A.L. (Amos Levi) Courtney, pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church Pell City, died May 15. He was 88.
Courtney’s ministry spanned more than 50 years, 20 of those at FBC Pell City prior to his Dec. 31, 1999, retirement from full-time ministry.
Reflecting on his retirement, Courtney told The Alabama Baptist he never fought the call to ministry.
“It was made very clear to me by the Lord,” he said. “As soon as I realized that’s what God wanted me to do, that’s when I made my decision.”
“Every church I’ve ever served was a delightful experience,” he added.
Courtney attended East Mississippi Junior College on a football scholarship and was inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame. He also graduated from Samford University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1961).
He was pastor of FBC Demopolis from 1969 to 1980 and served several churches in Alabama and Mississippi.
Growth and missions
During his 20 years at FBC Pell City, the church began a kindergarten and day care program, constructed a family ministry building and purchased additional property for parking. Courtney emphasized the importance of giving to the Cooperative Program and special missions, even during building campaigns.
Courtney was active in the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, The Baptist Foundation of Alabama and other community and alumni organizations. He was supportive of all levels of the Southern Baptist Convention.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Myra Scroggins Courtney; daughter, Amy; son, Michael; four granddaughters; and five great-grandchildren.
A service to celebrate his homecoming will be held on Saturday, May 20 at First Baptist Church, Pell City, Alabama at 11 a.m. Following the service, the family invites all attendees to join them for visitation in the Family Ministry Building at FBC Pell City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Gideons Organization or FBC Pell City missions ministry. Click here for more information.
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