Obituaries

John Roberts, the longest-serving editor in the history of The Baptist Courier, died Aug. 15. He was 85. Roberts, of Shelby, N.C., graduated from Gardner-Webb

Chester H. Jernigan, former Alabama Baptist pastor, died July 21. He was 81. A native of Brewton, Jernigan graduated from Howard College (now Samford University),

Charles Philip Neel, creator of Auburn University’s mascot, Aubie, and a member of Deerfoot Baptist Church, Trussville, for 32 years died July 25. He was 84.

James Nelson, former director of missions (DOM) for Marshall Baptist Association, died July 4. He was 88. Nelson was a World War II veteran and

Robert Lee “Bob” Franklin Jr., former director of missions for Montgomery Baptist Association, died July 8. He was 78. A native of Center Point, Franklin

George Jerrell Blakney, interim pastor of Concord Baptist Church, Fayette, died June 3. He was 73. A Carrollton native, Blakney received a bachelor’s degree from