People and Places: Longtime Porterdale pastor dies

Anniversaries

Charles Romain celebrated eight years as pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church in LaFayette in December.

Derrell O'Neal celebrated 17 years as associate pastor at Shiloh Baptist in Rossville on Jan. 1. 

On Jan. 1, Paul Williams marked 13 years as pastor of First Baptist Church in Rossville. 

Deaths

Longtime Georgia Baptist pastor Dickie Johnson died Jan. 1. He as 72 years old. 

Dickie Johnson

Ordained in Brunswick at the age of 19, Johnson's ministry covered 52 years. His longest tenure came his most recent pulpit, Porterdale Baptist Church in Porterdale, where he served from 1982-85 and then again from September 1990 until his death. 

In addition to Porterdale, Johnson was pastor at Helena Baptist Church, New Bethel in Dublin, Montrose Baptist, Alapaha Baptist, and Odum Baptist churches. He was an avid hunter and Georgia Bulldog fan.

Johnson is survived by his wife of 53 years, Polly, daughter Rene Seals, of Covington, sisters Jean Carlton and Melissa Reddish, brother Harry Johnson, and three grandsons. 

A funeral service was held Jan. 5 at First Baptist in Covington. In lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to Porterdale Baptist Church, P.O. Box 637, Porterdale, GA 30070. 

Graduates

The following graduates with Georgia ties received certificates and degrees during the New Orleans Seminary commencement service Dec. 17.

Masters of Art in Christian Education

Haley Barton Virginia

Richmond Hill Baptist Church, Richmond Hill

Master of Theological Studies

Jason Alan Abbott

Gateway Community Church, Covington

Master of Divinity with Specialization in Christian Apologetics

Mark Lamprecht

First Baptist Church, Woodstock

Master of Divinity with Specialization in Christian Education

Scott Patrick, minister of children

First Baptist Church Douglasville

Doctor of Educational Ministry

Dawn Schaffer, minister of children

Macland Baptist Church, Powder Springs