After being away for 50 years, Gene Walley, director of missions (DOM) for Bethel Baptist Association, is retiring March 15, and he and his wife, Virginia, will return to their childhood hometown of Richton, Miss.
Walley said his favorite aspect of associational work was the contact with pastors and churches. “I’m going to miss going to different churches and fellowshipping with the pastors,” he said.
After attending William Carey College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Walley served as pastor for 43 years in Baptist churches in Mobile and Florence. He has served as Bethel DOM for the last 15 years.
One pastor who will definitely miss Walley is Billy Harris, pastor of Linden Baptist Church, where Walley and his wife are members.
“He’s been a pastor to the pastors,” Harris said. “He can hold a confidence with church-related or personal problems. He is the kind of man who will sit down and listen and give guidance.”
Besides being a people person, Harris said Walley is also an outstanding preacher. “His sermons are always biblically sound, clear and easy to follow,” he said. “I’ve always felt comfortable leaving my congregation in the care of his preaching when I’ve been away.”
Walley said another part of his job he will miss is participating with the Bethel Builders, a group of associational volunteers who do construction work each member. “We would go places where church buildings were needed,” said Walley. “We’ve built in Alaska, Georgia, Montana- all over the United States.”
Pam Gibbs, secretary for Bethel Association, said Walley has been a wonderful boss during his time as director of missions. “He’s easy to work with and is a joy to be around,” she said. “This is an emotional time – he’ll be hard to replace.”
During the past year Walley and his wife have built a home on family land and look forward to moving back to where they grew up. They have four children, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and plan to spend more time with them.
Walley said he looks forward to returning to First Baptist Church, Richton, where he was baptized, licensed, ordained and married.
“I plan to do some interim preaching and supply work,” he said. “I also hope to do some missions work.”
A celebration to honor Walley and his service to Bethel Association and years in the ministry is planned for Feb. 21 at Linden Baptist Church.
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