Buddy Nelson, a longtime pastor in Alabama Baptist life, died July 30.
He currently was serving as interim senior adult and education minister at Golden Springs Baptist Church in Anniston, one of several interim roles he served since retiring in 2016. He also had been active in and supportive of Calhoun Baptist Association, according to CBA director of missions Roger Willmore.
Nelson previously served as pastor of First Baptist Church McClellan in Anniston; Riverchase Baptist Church, Hoover; First Baptist Church Oxford and Liberty Baptist Church, Leitchfield, Kentucky.
Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, described Nelson as a “dear friend.”
“We have known each other since our days at Samford. We served together in various ways in our state convention life,” Lance said. “Buddy always had a winsome attitude. He personified a servant spirit. His pastoral ministry was well received by the people he served. I am so grateful to have known him as a friend and as a colleague in ministry.”
Nelson held a bachelor’s degree from Samford University and a master of divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He also was a youth minister for FBC Birmingham early in his ministry.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he wrote “Getting Off the Fence Post: Choosing How to Face Difficult Times,” a collection of 90 devotionals.
Nelson is survived by his wife, Becky; two children and four grandchildren.
The funeral is planned for Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. at Golden Springs Baptist Church with visitation following the service.
Share with others: