Dale Barnes, a longtime Alabama Baptist pastor and distinguished Vietnam War veteran, died Jan. 7. He served four Alabama churches — Calvary Baptist in Prattville; Beulah Baptist in Wetumpka; Rock Springs Baptist and Titus Baptist.
James Ivaloy Loper, a longtime Alabama Baptist pastor, died Dec. 27. He was 85. Loper served his country in the U.S. Army for two years,
The family will welcome visitors from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at FBC Guntersville (1000 Gunter Avenue). A brief memorial service will be held at the church beginning at 5 p.m.
Over the years, Larry Hughes served in a number of Alabama Baptist churches, as well as serving as an IMB missionary in Western Europe for five years.
“Pastor Jeff served our church with unwavering devotion, compassion and humility. His love for God and for people was evident in every sermon he preached, every prayer he prayed and every conversation he shared.” —FBC Opelika staff/deacons
After serving as youth minister at four First Baptist churches, Butch Henderson served as director of World Changers and as church community missions specialist for Birmingham Metro Baptist Association, then founded Metro Changers.
For 63 years, Finklea served as a pastor, including spending 25 years at FBC Brewton. He retired in 1999, and the church named him pastor emeritus. After retirement, he served 24 more years as pastor of a small country church in Sepulga.
Tom Whatley thought he would have a career in military, but he couldn’t resist God’s call to ministry. Over the years, he served several Alabama churches, including spending 27 years as pastor of Woodward Avenue Baptist in Muscle Shoals.
