Lonnie Wilkey, far right, editor of the Baptist and Reflector, receives the Paula and Ken Hemphill Denominational Service Award from North Greenville University. Holding the award is NGU president Gene C. Fant, and joining them are Paula and Ken Hemphill. —Photos by Marty O’Gwynn
INDIANAPOLIS — Lonnie Wilkey, editor of the Baptist and Reflector, has received many honors and awards during his journalism career. But the most recent award he received was especially meaningful.
Wilkey, who is retiring as B&R editor at the end of this year, was presented with the Paula and Ken Hemphill Denominational Service Award from North Greenville University during a NGU dessert fellowship on June 10 in Indianapolis. The dessert fellowship was held during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.
Wilkey graduated from North Greenville in 1978, when the school was still a junior college.
“This is such an honor,” said Wilkey. “The Hemphills are well known in Southern Baptist life for their service over the past several decades. To receive the award named for them is very humbling and something that I will cherish.”
The Hemphill Award recognizes “servant leadership empowering Southern Baptists’ kingdom growth,” and is named in honor of noted Southern Baptist ministry leaders Paula and Ken Hemphill. With careers spanning global missions, local pastorates, a seminary presidency, and writing books on varied Christian topics, the Hemphills are engaged in developing resources that enhance strategic work in evangelism and church revitalization.
Gene C. Fant, president of North Greenville University, presented the award to Wilkey. The Hemphills also attended the dessert fellowship, and joined in on the celebration for Wilkey.
NGU president Gene C. Fant stands with Lonnie Wilkey, editor of the Baptist and Reflector, after Wilkey received the Paula and Ken Hemphill Denominational Service Award.
Fant noted that Wilkey earned the money to attend North Greenville by working at a mill near Tigersville, where the school is located, during his time there.
“Lonnie Wilkey is a classic North Greenville story (in terms of doing) whatever is possible to be able to attend school,” Fant said, “and we are so glad to be able to recognize him today.”
Fant noted that he and Wilkey have been friends for many years, and that Wilkey “has been wise counsel for me” on many occasions.
Wilkey, who has served as editor of the B&R for 26 years, announced in April his plans to retire from his position, effective Dec. 31, 2024. The Greenville, S.C., native first joined the B&R staff in 1988 as associate editor, holding that position for 10 years, before being elected editor in September of 1998.
Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, attended the dessert fellowship and spoke about Wilkey’s dedication to the paper.
“Lonnie has had the task of being the editor of one of the longest-running Baptist publications the nation — and he has shepherded those duties extremely well,” said Davis.
“I just love this dear brother so much, and I can tell you that the members of the TBMB communications team certainly hate to lose Lonnie (to retirement),” Davis added. “You’ve done a great service to North Greenville University tonight by honoring one of your own in this way.”
An award-winning journalist and a past president of the Association of State Baptist Publications, Wilkey has covered many of the biggest events in Southern Baptist life for the past three-plus decades.
Chris Turner, communications director for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, also attended the dessert fellowship to honor his long-time friend and coworker.
“Every university desires to have graduates who go on to represent the university well — and Lonnie has certainly done that for North Greenville,” said Turner. “Their recognition of him was merited.”
Turner noted that the award presentation was a positive reflection of both Wilkey and the school.
“I thought it was interesting that in his remarks (after accepting the award), Lonnie was able to recount by name professors he had 47 years ago who had an impact on his career and his walk with the Lord,” said Turner. “It is a beautiful testimony of a Christian university preparing students to go out and make a difference in the world, and for one of its alumni to have the impact Lonnie has had throughout his career.”
Wilkey said that the days he spent at North Greenville were indeed time well spent.
“I attended North Greenville when it was a junior college, but the education and skills I learned there remain with me today,” said Wilkey, who graduated from the University of South Carolina after his time at North Greenville.
“Delane Wood taught business classes at North Greenville and she taught me how to type. It may have been the most useful course I ever took in college. She was very patient as my big, awkward fingers did not always find the correct key at the right time. My other professors also made an impression on me. Their daily life in the classroom reflected their Christian beliefs.”
Wilkey said his upcoming retirement will likely result in mixed emotions, noting that he will miss the relationships and other facets of the job — but he probably won’t miss the stress.
“I am blessed that God has allowed me to serve Him for more than 40 years in denominational journalism,” he said. “Though it can be tiring and sometimes stressful, it also is very rewarding. I love telling the stories of people who give God their best by serving Him and telling others the good news of His son, Jesus Christ.” B&R
