Graduates and other honors from around Georgia

Jerry Peele

Anniversaries

First Baptist Church, Eastman celebrated Jerry Peele's 23 years as pastor on June 1.

Deaths

Oscar "Junior" Rowe, pastor of Northside Baptist Church in Glennville, died May 19 at Memorial Health University Medical enter.

A native of Glennville, Rowe served in the Georgia National Guard and was owner/operator of The Barber Shop in Glennville. A minister for more than 40 years in the Glennville area, he was pastor at Birdford Baptist Church and Grace Baptist Church in addition to Northside.

Preceded in death by a brother, E.W. Rowe, he is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sherry; daughters Rhonda Moore, of Live Oak, FL, and Angie Edwards, of Glennville; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Graduates

The following graduates with Georgia ties received certificates and degrees during New Orleans Seminary's commencement services May 13. Mike Gaddy, of Pine Lake Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Master of Arts in Christian Education; Chris Young, of Central Baptist Church in Warner Robins, Master of Divinity with specialization in Missions; Joel Harris, of First Baptist Church in McDonough, Doctor of Educational Ministry; Jennifer Ransom, of Second Baptist Church in Warner Robins, Doctor of Educational Ministry; and Amos Williams, Jr., pastor of Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Marietta, Doctor of Ministry.

Students attaining leadership certificates and degrees through the New Orleans Seminary North Georgia Hub recently took part with classmates in the school's commencement May 13. Standing left to right, back row are Willie Sherman Curtis, Rony Obed Beague, Yves Ciano Menager, Jean-Baptiste Eddy, and Jean F. Daniel. Front row, left to right, are Johnny Gaston, Stephanie Joy Pigg, who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, NOBTS President Chuck Kelley, Ella Louise Parks, and Alexandre John Muller Dorcelly. Standing in rear is Seneque Saintil, director of the Atlanta-area Haitian Center.

Ministerial Moves

Irwinton Baptist Church in Ebenezer Association recently called Gary Horton as pastor.

John W. Dobbins retired Feb. 14 after having served as pastor of Eastside Baptist Church in Douglas for 33 years.

On May 19 after a question-and-answer session, members of Altamaha and New Sunberry Baptist associations voted overwhelmingly to welcome Greg Bentley as director of missions. The meeting was held at Trinity Baptist Church in Jesup and included Bentley sharing his vision for both associations. Joined by his wife, Mickey, he will begin serving June 21.