Gary M. Aldridge, pastor of Thorington Road Baptist Church, Montgomery, in Montgomery Baptist Association, was found dead in his home June 24. He was discovered when he did not show up for Sunday morning services at the church. He was 51.
Aldridge died of asphyxiation, according to early reports from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. At press time, the death was still being investigated.
A native of Mobile, Aldridge grew up at Orchard Baptist Church, Mobile, in Mobile Baptist Association and was a graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
He had been pastor of Thorington Road Baptist since 1991.
“Brother Gary … was instrumental in leading our church to grow spiritually, physically and numerically over his long tenure,” according to a statement released by the church June 25.
Bob Dempsey, associate director of missions for Montgomery Association and member of the church, said, “His greatest accomplishment was when he moved [the] church.”
The church had suffered “tough times” and lost members, Dempsey said. Aldridge helped the people heal, rebuilt relationships and successfully relocated the congregation. He took the active membership from 60 to more than 300.
He is survived by his wife, Jan.
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