Pastor for more than 50 years dies at 80: Herman ‘Jimmy’ Dean

Herman “Jimmy” Dean, who served Southern Baptist churches for 50 years, died Aug. 4. He was 80.

Dean attended Howard College in Birmingham (now Samford University) and earned his master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He also earned a doctorate from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University. 

Dean served as pastor of several churches in Alabama including Marble City Baptist Church, Sylacauga; Grove Hill Baptist Church; and West Hartselle Baptist Church, Hartselle. He also served as pastor of a church in Mississippi. Before retiring, Dean served for 15 years at Liberty Baptist Church, Chelsea. He then served as interim pastor of Oldfield Baptist Church, Sylacauga. 

Under his leadership, Dean saw 22 men called to preach. 

He is survived by his wife, Peggy; four children; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.