Hartselle pastor retires from East Highland after 25 years

Walter “Wally” Blackman has retired after 25 years as pastor of East Highland Baptist Church, Hartselle.

During a special service (and other small group meetings) honoring him and his wife, Suzanne, church members showered them with a variety of gifts, including a few fun gag gifts.

Blackman also shared a time of special music with two of his granddaughters during his final church service as pastor.

Blackman previously served as pastor of First Baptist Church Marion and Southern Hills Baptist Church, Natchez, both in Mississippi, and taught adult training “10 Steps to Christian Maturity” at Southside Baptist Church, Savannah, Georgia.

Blackman holds a bachelor’s degree in history/religion from the University of Alabama and a master of divinity degree in biblical studies from New Orleans Seminary.

He and Suzanne have four children and eight grandchildren.