People and Places: Week ending June 17

Deaths

Willis Edward "Ed" Harrell, 85, died May 26. A native of Decatur County, GA, he began a life of service as a school bus driver for the city of Climax in south Georgia during World War II even though he was only 14 years old. Later on he would join the Navy, and while stationed in Stockton, CA met a soloist at church. He and Shirley Joan Strawhecker would go on to a 62-year marriage.

In his family wholesale poultry business Harrell ran a chicken-and-egg route along the Florida Gulf Coast. Upon retirement he would go on to serve 43 years as a full-time minister at places including New Fountainhead Baptist Church in Bainbridge, Salem Baptist Church, in nursing homes, jails, Hispanic ministries, Good News clubs, and Bible schools. He is survived by his wife; children Lindy Harrell, Suzanne Harrell Brandt, Tim Harrell, and Bonnie Harrell; a brother, J.D. Harrell, a sister, Emma Jean Bell; six grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

Rex Pair, 52, died June 5 after an extended battle with cancer. Pair served as executive pastor of Midway Church in Villa Rica. He is survived by his wife Leslie, daughters Katie and Makenzee and mother Barbara, all of Carrollton, and brothers Alan, of Carrollton, and Jason, of Douglasville.

Jerry Walker, retired minister of education at First Baptist Church in Newnan, died June 11.

Ministerial Moves

Greg Bentley

Altamaha Baptist Association and New Sunbury Association have called Greg Bentley as associational missionary. Bentley previously had served as pastor of Elim Baptist Church in Ludowici since November 2010. He begins his new role on June 20.

David Pace recently began as pastor of Lake Seminole Baptist Church in Bowen Association.

Keith Stewart

Keith Stewart began his tenure as pastor of First Baptist Church in Nashville on June 5. He is joined by his wife Beth and children Hannah, Braden, and Bethany.