Michael Whitt: Pastor of Abbeville’s First Baptist dies

Michael Whitt: Pastor of Abbeville’s First Baptist dies

First Baptist Church, Abbeville, lost a “man of integrity” when Pastor Michael Whitt died suddenly from a heart attack while playing in a church softball game July 9.

Whitt, 40, had served as pastor of First, Abbeville, for eight years and was known for his commitment to Christ and to discipleship and for investing in others intentionally up to the day of his death.

“I’m a better man, a better husband, a better father and a better pastor for knowing Michael,” said Scott Ferguson, a longtime friend of Whitt’s, during the funeral July 12. “There are many of us who can say the same thing.”

Before serving at First, Abbeville, Whitt served six years as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Cottonwood. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a master’s degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.

Whitt leaves behind his wife, Melissa, and four children — Elizabeth, Lydia, Julia and Jonathan.