LEADERS
Van Richmond
Van Richmond, a pastor and church planter for 12 years, has recently written When Scripture Meets the Streets: What the Bible Says About Everyday Events. The book features everyday stories from everyday people that are paired with God’s wisdom and counsel to show His loving concern for your life. An Air Force veteran of 30 years, Richmond said his “hope and prayer is these stories from life and the related Scriptures will serve as both inspiration and guidance.” The book is available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. His wife, Lynn, serves as convention manager for the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention.
John Rogers recently retired as pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, Mohawk. He and his wife Tina served the church for 21 years.
Elliot Garrett
First Baptist Church, Somerville, has called Elliot Garrett to serve as minister of students and recreation. He previously served as minister of youth at First Baptist Church, Senatobia, Miss.
Jamie Work, associational missions mobilizer for the Southern Baptist International Mission Board, is serving as interim pastor at First Baptist Church, Athens.
DEATHS
LaVaughn Moody of Parsons died July 8 at the age of 88. He was a Baptist minister and preached the gospel for 45 years in churches in Middle and West Tennessee. Moody also helped continue the radio program “Truth on the Air: Helping to Tell the Father’s World About His Son” which was begun by his father, W.A. Moody, in 1945. The program still airs on Sundays at 8:30 CST on WDXL, Lexington. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Moody, two children, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Jimmy Dale Breedlove, retired pastor of Parkview Baptist Church, Jackson, died April 26 at the age of 79. In addition to serving for 21 years at Parkview, he was pastor of Three Way Baptist Church, Bells, and Toone Baptist Church, Toone in addition to churches in Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi. He is survived by his wife, Joann Breedlove, three children and eight grandchildren.
Thomas “Tom” Byrge Sr., retired senior pastor of Clinch River Baptist Church, Rocky Top and retired director of missions of Clinton Baptist Association, died June 12 at the age of 84. He also served churches as interim pastor and filled the pulpit for churches throughout East Tennessee after retiring as DOM in 2018. He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1979. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Minnie Belle Byrge, two children, eight grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
James Edward Cagle, who served in a variety of ministerial roles, including pastor, died June 11. He was 82. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Cagle, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Jackie Ray “Jack” Fletcher, retired director of missions for New River/McCreary County Baptist Association, died June 4 at the age of 88. He served in the Marines and as an Army chaplain. He is survived by his wife, Freda Fletcher, four daughters, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Earl “Dwight” Hobbs, pastor of Cherokee Baptist Church, Jonesborough, died May 31 after a brief battle with cancer. He was 70. Hobbs was in the ministry for 47 years, including 16-and-a-half years at Cherokee Baptist. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Donna Hobbs, two children and a grandson.
James “Don” Williams, retired pastor of Evansville Baptist Church, Dyersburg, died June 6 at the age of 85. He was a former police and hospital chaplain. He is survived by three children, five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
EDUCATION
For a tenth straight year, Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, has been named a “College of Distinction” as well as a “Christian College of Distinction.” The 2024-2025 honor comes from Texas-based organization, Colleges of Distinction. The company cited Carson-Newman’s dedication to fostering hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, an active campus community, and stellar student outcomes. The organization also recognized the university for its business, education and nursing programs. In addition, Carson-Newman received a special accolade for its career development initiatives for undergraduate students.
CHURCHES
Forest Hill Baptist Church, Maryville, celebrated its 110th anniversary on July 14 with guest speaker David Lambert, pastor of First Baptist Church, Thomson, Ga.
First Baptist Church, Carthage, has called Jim Wilburn as pastor.
After 50-plus years of denominational and pastoral leadership, Bill Henard retired on Sunday, June 2, surrounded by family, long-time friends, and the church body at First Baptist Church, Athens. Henard plans on pursuing more time with his family and helping pastors with revitalization efforts in their churches.
Terry L. Kirby, pastor of First Baptist Church, Pigeon Forge, holds a copy of his new book, Grace Life, a parable about how Sam (the modern-day Good Samaritan) helps Anna deal with her father’s death by teaching her how to live a “grace life.” The book is a simple story about how one person teaches another person how to become a Christ-follower and then teaches the new believer how to tell his or her family, friends or others how to become a follower of Jesus. The book is available from Amazon.
