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), Troy State University (now Troy University) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He received an honorary doctorate degree from Judson College in 1982 recognizing his pastoral and denominational leadership.
Jernigan served as pastor of Southern Baptist churches beginning at 17 years old. During his 63 years of ministry he served as pastor of six Alabama Baptist churches including First Baptist Church, Abbeville, and Forest Park Baptist Church, Montgomery. He also served as pastor in Florida and served several churches as an interim pastor.
Jernigan also served as vice president for development for The Baptist Foundation of Alabama and later as director of development for First Baptist Foundation, a ministry of First Baptist Church, Montgomery.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Nelda; two children; and four grandchildren.
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