Well-known Alabama Baptist and retired president of the Baptist Foundation of Alabama (BFA), C. Warren Trussell Jr., died Oct. 10 at 65.
A member of Sampey Memorial Baptist Church in Ramer, Trussell retired from BFA June 30, 2001, after 13 years at the helm. He previously served as vice president/director of development for BFA from 1979 to 1985. During the years 1985–1988, Trussell led the Northwest Baptist Foundation in Portland, Ore.
BFA serves as the trust agency of the Alabama Baptist State Convention and receives gifts for endowment purposes to further the work of Christ through agencies, institutions and Baptist causes. As such, the Foundation is involved in estate planning, making wills, establishing trusts, scholarship programs, consultation on financial matters and personal ministry.
During an interview with The Alabama Baptist at his retirement, Trussell said, “The biggest joy in this work is the relationship you form with individuals that you deal with. This gives you the real sense that this is a ministry and not just dollars and cents.”
A native of Hattiesburg, Miss., Trussell received his bachelor of science degree from Mississippi Southern College (now University of Southern Mississippi) in Hattiesburg. After receiving his master’s in religious education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Trussell served from 1959 to 1973 as minister of education and administration in three churches. In 1973 he joined the Church Training department at the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions (SBOM) and was there until he began serving with the BFA.
Barry Bledsoe, current BFA president, said, “Warren left a great legacy through his ministry at the Baptist Foundation of Alabama.
“During his years as president, the Foundation experienced tremendous growth,” Bledsoe said. “However, it was always clear that growth was secondary to the ministry aspects of the Foundation. Warren loved people and was passionate about serving them.
“He was always quick to respond to people who were hurting and in need,” Bledsoe noted. “Warren modeled Christ’s love for others. He will be missed, but we know he is happy to be with his Lord.”
Rick Lance, executive director of the SBOM, agreed Trussell exhibited a love for people and for serving.
“Warren Trussell was a servant leader who represented the very best of Baptist life,” Lance said. “His exemplary leadership at the Baptist Foundation of Alabama is known by many Alabama Baptists as remarkable and noteworthy. His earlier service as a state missionary at the State Board of Missions is also marked by a commitment and competence.
“Warren Trussell was my friend and encourager,” Lance said. “He often told me, ‘Sarah and I pray for you every day.’
“When he made those remarks, tears would sometimes come into his eyes,” Lance recalled. “This was a side of Warren that some people may not have seen; but for me it was a reflection of his true character. I will miss those moments of affirmation from him.
“Warren Trussell will be greatly missed by the family of faith called Alabama Baptists,” Lance continued. “His life and work in Alabama as well as in other places of ministry have reaped tremendous Kingdom results. Our state convention has been enriched by his life and legacy.”
Trussell is survived by his wife, Sarah, two children and their spouses and five grandchildren.
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