springs.

GARY GATES

Gary Gates graduated from Samford University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Gates served as pastor of Central Baptist Church in Melbourne and served as director of missions for Brevard Baptist Association, 2006-2012. Gates and his wife Ann have three children.

H. G. GATES

H. G. Gates was pastor of West Little River Baptist Church in 1936.

HOWARD L. GATES

Howard Louis Gates, Jr. (1949- ) was born in Alexandria, Louisiana. He graduated from the University of Texas (B.A., 1970) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., 1974), (Ph.D., 1979). He served as pastor of Driftwood Baptist Church in Driftwood, Texas (1970-1972), Manor Baptist Church in Manor, Texas (1972-1974), Harris Memorial Baptist Church (1974-1977), First Baptist Church, Rosenberg, Texas (1977-1987), and since 1987 has served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach. Gates and his wife have two children, Stephanie and Matthew.

J. H. GATES

J. H. Gates served as pastor of West Little River Baptist Church, Miami.

DON GATHANY

Don Gathany (1922-2008) preached for over 30 years and served as pastor of the Cedarlawn Baptist Church in Pensacola (1996-2007). He served as a missionary to Africa for seven years. He and his wife Avelina had sons, John and James and daughter, Jane and Joyce.

SAMUEL M. GATSON

Samuel M. Gatson (1930-2008) was a native of Newark, NJ and grew up in Lake Park, GA. He moved to Jacksonville in 1949. Gatson studied at Florida Junior College at Jacksonville, Edward Waters College and Luther Rice Seminary. Beginning in 1973 he served pastorates at Mount Tabor First Baptist Church in Palatka and First Samuel Baptist Church in Jacksonville. He was married to Winona H. Gatson.

WILLIAM CARTER GAVENTA

William Carter Gaventa (August 7, 1921- ) was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of Harry Reymer Gaventa and Ella Horner Carter Gaventa. His father was a agriculture chemist, and his mother was a housewife and secretary. William had two brothers, Harry (1923) and Lawrence (1924). Gaventa was raised in Tampa, Florida (1922-1941). He graduated from Hillsborough High School in Tampa, in 1938. He attended the University of Tampa (B.S., 1942), Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (M.D., 1945), and Tulane University (M.P.H., 1954). Gaventa was converted at age 8 and baptized at Seminole Heights Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida, in 1929. He served in the United States Medical Corps in World War II. Gaventa married Mary Alice Price on June 8, 1945, at Orlando, Florida. She was a native of Rogersville, Tennessee, and a graduate of Orlando High School (1939), and the Florida State College for Women (1943). They had two children, William (1947), and John (1949). Gaventa and his wife served as medical missionaries in Nigeria.

R. S. GAVIN

R. S. Gavin served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Lakeland, in 1913.

B. S. GAY

B. S. Gay served as pastor of Knights Baptist Church, Plant City, 1915-1916.

DONALD GAY

Donald Gay served as pastor of Rock Springs Baptist Mission, Apopka; Bayshore Baptist Chapel, Bradenton; and Mill Creek Mission (now Mill Creek Baptist Church).

DORMAN GAY

Dorman Gay served as pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Greenville, 1951-1952.

GEORGE H. GAY

George H. Gay (1910-1992) a native of Mississippi, was a graduate of Mississippi College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served three churches in Mississippi before coming to Florida as pastor of First Baptist Church in Marianna (1954-1958). He then went to First Baptist Church in Andalusia, Alabama, and then back to Florida to pastor First Baptist Church in Chipley (1962-1973). He retired on October 1, 1973. Gay taught homiletics at Florida Baptist Theological College, and once served as interim president of the college. He and his wife, Eunice Channell Gay, had two sons, David and Freddie. Gay attended Mississippi College (B.A.) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Th.).

A. M. GEIGER

A. M. Geiger was ordained by the First Baptist Church, Williston. He served as of Fellowship Baptist Church, Ocala, First Baptist Church, Williston, and died at Cedar Keys in June 1881.

B. A. GEIGER

B. A. Geiger served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Eau Gallie, First Baptist Church, Jennings and Belleville Baptist Church.

J. ROY GEIGER

J. Roy Geiger served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Eau Gallie.

J. S. GEIGER

J. S. Geiger was pastor of Albion Baptist Church, Archer, 1892-1893, Eau Gallie Baptist Church
in 1906, Oakland Baptist Church, Orange County, 1907, Yulee Baptist Church, 1911-18, and Williston Baptist Church.

LORENZO DOW GEIGER

Lorenzo Dow Geiger (b. October 18, 1854; d. April 21, 1909) served as corresponding secretary of the State Board of Missions from 1901 to 1909. He was born in Old Town, Florida, the son of Abraham Elias and Sarah Ann Geiger. Converted at age 17, Geiger was a member of the Button Wood Baptist Church in Levy County. Geiger taught public school, was licensed to preach, and ordained (ca. 1872-73) by the Button Wood Baptist Church. Geiger was involved in teaching, farming, and preaching until 1884, when he started preaching full time. He served churches at Micanopy, Leesburg, Ocala, Apopka, Brooksville, and Lakeland (1899-1901). For several years he was associate editor of the Florida Baptist Witness. Geiger served as secretary of the Florida Baptist State Convention from 1898 to 1901. He received the D.D. degree from Stetson University in 1902, and died on April 21, 1909. He married Mattie Geiger on November 17, 1875, and they had four sons and two daughters.

RONALD GEIGER

Ronald Geiger graduated from Florida State University, Auburn University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of churches in Alabama and as director of missions for Arizona and Florida (Black Creek Baptist Association, 1993-1997). Geiger and his wife, Louise Geiger have two children.

WILBUR GEIGER

Wilbur Geiger (1930-2012) was born in Samsula, Florida, the son of Havey Lee and Loena Leona Hosack Geiger. He served as pastor of New Prospect Baptist Church and Samsula Baptist Church (for 12 years). Geiger and his wife, Mary Agnes Aberegg Geiger had five children.

MEL GENTRY

Mel Gentry served as pastor of Neptune Road Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, Pine Castle, 1987-1988. He and his wife, Mary Lou Gentry served as missionaries to Indonesia from 1965-1968. They had two children

ANTHONY GEORGE

Anthony George served as pastor of Aloma Baptist Church, Winter Park. In 2012, he went to First Baptist Church, Atlanta to serve as associate pastor until 2020 when he became full time pastor of the church.

CARL L. GEORGE

Carl L. George graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth. He planted and pastored churches in Florida before starting a church in Utah. George is currently living in Harrisburg, PA.

DERRICK GERBER

Derrick Gerber serves as pastor of Westside Baptist Church, Wewahitchka.

PAUL F. GEREN

Paul F. Geren (December 5, 1913-June 22, 1969) served for only a year and a half as Stetson President (1967-1969). He was the former economic counselor at the American Embassy in Libya. He was a Veteran Foreign Service officer and former vice president at Baylor University. He served as deputy director and helped establish the United States Peace Corps. In his brief time of service he instituted a successful foreign student exchange at Stetson. He died in a tragic car wreck in June 1969.

JERRY L. GESELL

Jerry L. Gesell served as director of missions for the New River Baptist Association, 2001-2009.

H. B. GIBBONS

H. B. Gibbons was pastor of Titusville Baptist Church in 1904.

DOUGLAS GIBSON

Douglas Gibson served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Magnolia, 1996-1997.

HARRY BRYANT GIBSON

Harry Bryant Gibson (June 13, 1826-1915) was born in Columbia, South Carolina. His mother was full blooded French, and was born at sea as her parents immigrated to the United States. The ship was the Isabella and they landed in Onslow, South Carolina. Therefore, Onslow Isabella Huse was named for a sailing ship and the locale of the landing. Onslow Isabella Huse married a mister Gibson who owned a very large plantation near Columbia, had over 100 slaves, plus a cotton gin on his property. Young Harry Bryant received an excellent education, and was actually trained to be a Catholic priest due to the influence of his mother. Gibson was a captain in the Confederate Army, and was seriously wounded at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863. His left leg had to be amputated, and he left the Army in 1864. He literally fought his way through Georgia, and arrived in Madison County, Florida in the region of Concord Baptist Church. On June 16, 1867, he married 18-year-old Mary Jane Loper. At age 66, he was ordained as a Baptist preacher. He spent his life teaching and preaching. He and his wife had two sons and three daughters. Mrs. Gibson died in June 1911, and Captain Gibson died in 1915, at nearly 90 years of age.

J. C. GIBSON

In about 1873 J. C. Gibson was the leader of a group that caused theological and ecclesiastical turmoil in the Florida Baptist Association. The Gibsonite Convention was formed and the group had no articles of faith. The 1874 Florida Baptist Association delegates voted to withhold fellowship from the Gibsonites. Five churches were expelled.

JERRY GIBSON

Jerry Gibson served as pastor of Hickory Hammock, Milton (1967) and East Brent Baptist Church, Pensacola (1979-1981).

KEN GIBSON

Ken Gibson served as pastor of First Baptist Church, McIntosh.

MARVIN R. GIBSON

Marvin R. Gibson (1943-1994) died of cancer at age 51. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Tampa, and Bay Area Baptist Church in Tampa. He and his wife, Jane, had two daughters, Lara and Leslie.

SAMUEL S. GIBSON

Samuel S. Gibson served as pastor of West Palm Beach Baptist Church in 1906. He went as pastor to Delray and Deerfield Baptist churches in 1916 and was the builder of Gibson Memorial Baptist Church. His wife was Harriet Elizabeth Gibson who died in 1931.

T. H. GIBSON

T. H. Gibson attended Campbell College, Buiss Creek, NC and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY. He served as pastor of Orange Glade Baptist Church (aka Highsmith Memorial) in 1933 and Parkview Baptist Church, Fort Pierce.

TONY GIBSON

Tony Gibson served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Mary Esther.

KYLE GIDDENS

Kyle Giddens serves as pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Mayo. He and his wife Jennifer have two children.

JOHN WILLIAM WRIGHT GIDEONS

John William Wright Gideons (1857-1929) was born in Linden, Florida, the son of George W. and Lucretia Ann Collins Gideon. He served as pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church (now First Baptist Church, Wesley Chapel), 1902-1904; Lacoochee Baptist Church, 1905-1906; Bay Lake Baptist Church, Groveland, 1906-1918; Plymouth Baptist Church, Pasco Baptist Association, 1915-1917; Anclote Baptist Church, 1907-1908, 1911; Forest Grove Baptist Church, 1914; Pasco Baptist Church, 1914-1917; Clay Sink Baptist Church, 1915-1917 and Richland Baptist Church, Zephyrhills, 1913. Gideons served as an early missionary to the Pasco Baptist Association. He married Ealon Slone who died, date unknown. Gideons then married Henrietta May Parish in 1879 and they had six children.

W. J. GIDEONS

W. J. Gideons served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Hernando and Tribly Baptist Church, Pasco County.

LAMAR GIFFIN

Lamar Giffin was born in 1937 to Rev. and Mrs. Bert Giffin. He graduated from Jacksonville University, Luther Rice Seminary and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Giffin served as pastor of Biltmore Baptist Church, Jacksonville and First Baptist Church, Gray Gables.

BOB GILBERT

Bob Gilbert served in the U. S. Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve, 1976-1988. He served as pastor of Dalkeith Baptist Church, Wewahitchka, 2008-2010. Gilbert and his wife Cindy have three children.

JOHNNY GILBERT

Johnny Gilbert served as pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Panama City.

MATTHEW W. GILBERT

Matthew W. Gilbert served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, Jacksonville, 1890-1892. During his pastorate, the Florida Baptist Academy was founded in the basement of Bethel and Gilbert served as the first president. Today the school is known as the Florida Normal and Industrial Institute of St. Augustine.

HARRY GILES

Harry Giles served as pastor of Florence Villa Baptist Church, Winter Haven (now Inman Park).

A. J. GILL

A. J. Gill served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Conway.

BRADLEY GILL

Bradley Gill (1971- ) was born in Lafayette, LA. He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Gill served as Director, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Palm Lake/Gulf Stream for the Florida Baptist Convention since 2000. He and his wife Marcie Phillips Gill have one child.

J. F. GILL

J. F. Gill served as pastor of Lorida Baptist Church, Sebring; Northeast Baptist Church, Miami and Sierra Norwood Baptist Church, Miami.

L. B. GILL

L. B. Gill ( -1940) was born in Madison, Florida. He was a Baptist minister and citrus man who served as pastor of Emporia Baptist Church, Pierson, 1935-1938. Gill and his wife Ann Gill had three sons.

GERALD GILLASPIE

Gerald Gillaspie served at Immanuel Baptist Church in Waukegan, Illinois, and in 1980, went as pastor of Northside Church, Saint Petersburg.

D. C. GILLELAND

D.C. Gilleland served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Jasper.

J. T. GILLESPIE

J. T. Gillespie (1893-1981) was a pastor, teacher, and home missions leader. He served as pastor in South Carolina and Arkansas. He was best known in Florida for serving as city missions director in Miami. He and his wife had 10 children.

WILLIAM “BUD” A. GILLETT

William “Bud” A. Gillett (1941-2014) was the son of William Alden and Lounette Jacqueline Whidden Gillett. He graduated from Carson Newman and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Gillett served as pastor of churches in Tennessee, North Carolina and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Bowling Green and First Church, Palmetto. He served as director of missions for the Manatee Southern Baptist Association in 1991. Gillett and his wife Velma Masengale Gillett had two sons and one daughter.

C. C. GILLETTE

C. C. Gillette served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Seabreeze (now Calvary Baptist Church), Daytona Beach.

J. W. GILLILAND

J. W. Gilliland was pastor of Golden Glades Baptist Mission in 1943.

TODD GILLILAND

Todd Gilliland served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Malone, 1991-1993.

M. P. GILLIMORE

M. P. Gillimore served as pastor of Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, Cottondale.

J. A. GILLMAN

J. A. Gillman (March 30, 1874-August 22, 1945) was born in Holmes County, Florida. He was called to preach and ordained to the gospel ministry in 1910. He served as Sunday School superintendent, and was a very zealous worker in the Leonia Baptist Church.

EDWARD W. GILMAN

Edward W. Gilman is a native of Florida. He graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Gilman served as director of missions for the Pinellas/Suncoast Baptist Association, 1988-2007.

R. EDWARD GILSTRAP

R. Edward Gilstrap served as pastor of six churches, Director of Missions in the Atlanta Baptist Association and Greater Orlando Baptist Association (1986-1994), a foreign missionary in Costa Rica and Guatemala and Vice President of the Radio/Television Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.

JAMES W. GIPSON

James W. Gipson graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Plainview Baptist Church, Pensacola, 1986. Gipson and his wife, Brenda Conner Gipson had three children, Jeffrey, Jana and Jonathan.

HOWARD AND JEAN GIRARD

Howard and Jean Girard served as Missions Partnership Coordinators for the Florida Baptist Convention. Howard was born in St. Petersburg, FL, December 24, 1927. He graduated from the University of Florida and Stetson University. Jean was born in Detroit, MI, July 1, 1929. She graduated from the University of Florida. The Girard’s have seven adopted children.

H. M. GIVINS

H. M. Givins served as pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Bascom and Lovedale Baptist Church.

C. B. GLAIZE

C. B. Glaize served as pastor of First Baptist Church, LaBelle in 1912-1913; Alva Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, Fort Pierce. He married Leona Tisher Glaize in 1927.

ROBERT H. GLASS

Robert H. Glass served as pastor of Gulf Breeze Baptist Church.

CLAYTON JERRY GLAZE

Clayton Jerry Glaze served as pastor of churches in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, including Christmas Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Minneola, Adamsville Baptist Church, Wildwood and Southside Baptist Church, Orlando. He was married to Janice Peek Glaze in 1957.

ALBERT M. GLISSON

Albert M. Glisson (-1973) served as pastor of First Baptist Church, LaBelle, 1935-1945, Second Baptist Church, Ocala and First Baptist Church, Pine Castle, 1953-1961. He and his wife, Dora Williams Glisson had two daughters.

B. M. GLISSON

B. M. Glisson (1907-1959) served as pastor of Palm Harbor Baptist Church and Ozona Baptist Church. He was the first pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Winter Haven. Most of the charter members were from the Eagle Lake Baptist Church. Glisson served as pastor from 1936 to 1940.

D. W. GLISSON

D. W. Glisson (1838-1913) served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Barberville, (1883-1888, 1892-1896, 1903), Providence Baptist Church, Palatka, (1889-1892), Bostwick Baptist Church, Palatka, Salem Baptist Church, Sharron, (1904), First Baptist Church, Altoona, 1904-1906 and Green Cove Springs Baptist Church. He served as field missionary for the St. Johns River Baptist Association in 1880-1882 and 1890. Glisson and his wife Susan Anna M. Glisson had six children.

DIXIE EARL GLISSON, JR.

Dixie Earl Glisson, Jr. served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Key Largo, 1993-1998.

PAUL GLORE

Paul Glore (1914-2006) was born in Toledo, Ohio. He served in the Sunday School Department of the Florida Baptist Convention from 1961-1965. He served as Director of Camps and Assemblies in the Convention from 1965 until his retirement in 1976. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lillian, and second wife, Dorothy.

C. E. GLOVER

C. E. Glover served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Eau Gallie 1922-1929.

W. J. GLOVER

W. J. Glover served as pastor of Indian Springs Baptist Church, Tallahassee 1932.

JEFFREY L. GNANN

Jeffrey L. Gnann (1962- ) was born in Eustis, FL, the son of Emory Lamar and Kay Adams Gnann. He served as Associate Director, Camps and Assemblies Department for the Florida Baptist Convention since 2001. Gnann and his wife Melissa have three children.

WALKER GOAD

Walker Goad served as pastor of Stump Springs Baptist Church, 1993.

JOHN THOMAS GOARE

John Thomas Goare (1875-1972) was born in southwest Georgia, the son of William Armisted and Irena Jane Tatum Goare. He served as pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Escambia County and First Baptist Church, Southport. Goare married Estella Goare in 1902 and they had six children.

H. D. GOBER

H. D. Gober was born in Commerce, Georgia. He graduated from State Normal College, Athens, Georgia and Mercer University. Gober served as pastor of churches in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, including First Baptist Church, Fort Pierce; Terra Ceia Baptist Church and Holopaw Baptist Church.

CLYDE C. GODFREY

Clyde C. Godfrey (June 30, 1914- ) was born near Booneville, Arkansas, and grew up on a farm. He was called to preach at age twelve. He and his wife, Meryl, married February 15, 1942, at Trimble, Missouri, where Clyde served as student pastor. Godfrey served for 23 years as a military chaplain (1943-1966). He served as pastor in Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, and Florida. He assisted in pioneer churches when stationed in Washington, Idaho, and Arizona. He served two churches near Homestead Air Force Base.

FRANKIE E. GODSEY

Frankie E. Godsey served as pastor of Olivet Baptist Church, Milton. He and his wife Suzie had one son.

LEON F. GODWIN

Leon F. Godwin served as pastor of First Black Creek Baptist Church, Penney Farms, First Baptist Church, Middleburg and First Baptist Church, Cedar Key. Godwin died in Orange Park in 1934.

S. E. GODWIN

S. E. Godwin served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Middleburg and Maxville Baptist Church. He served as field missionary for the St. Johns River and New River Baptist Associations in 1906.

WAYNE GODWIN

Wayne Godwin (1954-) serves as pastor of Lorida Baptist Church, Sebring.

CHARLES K. GOEN

Charles K. Goen (1947- ) was born in Austin, TX. He served as Director, Camps and Assemblies Department, Florida Baptist Convention, 1988-1995. Goen and his wife Jacqueline K. Goen had two daughters.

H. A. GOERING

H. A. Goering served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Sarasota.

CLYDE DEMPSY GOLDEN

Clyde Dempsy Golden graduated from the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville. He served as pastor of Southwide Baptist Church, DeFuniak Springs. Golden and his wife, Odalene Hutto Golden had three children.

E. Z. F. GOLDEN

E. Z. F. Golden (1853-1927) was from West Point, Georgia, and served as editor and business manager of the Florida Baptist Witness in 1911. The picture and death notice of E. Z. F. Golden was on the front page of the Florida Baptist Witness issue of September 1, 1927. The death notice states that he was buried on July 4, 1927 at Leesburg and he was a Veteran of the cross. Golden served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Williston.

W. C. GOLDEN

W. C. Golden ( -1939) graduated from Clinton College, Kentucky and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Golden served as an evangelist under the Home Mission Board. He served as pastor of churches in Ohio, Arkansas, Tennessee and Florida, including Palm Avenue Baptist Church, Tampa and Edgewood Baptist Church, Fort Myers. Golden and his wife had one son.

JACK GOLDFARB

Jack Goldfarb (1929-2016) was born in Peru, South America. He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Goldfarb served as pastor/interim pastor of over 30 churches in the United States and overseas. During his ministry of over 58 years, he conducted several evangelistic campaigns in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Venezuela. He served as pastor of Pleasant Home Baptist Church, Holt and Avalon Baptist Church. At the time of his death, he was serving as one of the Associate Pastors at Hickory Hammock Baptist Church in Milton. Goldfarb and his wife Bonnie; had four children.

WILLIAM H. GOLDWIRE

In 1867 William H. Goldwire was pastor of Concord Baptist Church in Madison County.

RAYMOND GOMES

Raymond Gomes served as pastor of San Mateo Baptist Church, 1936-1938.

MARK P. GONZALES

Mark P. Gonzales was born in Austin, TX on August 16, 1956 to Marcelo and Eunice Gonzales. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Gonzales served three churches in Texas between 1981 and 1990 before moving to Florida. Mark founded and served Gateway Grace Fellowship, Ft. Myers from 1990-2014 then moved to his current role as AMS/Executive Director of Royal Palm Baptist Association. Denominationally, he has served on the State Board of Missions (2019-19) and is the communications liaison for the Florida Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders. Gonzales has written three books: “Story of God and Man;” “Conversations with God;” “Unpacked Parenting;” founded both Heritage Christian School (1992) and the Christian Home Educators of Southwest Florida (1991); and broadcast the “Heritage Hour” on weekly radio since 1991. Mark married Kay in 1979. They have three sons.

HILLARD H. GOODE

Hillard H. Goode was born in McCracken County, Kentucky. He attended Bethel College in McKenzie, Tennessee (B.S.), Luther Rice Seminary (M.Th.). He was licensed to preach by the Liberty Baptist Church of Hickory, Kentucky, and ordained at Trinity Baptist Church in Paducah, Kentucky. He served as pastor in Tennessee and Mississippi before becoming pastor of First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach. He served 38 months in the military and one year in the Pacific Theater. Goode married Mildred Lowe of Hickory, Kentucky. They had a daughter and a son.

L. E. GOODGAME

L. E. Goodgame (1876-1962) was born in Chilton County, Alabama. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Port St. Joe, First Baptist Church, Sopchoppy and Auburn Baptist Church, Bay County. His wife Patience Elizabeth Sanders Goodgame died in 1948 he later married Susie Louise Hopper. Goodgame had two children. Source: Florida Baptist Historical Society files.

I. A. GOODMAN

I. A. Goodman served as pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church, Bradenton.

J. A. GOODMAN

J. A. Goodman served as pastor of Oakland Baptist Church, Perry.

JESSE GOODMAN

Jesse Goodman (b.1790; d.1844), was born in Effingham County, Georgia, the son of David and Jane Goodman. In 1811, Goodman became acquainted with and married Zilpha Wise (b. 1793; d. ca. 1850), who had a son, named Jared Wise Everett, by a prior relationship. Goodman was primarily a farmer, first in Georgia, then he moved his family, between 1832 – 1833, to Florida where he acquired farmland. Jesse and Zilpha subsequently had twelve children – ten in Bulloch County, Ga., and two born in Jefferson County, Florida. Responding to the call of God, Goodman testified his call to the ministry to the congregation of the Upper Black Creek Church, Bulloch County, which authorized on May 19, 1821, Goodman being licensed to preach. By 1823 Goodman had accepted an invitation to serve as a part-time bi-vocational pastor of the New Providence Church (org. 1811) located in Wilkinson County, Georgia. Subsequently Goodman pursued an itinerant preaching circuit in southeast Georgia, the southern counties of South Carolina and into the Florida Panhandle. Goodman was the first pastor of Elizabeth Church in Jefferson County that he helped organize in 1831 until its 1834 constituting. In September 1841, Goodman was one of the six charter members and one of the officiating ministers at the Constitution of the Monticello Baptist Church. Goodman was pastor of Indian Springs Church in 1843 and died in 1844.

THOMAS A. GOODMAN

Thomas A. Goodman (1891-1968) was a native of Madison County, Florida, the son of Thomas Lloyd and Indianna Jane Norris Goodman. He served as pastor of churches in the Middle Florida Baptist Association, including Mt. Gilead and Pleasant Grove, Greenville, 1932-1933. Goodman and his wife, Louisa Elizabeth “Lizzie” Sheffield Goodman had three children.

PAUL E. GOODNER, SR.

Paul E. Goodner, Sr. (1915-2003) was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was and evangelist and pastor. Goodner served as pastor of Orange Avenue Baptist Church, Fort Pierce; First Baptist Church, Boca Raton; West Hillsboro Baptist Church and Main Street Baptist Church (aka Second Baptist Church). He and his wife, Muncie Blanche Goodner had three children.

HERBERT GOODROE

Herbert Goodrow served as pastor of Lena Vista Church in Auburndale and Gulf Gate Church in Sarasota. He served also as Director of Missions in the Gadsden County Baptist Association.

JAMES LENARD GOODSON

James (Jim) Lenard Goodson (b. September 2, 1938; d. September 23, 2021) served as director of the Missions Division of the Florida Baptist Convention from 1980 until his retirement in 1995. After his retirement, Goodson served as a partnership coordinator for the Florida Baptist Convention’s partnership states of: Montana; North and South Dakota; and Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Prior to coming to Florida, Goodson served as state Missions Division Director for the Missouri Baptist Convention (1977-1980). He previously taught religion/Bible at the University of Texas in Austin and was an editor and consultant for the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board. Goodson was a native of Augusta, Georgia, and attended Grand Canyon College (B.A.), Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (B.D. now an M.Div.), and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Th.D.). He also served as pastor in Arizona, Missouri, Texas, and New Jersey before coming to Florida. He served in the United States Air Force for four years. He and his wife, Gail Hartman Goodson (married 1961), had a daughter, Jacqueline and a son, James Jr.

C. B. GOODWIN

C. B. Goodwin served as pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Greenville, 1959-1960, 1961-1965 and Riverside Baptist Church. He and his wife Bonnie Goodwin had six children.

CINDY GOODWIN

Cindy Goodwin (1948-) was born and raised in Miami in a Christian and missionary minded family. She graduated from Samford University and served in Alabama and Florida as a mission’s leader. Goodwin served 21 years in mission service with the Florida Baptist Convention and retired in 2014 as Team Strategist with the Women’s Missions and Ministries. Cindy and her husband Howard moved to Birmingham upon their retirement. Howard retired as pastor of Terry Parker Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

HAROLD C. GOODWIN

Harold C. Goodwin graduated from Samford University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He became pastor of Terry Parker Baptist Church in Jacksonville in 2005.

GENE GOOLSBY

Gene Goolsby graduated from the Baptist Bible Institute, Graceville. He was ordained by Sparr Baptist Church. Goolsby served as a bi-vocational pastor for Citra Baptist Church and worked as a deputy sheriff with Marion County Sheriff’s office.

R. J. GORBET

R. J. Gorbet (September 13, 1846-December 24, 1932) was born in Jenins County, Indiana. He served in the Union Army for 18 months during the Civil War. Gorbet became a pastor in 1876 in Jackson County, Indiana. He served as pastor in a number of county churches in Indiana until the loss of health prompted his move to the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee. Upon regaining his health he began to serve as a mountain pastor under the leadership of Dr. A. J. Holt, the Tennessee convention secretary-treasurer. In 1908 Gorbet moved to Altoona, Florida, for health reasons. In twelve years he served as pastor at Altoona- Campville, Harmony, Oxford, Anthony, Barberville, Oak Griner-Farm, Ocklawaha Bridge, Lake Monroe, and Dale Hill. He baptized over 3,300 people and had eleven men enter the ministry through his leadership. Gorbet married Mary Powell of Jackson County, Indiana, and they had four children. Mary died and Gorbet married May Andrews in 1894 while serving in Tennessee.

W. T. GORDON

W. T. Gordon served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Tampa.

J. T. GORE

J. T. Gore served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Port St. Joe.

S. F. GORE

S. F. Gore served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Altoona, 1884-1886. Gore served as the first pastor of First Baptist Church, Fort Pierce in 1890.

PERRY F. GORMAN

Perry F. Gorman served as pastor of Sardis Baptist Church, Worthington Springs, 1977.

CARL WILSON GOSNELL

Carl Wilson Gosnell (1910-1984) attended Carson Newman College, Tennessee and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kentucky. Gosnell served as pastor of Bay Haven Baptist Church, Sarasota, 1948-1949 and First Baptist Church, North Miami Beach. He was married to Maude Townsend Gosnell.

D. O. GOSS

D. O. Goss served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Sopchoppy.

SAMUEL F. GOVE

Samuel F. Gove (1823–December 3, 1900) was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, in 1823, and died at the home of his son-in-law, Mr. Hunt, in St. Augustine, Florida, December 3, 1900. Gove came to Savannah, Georgia, at age 13, moved to Macon, and then came to Florida about 1881. He was converted at age 19, and was baptized into the fellowship of the First Baptist Church of Macon, Georgia. Although not well educated, he spent the last years of his life preaching to the destitute of South Florida. Gove served as pastor of Eau Gallie (1889-1897), Fort Pierce, Merritt Island and Oak Hill churches in 1889. He served during the Civil War, was a state legislator from Georgia, and also represented his Georgia district in Congress. He was a friend to the poor.

MILAN J. GOWING

Milan J. Gowing (1901-1984) served as pastor of Palm River Baptist Church, Tampa for 38 years. He and his wife Lillian Louise Gowing had three daughters.

RALPH GOWING

Ralph Gowing (1896-1989) was born in Hudson, Michigan. He served as pastor of Ballest Point Baptist Church, Tampa, Eureka Springs Baptist Church and Gibsonian Baptist Church. Gowing and his wife Mary had one daughter.

KEVIN GOZA

Kevin Goza is a native of Pensacola, Florida. He graduated from the University of West Florida and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Goza served as pastor of churches in Tennessee and Florida, including Trinity Baptist Church, Apopka. He and his wife Karen Goza have two children.

WALTON GRADY

Walton Grady served as pastor of Indian Springs Baptist Church, Tallahassee 1951-1952.

JACK GRAHAM

Jack Graham (June 30, 1950- ) is a native of Arkansas. He grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a graduate of Hardin-Simmons College, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach from 1981 to 1989 before going as senior pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, where he continued to serve to the present (2024). He served as president of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2003 and 2004. Graham and his wife Deb have three married children and eight grandchildren.

JAMES E. GRAHAM

James E. Graham (1935- ) was born in Greeneville, TN. He served as associate director, Lake Yale Baptist Assembly Camps and Assembly Department of the Florida Baptist Convention. Graham and his wife, Charlene C. Paull Graham had two sons.

JOHN GRAHAM

John Graham (1874- ) was born in Marion County, Alabama, the son of Alexander and Mary G. Graham. He was licensed and ordained by the Floral City Church in 1896. Graham attended Stetson University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Inverness, First Baptist Church, Palmetto Avenue, First Baptist Church, Brooksville, First Baptist Church, Daytona Beach and Punta Gorda.

LEE GRAHAM

Lee Graham served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Key Largo, 1967-1976.

PAUL R. GRAHAM

Paul R. Graham served as pastor of Sardis Baptist Church, Worthington Springs.

THOMAS W. GRAHAM

Thomas W. Graham (1935-) was born in Tampa. He graduated from Stetson University and New Orleans Seminary. Graham and his wife, Minnie Dot were appointed in 1967 to a music ministry in Japan and served until 1994.

Source:
Florida Baptist Historical Society files.

KEMAL H. GRAMMER

Kemal H. (Hawk) Grammer (1929-2009) was born in Hughes, Arkansas. He graduated from Golden Gate Baptist Seminary and served in ministerial positions in Montana, Nevada, California, and Arizona. Grammer served as director of missions for the Big Lake Baptist Association, 1994-2003. He and his wife, Doris Wynell “Nell” Grammer had three children, Jack, Don and Linda.

ROGER GRANDSTAFF

Roger Grandstaff and his wife Laura served for five years as missionaries to Romania. He has served as pastor of churches in Alabama and Florida, including Forest Heights Baptist Church, Fort Walton, 1986-1989.

T. J. GRANDSTAFF

T. J. Grandstaff served as pastor of Yellow River Baptist Church.

CHARLES F. GRANGER

Charles F. Granger (1931- ) was born in Baltimore, MD. He graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Granger served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Wauchula, 1969-1975 and as Baptist Campus Minister, Stetson University for the Florida Baptist Convention. He and his wife Joyce Ann Boyd Hodge Granger have five children.

ALFRED L. GRANT

Alfred “Al” L. Grant (1934-2014) was born in Birmingham, AL to Alfred and Estelle Grant. Grant attended the University of Alabama, Luther Rice Seminary, and Clarksville School of Theology, TN. Grant was ordained into the ministry in 1964 and preached until 2009. He was a pastor that built churches. He deeply felt this was God’s calling in his ministry. He started building and pastoring at the North Halsema Baptist Church in White House, FL and also pastored and built the following churches: First Baptist Church of Winthrop Harbor, IL, 10th Street Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Reddick Baptist Church in Reddick, First Baptist Church of Interlachen, First Baptist Church of East Palatka, First Baptist Church of Marathon, Florida Keys, New Prospect Baptist Church of Cross City, FL, Gibsonia Baptist Church of Lakeland, FL, Central Avenue Baptist Church of Lakeland, Pine Grove Baptist Church of Mulberry, FL and lastly Blake Memorial Baptist Church of Lake Helen, FL. He and his wife Amelia “Amy” had a son and two daughters.

ERIC GRANT

Eric Grant served as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Vernon.

FRANK GRANT

Frank Grant served as pastor of River Junction Baptist Church, 1921-1923 and First Baptist Church, Macclenny, 1923-1924.

FRANK GRANT

Frank Grant graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1980 he went as pastor of Oak Griner Church in Ocala.

J. D. GRANT

J. D. Grant served as pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Plant City.

J. J. GRANTHAM

J. J. Grantham served as pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Calhoun County in 1865.

GONZALO H. GRAUPERA

Gonzalo H. Graupera (1930-2022) was born in San Juan y Martinez, Cuba. He served as pastor for the Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, Spanish Mission, Jacksonville, 1974-1977.

W. D. GRAVATT

W. D. Gravatt was pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Miami in 1944.

DON GRAVENMIER

Don Gravenmier was a native of Helena, Arkansas. He graduated from Ouachita Baptist College, Arkadelphia and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Gravenmier has served as pastor of churches in Indiana, Arkansas and Florida, including Calvary Baptist Church, Eustis and Pinecrest Baptist Church. He and his wife Dora Nell had one son.

ALLEN W. GRAVES

Allen W. Graves (1914-1997) was born in Rector, Arkansas, the son of James Henry and Anna Joyce Keaster Graves. He graduated from Southern Illinois University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Graves served as director of young people’s work, Baptist Training Union Department, Baptist Sunday School Board 1941-1943. He served as pastor of churches in Illinois, Kentucky, Virginia, Oklahoma and Florida including First Baptist Church, Fort Pierce from 1943-1945. Graves served as a dean, senior professor and dean emeritus for the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Helen Elizabeth Cannan Graves had six children.

GRACE MINELLE CARTER GRAVES

Grace Graves (July 31, 1905- ) was born in Ore Hill, North Carolina. She was the daughter of Arthur and Minnie Cook Carter. Her father worked for the railroad and her mother was a housewife. Graves grew up in Burlington, North Carolina (1905-1908) and Jackson, Tennessee (1908-1927). She graduated from Jackson High School (1922) and attended Union University in Jackson, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1942, Diploma in Christian Training). Graves married John R. Graves on June 18, 1927, in Jackson Tennessee. She was converted at age nine and baptized in April 1914, at First Baptist Church in Jackson. She served as a school teacher for five years, and a Home Missionary in Rachel Simms Mission in New Orleans (1942-1949). Later she served as a missionary in the Miami Goodwill Center (1949-1959).

JAMES F. GRAVES

James F. Graves (January 5, 1931- ) was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Graves. The next year they moved to Texarkana, Texas, and First Baptist Church of Texarkana became their home church. Graves finished school at Texarkana (1948), Hardin Simmons University (B.A.), and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (B.D., 1956). Graves served as pastor of Moss Springs Baptist Church at New Boston, Texas; New Bethel Baptist Church at Hardinsburg, Kentucky (1954-1956); First Baptist Church, Leesburg, Florida (1959-1968); First Baptist Church, Vero Beach, Florida (1968-1970); and First Baptist Church, St. Petersburg (1971-2005). James and his wife, Betty Ann, had three children, Deborah, Rebecca, and Joseph. Graves served as president of the Florida Baptist State Convention in 1975.

WOODY GRAVES

Woody Graves served as pastor of First Baptist Church, George’s Lake, 1980-1981.

DAVID GRAY

David Gray graduated from Mercer University. He served as pastor of churches in Alabama, Georgia and Florida, including West Highland Baptist Church and Northside Baptist Church, Pensacola.

FLOYD GRAY

Floyd Gray (1916-1998) was born in Medart, Florida, the son of Walter Fleming and Iseybell Pigott Gray. He was ordained at Lake Ellen Baptist Church. Gray served as pastor of churches in Georgia and Florida, including Aenon Baptist Church, Pine Grove Baptist Church and Oliver Baptist Church. He and his wife, Marjorie Clarice Sanders Gray had thirteen children.

JOHN W. GRAY

John W. Gray (1928-1957) gave his life for his son. Gray served as pastor of Pinellas Park Baptist Church in Florida. He gave his life to save his four-year-old son from drowning in Lake Tarpon. The son was rescued after a motor boat tragedy, but the father was drowned. Gray was a graduate of Columbia Bible College, and had served in the United States Navy. He was married to Ruth Mary Gray. They had two sons; Clyde Benton and John W., Jr.

R. C. GRAY

R. C. Gray served as pastor of Paran Baptist Church, Grandin (1950-1954) and Trinity Baptist Church, Jacksonville.

RUFUS GRAY

Rufus Gray (June 3, 1915-January 29, 1942) was one of those missionary heroes that is known only to God. Gray was born in Titusville, Florida, in 1915. When he was one year old his family moved to Ft. Pearce. He was baptized February 3, 1925, into the First Baptist Church of Ft. Pearce. Gray felt the call to foreign mission service while at the Deland Baptist Assembly in 1934. He graduated from Furman University, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Th.M., in 1940. Gray was ordained on June 1, 1938, and served as pastor of two half-time churches in southern Indiana. On May 10, 1939, he married Marian Peeler, who was a graduate of the Woman s Missionary Union Training School in Louisville, Kentucky. The Grays left for China in September, 1940, where they entered the language school at Peiping. They left Peiping for Shanghai on March 13, 1941, and went to Baguio in the Philippines to continue their Chinese language study. They were interned by the Japanese on December 29, 1941, and about one month later he died in the hands of the Japanese.

W. E. GRAY

W. E. Gray served as pastor of Leon Ebenezer Baptist Church, Leon County.

W. H. GRAY

W. H. Gray served as evangelist/missionary for the Suwannee Baptist Association in 1939. He served as pastor of Westwood Baptist Church, Live Oak, 1947; Forest Hills Baptist Church and Orange Baptist Church, Suwannee County.

D. F. GRAYTON

D. F. Grayton served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Port St. Joe.

ASA GREEAR

Asa Greear has served as the associational missions strategist for the St. Johns River Baptist Association since 2007.

A. B. GREEN

A. B. Green (1912-1968) was ordained by Trinty Baptist Church, Marianna. He served as pastor of Gibsonton Baptist Church, Southside Baptist Church, Marianna, Crystal Lake Baptist Church and Alford Baptist Church. Green and his wife, Jewel Green had one son and one daughter.

B. F. GREEN

Ben F. Green (1886-1941) was born in Grandin, Florida. He was ordained in 1906 by Perine Baptist Church, St. Johns River Association. Green served as pastor of Penial Baptist Church, Palatka, Waldo Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, New Smyrna, First Baptist Church, South Jacksonville, Phoenix Baptist Church, and Woodlawn Baptist Church. Green married Elsie Newell in 1912.

HAROLD GREEN

Harold Green served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Altoona, 1939-1940.

HAROLD F. GREEN

Harold F. Green (1932- ) was born near Jacksonville, Florida, the son of Rev. J. Fred and Mrs. Green. At thirteen years of age he felt the call to preach at Garden City Baptist Church. At seventeen he began preaching Spring Hill Baptist Church near Fernandina Beach. He graduated from Stetson University, Golden Gate Seminary, Pacific School of Religion and Fuller Theological Seminary. During his years at Stetson he served as pastor of Holopaw Baptist Mission. Green served as Chaplain at the Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville. And then as pastor of Parkview Baptist Church, Lake City. He served churches in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Nevada and California. This ultimately led to the prison chaplaincy at San Quentin and High Desert State Prison, Susanville, California. Green and his wife Marian Bland Green have two children.

HENRY GREEN

Henry Green served as pastor of the First Baptist Church, Cocoa.

J. A. H. GREEN

J. A. H. Green served as pastor of Webster and Tribly churches.

J. THOMAS GREEN, III

J. Thomas (Tommy) Green, III, (b. 1957), a native of Maryland, served as the tenth Executive Director-Treasurer, Florida Baptist Convention, from 2015 to 2024. With the election of his successor Stephen Rummage, effective August, 2024, the State Board of Missions designated Green as a special advisor to the EDT until Dec. 31, 2024. Dr. Green came to the EDT position from serving as pastor of the First Baptist Church, Brandon since 1996. Previously Dr. Green served churches in Buford, Ga.; Pascagoula, Miss.; and Kentwood, La. He holds degrees from Samford University (BA) and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv and ThD). He served as president of the Florida Baptist State Convention from 2002 to 2004. Dr. Green and his wife Karen has three adult children, John Thomas IV, Philip Andrew, and Matthew Paul.

JAMES LEO GREEN

James Leo Green (b. 1912; d. 1994) was a native of Pontotoc, Mississippi, and a graduate of Mississippi College (1933) and The Southern Baptist Theological Southern Seminary. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Pensacola (1948-1949), and First Baptist Church in Gainesville (1949-1951). In 1951 Green went to teach Old Testament Interpretation at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. In 1936 he married Mary Ruth Huff (b. 1913; d. 1982) and they had one child. Upon Green’s death August 16, 1994 in Dunn, N.C. he was buried in the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Cemetery.

MARCUS BRYANT GREEN

Marcus Bryant Green (1933-2006) served as pastor in Florida, Georgia, Texas and Louisiana. He served as pastor of Whitfield Baptist Church in Pensacola and started the Pine Summit Baptist Church in Pensacola in 1977. Green served as pastor of Pine Summit until his retirement in 1988. After retirement he was instrumental in the building of an orphanage, school and church in Haiti. He and his wife, Audrey, had two sons, Marcus Jr. and Bob.

R. P. GREEN

R. P. Green (April 12, 1825-June 18, 1899) was born in Putnam County, Georgia, April 12, 1825, and died at his home in Quincy, Florida, on June 18, 1899. He was 74 years of age at his death, and had the full confidence of all who labored with him in the gospel ministry. In 1877 he was pastor of Providence Baptist Church in Gadsden County and in 1878 he served as missionary for the Florida Baptist Association.

RAY GREEN

Ray Green served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Longwood in 1917. He resigned the church to enter the military service in August of 1917.

T. L. GREEN

T. L. Green served as pastor of Providence Baptist Church, Palatka.

TITUS GREEN

Titus Green serves as pastor of First Baptist Church, Merritt Island.

WALLACE GREEN

Wallace Green served as pastor of Lake Mystic Baptist Church, Bristol.

WILBUR HAROLD GREEN

Wilbur Harold Green (June 24, 1916- ) was born in Grandin, Putnam County, Florida. He was the son of William Putnam Green and Mattie Young Tucker Green. His father was a postal clerk and his mother a housewife. Green had two bro thers; William, 1908, and George, 1910, and one sister, Mattie, 1913.Green was raised at Grandin (1916-1919), Palatka (1919-1921), Federal Point (1922-1930), and St. Augustine, Florida (1931-1934). He attended Ketterlinus High School in St. Augustine, Brewton Parker Junior College in Mt. Vernon, Georgia (1936-1938), and Stetson University (A.B., 1940). Green was converted at age 14, and baptized at First Baptist Church, Hastings, Florida. He was ordained at Ancient City Baptist Church in St. Augustine in 1939. He married Mary Lynette Fowler on May 11, 1951. Green was the father of five daughters; Janice (1943), Patricia (1945), Judy (1948), Karen (1952), and Lenora (1956). He served as pastor, teacher, and Army chaplain. He was the pastor of Altoona Baptist Church in Altoona, Florida (1939-1940) and served many years as teacher and Army chaplain.

WILLIAM E. GREEN

William E. Green served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Blountstown.

BOB GREENE

Bob Greene attended Samford University in Alabama and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served as pastor of Pine Summit Baptist Church, Pensacola and Director of Missions for Pensacola Bay Baptist Association. Greene and his wife, Cindy had two children.

JOHN M. GREENE

John M. Greene served as pastor of Inwood Baptist Church, Winter Haven.

MARCUS BRYANT GREENE

Marcus Bryant Greene (1933-2006) served for 30 years as pastor of churches in Florida, Georgia, Texas and Louisiana. He served Whitfield Memorial Baptist Church, Pensacola, then started the Pine Summit Baptist Church, also in Pensacola, in 1977, and served there until his retirement in 1988. After retirement he did volunteer missions in Haiti.

WILLIAM EARLE GREENE, III

William Earle Greene, III (1934-) was born in Newton, MS was the son of William Earle, Jr. and Mary Moulds Greene. He graduated from Clark Memorial College Mississippi College, Clinton and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He pastored churches in Mississippi and Florida including First Baptist Church, Pine Level Baptist Church, both of Jay, and First Baptist Church, Century. Greene also served as Chaplain at the Berrydale Forestry Camp. He and his wife Foye Slate Greene had two sons.

GUY F. GREENFIELD

Guy F. Greenfield served as pastor of Northwood Baptist Church, West Palm Beach, 1972-1975.

MATTHEW GREER

Matthew Greer served as pastor of Peniel Lighthouse, Palatka and Florahome Baptist Church.

ROBERT S. GREER

Robert S. Greer (b. 1927; d. 2016) was born in Augusta, Georgia. He trusted Christ as his Saviour at age nine, and was ordained at First Baptist Church, Augusta, Georgia. He was educated in the public schools of Augusta, and attended Baylor University (B.A., 1948), and Southwestern Theological Seminary (B.D., 1952; M.R.E., 1953). In 1951 he married Roberta “Bobbie” Underwood of Amarillo, Texas. She was a graduate of Texas Women s University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. They had two children, Fred and Mary Ann. Mrs. Greer died in September 3, 1992. Greer served two churches in Texas, and five churches and missions in Florida. He served as pastor of Bee Ridge Baptist Church in Sarasota (1969-1980), Gateway Baptist Church in Miami (1980-1988), First Baptist Church, Eustis, mission pastor for Riverside Baptist Church in Miami, and in retirement served as pastor of Shenandoah Baptist Church in Miami.

W. GREER

W. Greer served as pastor of Ferndale Baptist Church, Apopka, 1949.

A. P. GREGORY

A. P. Gregory was pastor of Dania in 1922.

TERRY GREGORY

Terry Gregory (1950-2020) was the son of Vic Odell and Evelyn Gregory. He graduated from Antioch Baptist College in Atlanta and Mid-America Seminary in Memphis. Gregory served as pastor of Seminole Baptist Church, Tallahassee and Woodrun Baptist Church, Tallahassee and Crestview Baptist Chuch, Lakeland (aka Parkview). He and his wife Leslie Christine “Chris” Lytle Gregory had three children.

FRANK GREICO

Frank Greico was ordained by Trinity Baptist Church, Palatka where he also served as pastor.

G. T. GRESHAM

G. T. Gresham served as pastor of Ocala Baptist Church and Fellowship Baptist Church, both in Ocala.

HOMER LAMAR GRICE

Homer Lamar Grice (1883-1974) was born in Citra, Florida, the son of Albert Gallatin and Sarah Lee Bennett Grice. He graduated from Mercer University, George Peabody College for Teachers, Boston University School of Religion and Vanderbilt University School of Religion. Grice served as secretary in charge of the VBS department, Baptist Sunday School. He married Ethel Harrison Grice August 21, 1912. Source: Florida Baptist Historical Society files.

LUTHER B. GRICE

Luther B. Grice (1891- ) was born in Wilson County, North Carolina, the son of Martha Valentine and William Henry Grice. He graduated from Hillsdale College, and Yale University, with honorary degrees from John B. Stetson University, Michigan University, Rochester Theological Seminary, and Auburn Theological Seminary. Grice served as pastor of First Baptist Church, DeLand. He and his wife Laura Waskell Grice married June 17, 1922. Source: Florida Baptist Historical Society files.

B. HAMILTON GRIFFIN

B. Hamilton Griffin was a native of Miami. He graduated from Bob Jones University. Griffin served as a counselor at the Florida Boys School in Marianna. Griffin served as pastor of Elder Springs Baptist Church, Sanford 1959-1975, and Faith Baptist Temple, Miami.

C. A. GRIFFIN

C. A. Griffin served as pastor of Corinth Baptist Church, Jasper, 1944-1946.

D. W. GRIFFIN

D. W. Griffin served as pastor of served as pastor of Bird Road Baptist Church, Miami (aka Olympia Heights); Bible Church, Hollywood; First Baptist Church, Eau Gallie, 1948-1949; and Five Points Baptist Church, Fernandina Beach, 1953

F. J. GRIFFIN

F. J. Griffin served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Winter Haven from 1916-1917.

J. HARRISON GRIFFIN

J. Harrison Griffin (July 13, 1883-September 1976) was born at Bartow, Florida. He was educated at Summerlin Institute in Bartow, Columbia College in Lake City, Florida, and the University of Chicago. Griffin married Cleo Dale Latimer of Ozark, Alabama, in 1918, and had two sons, Huber and Dale. They moved to Winter Haven, Florida, where he served as pastor of First Baptist Church (1918-1938). From 1938-1945, Griffin served as the Secretary of the Brotherhood Department of the Florida Baptist Convention. Then he became Secretary of the Department of Christian Education of the Florida Baptist Convention where he served until his retirement from denominational service (1945-1952). Until his death, Griffin served as interim pastor in numerous Baptist churches in Florida, including New Smyrna, St. Augustine, Eau Gallie and Lake Placid. He served as president of the Florida Baptist State Convention in 1941.

KEN GRIFFIN

Ken Griffin served as pastor of Woodbine Baptist Church, Pace, 1997-1999.

WADE GRIFFIN

Wade Griffin served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Belle Glade, 1950-1952. He and his wife had two children.

J. H. GRIFFITH

J. H. Griffith was from Troy, New York. He served as principal of the DeLand Academy, pastor of First Baptist Church, Deland (1884-1886), and editor of the Florida Baptist Witness (1886).

SAMUEL S. GRIGSBY

Samuel S. Grigsby (1905-1981) served as pastor in the Florida Keys, Big Pine Key, Riviera, and also served for five years at Lisbon Baptist Church in Leesburg. He and his wife, Ina Bell Grigsby, had one daughter, Mattie Ruth, and two sons, Carl and Donald.

LEWIS GRINER

Lewis Griner served as the first pastor of Oakland Baptist Church, Fort Walton Beach, 1962, and Blackwater Baptist Mission, 1966-1967.

RALPH GRONSETH

Ralph Gronseth (1897-1977) was born in Chicago, Illinois. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Madison, Illinois and Holopaw Baptist Chapel, Florida. He and his wife, Ferne M. Gronseth had four children.

ARTHUR GROOMES

Arthur Groomes served as pastor of Family of God Baptist Church, Panama City.

CHARLES GROOVER

Charles Groover served as pastor of Parkway Baptist Church, Tallahassee.

WILLIAM A. GROOVER

William A. Groover served as pastor of East Hill Baptist Church, Tallahassee.

A. J. GROSS

A. J. Gross (1874-1965) was a native of Wedowee, Alabama. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Auburndale, 1937; Island Baptist Chapel, Anna Maria; Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and Pine Grove Baptist Church.

T. F. GROVES

T. F. Groves served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Fort Pierce.

CLIFFORD H. GROW

Clifford H. Grow (1920-2011) was a native of Gaylord, Michigan, the son of James Harod and Bessie Lucille Shulmier Grow. He graduated from the Florida Baptist Theological College, Graceville. Grow served as pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, Tallahassee and Lloyd Baptist Church, Tallahassee. He and his wife, Myrtle Delois Brumby Grow had two children, Hl and Alma.

WILLIAM J. GUESS

William J. Guess (1920-1985) died after a seven year struggle with cancer. Guess served as pastor of Pinecrest in Sanford from 1963 to 1965; West Side in Hollywood from 1954 to 1963; Bee Ridge in Sarasota from 1948 to 1949; and Burns Chapel in Tampa from 1947 to 1948. Between 1965 and 1971, he served as pastor of the Munich Baptist Church in Germany, and was executive secretary-treasurer of the European Baptist Convention from 1968 to 1971. Guess is best known in Florida for his passion to see new church work begun. He served as director of missions for the Pinellas Baptist Association, 1971-1976 and worked for the Florida Baptist Convention from 1977 to 1985, and at the time of his death was director of the New Work Assistance Office of the Florida Baptist Convention.

JOHNNY GUILBERT

Johnny Guilbert served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Raiford.

GEORGE P. GUILD

George P. Guild died in 1890 after serving as a faithful pastor in Florida.

DURANTON GUIRAND

Duranton Guirand served as pastor of the Sion Haitian Baptist Church, North Miami.

ALBERT I. GULLETTE

Albert I. Gullette (August 26, 1910- ) was born to George Sam Gullette and Ella Bethea Gullette on August 26, 1910. Gullette was born and raised at Bradley Junction, Polk County, Florida. Gullette married Fannie E. Albritton in 1933. They had eight children; Walter, Ruth, Erma Jean, Janice, Gettis, Raffie and Daphne (twins), and Linda. Gullette was a citrus farmer and preacher. He served as pastor of Bethany, Pine Level, and Sandy in the Myakka City area.

EUNICE GUNTER

Eunice Gunter served as pastor of Satsuma Baptist Church, Putnam County.

J. GORDON GUNTER

J. Gordon Gunter was pastor of Williston Baptist Church, Little River Church in 1928; West Little River Baptist Church; and First Baptist Church Williston.

J. H. GUNTER

J. H. Gunter served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Malone.

JAMES THOMAS GURNEY

James Thomas Gurney (January 24, 1901- ) was born at Ripley, Mississippi. He was the son of James Andrew Gurney and Mary Jane Shepherd Gurney. He had two brothers; William (1895), Charles (1899), and one sister, Van Gurney (1892). Gurney graduated from Ripley High School in 1916, Mississippi College (B.A.) in 1919, and Cumberland University (L.L.B.) in Lebanon, Tennessee in 1922. Gurney was converted at age eight, and baptized at the Ripley Baptist Church. He was ordained years later as a deacon at the First Baptist Church of Orlando, Florida. He served as a Sunday School teacher for over 30 years. Gurney served as a trustee for the Florida Baptist Foundation, and for the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He authored the Life Insurance Law of Florida (1934), and war clauses in World War II. He served as President of the Florida Bar Association, and was chairman of the Board of Control of Institutions of Higher Learning in Florida (1945-1949). Gurney married Blanche Johnson on March 5, 1925, at Bogalusa, Louisiana. They had one son, John Thomas Gurney, Jr., born January 21, 1928.

ERNEST L. GURR

Ernest L. Gurr served as pastor of Pine Grove Baptist Church and Macedonia Baptist Church. He helped to establish the Faith Baptist Church, Madison. Gurr and his wife, Cleo Gurr had three sons.

ANNA L. GUY

Anna L. Guy completed her Certificate of Missional Development through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She was elected to served as state WMU president on April 112, 2013.

B. A. GUY

B. A. Guy was the son of Rev. and Mrs. B. H. Guy. He served as pastor of South Kissimmee Baptist Church, 1933 and Lorida Baptist Church, 1934.

B. H. GUY

B. H. Guy (1882-1921) served as missionary to the Pasco Baptist Association, 1894-1895. He established the Lorida Baptist Church in 1911 and served as the first pastor. Guy also served as pastor of Pine Castle Baptist Church, 1905-1906. He and his wife had eight children.

R. M. GUY

R. M. Guy served as pastor of Enon Baptist Church, Walnut Hill, and Muscogee Baptist Church, Escambia County.

OBEL GUZMAN

Obel Guzman (1943-2011) was born in Cruces, Las Vilas, Cuba. He graduated from the Theological Seminary of Western Cuba. He served as missionary to the Hispanics of south-west Florida until 1978 when he began serving as pastor of Iglesia Bautista Buenas Nuevas in Miami where he served for 33 years. He died in 2011. He and his wife Celia (“Nena”) had three sons.

DARRELL GWALTNEY

Darrell Gwaltney graduated from Missouri Baptist College, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Missouri. He served as pastor of Northwood Baptist Church, Wet Palm Beach, 1997-2002.

RALPH E. GWIN

Ralph E. Gwin served as pastor of Stanton Memorial Baptist Church, Miami, 1946-1951 and First Baptist Church, Palmetto.

JOSEPH PINKNEY GWYN, III

Joseph Pinkney Gwyn, III (1927-2019) was born in Norfolk, Virginia. He graduated from Auburn University (1950) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1955). Gwyn and his wife Nell had two daughters, Elizabeth and Ann. He served as pastor of Scenic Heights Church, Pensacola (1977-1980); Immanuel Baptist Church, Pace (1980-1992); Woodbine Baptist Church, Pace (1993-1996).

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