John Roberts, the longest-serving editor in the history of The Baptist Courier, died Aug. 15. He was 85. Roberts, of Shelby, N.C., graduated from Gardner-Webb
Chester H. Jernigan, former Alabama Baptist pastor, died July 21. He was 81. A native of Brewton, Jernigan graduated from Howard College (now Samford University),
Charles Philip Neel, creator of Auburn University’s mascot, Aubie, and a member of Deerfoot Baptist Church, Trussville, for 32 years died July 25. He was 84.
Robert Lee “Bob” Franklin Jr., former director of missions for Montgomery Baptist Association, died July 8. He was 78. A native of Center Point, Franklin
George Jerrell Blakney, interim pastor of Concord Baptist Church, Fayette, died June 3. He was 73. A Carrollton native, Blakney received a bachelor’s degree from
Wayne E. Ward, retired professor of theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., died May 23 following a massive stroke. He was 90.
Frank Morrison Sr., retired Baptist pastor, died May 21. He was 96. Morrison was a graduate of Howard College (now Samford University) in Birmingham and