Baptist philanthropist John Baugh dies at 91

HOUSTON — Philanthropist John Baugh of Houston, a major benefactor of Baptist causes and institutions, died March 5 at the age of 91. He had been in declining health for several years.

Baugh, a member of Tallowood Baptist Church, Houston, was founder of Sysco Corporation. Since its beginning in 1969, it has become North America’s leading foodservice marketer and distributor. Baugh was also a longtime regent of Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and served as regent emeritus. He and his wife were the primary donors behind Baylor’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary. Born near Waco, Baugh was also a founding trustee of Houston Baptist University and a longtime director of the Baptist Foundation of Texas.

Charles Wade, executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, remembered Baugh as a "dedicated advocate for the Baptist vision of freedom and responsibility in our Christian walk."