David Dykes, former pastor of three Alabama Baptist churches, died July 2. Before a 30-year pastorate in Texas, he served as pastor of Gardendale First Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Oneonta and Tallaweeka Baptist Church in Tallassee.
Paul Miller, who served as president of Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2012, died July 2. ABCH was the only place he ever worked.
Over his years of ministry, Charles Godwin served as pastor of churches in Notasulga, Muscle Shoals, Huntsville and Cullman. He also served churches in Kentucky and Ohio and as DOM for Etowah Baptist Association.
Matt Aldridge, former NextGen/student pastor at Vaughn Forest Church in Montgomery, died May 27. He was 28. A graduate of Southside High School, Aldridge studied
He served more than 40 years as a worship pastor and servant leader in Alabama churches. He also worked for 10 years at Integrity Music, first as live events manager, then in marketing and digital content.
While in seminary, Pratt Dean felt a call to missions. He was appointed as an IMB missionary to Japan in 1966, and in 1970 he married Rita, who had been serving in Taiwan. The two served in Japan together until their retirement in 1999.