Jack E. Brymer Sr., a former managing editor of The Alabama Baptist, former editor of the Florida Baptist Witness and retired communications specialist for Samford University, died Oct. 28 at the age of 84.
A Baptist writer for most of his professional life, Brymer was active in many organizations, including the Association of State Baptist Papers, where he served two terms as president (1992–93, 1993–94), and the Public Relations Society of America, winning many awards for his writing through the years. One of his top honors was being named the inaugural recipient of the Religious Freedom Award by the then-Associated Baptist Press (now Baptist News Global).
Brymer retired from Samford in 2003, after serving in a variety of public relations, publications and communications roles. The Jack E. Brymer Endowed Journalism Scholarship at Samford is named in his honor. The education building of Mount Meru University in Tanzania also is named in his honor because of his volunteer efforts to help the university’s leaders develop public relations and alumni programs. He also worked with faculty to learn to generate their own lesson plans and helped the school grow from a small seminary of 100 students to more than 2,500 students at an accredited university. Brymer even taught a few classes himself from time to time. The school is owned by the Baptist Churches of East Africa.
His community involvement close to home included serving on the Jefferson County Board of Education and as a member of the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of Birmingham, Alabama, and Jacksonville, Florida.
An ordained minister, he served in various capacities at several local churches, and as an active member of Baptist Church of the Covenant in Birmingham. World missions were close to his heart.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley Jarman; a son, Jack Jr.; two daughters, Vicki and Carissa; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Share with others: