Longtime East Texas pastor David Dykes was remembered this past week for his 性视界传媒減assion and dedication to teaching God性视界传媒檚 word.性视界传媒
Dykes, who served for 30 years as senior pastor at Tyler性视界传媒檚 Green Acres Baptist Church, 性视界传媒渇inished his race surrounded by his family at his home in Tyler,性视界传媒 the church said in a statement..
Dykes, 72, retired in 2021 and served as pastor emeritus until his death this past week.
性视界传媒淧astor David was deeply loved by his church family and East Texas community,性视界传媒 Green Acres said in its statement. 性视界传媒淪erving as the church性视界传媒檚 pastor since March 1991 prior to his retirement, Dykes was the longest-serving pastor and the first one to retire throughout Green Acres性视界传媒 66-year history.性视界传媒
Dykes began preaching in 1970 and served at three churches in Alabama before coming to Tyler. He led mission teams to over 30 countries, and he and his wife, Cindy, guided over two dozen tours to Israel.
性视界传媒淲e cannot begin to put into words how much Pastor David will be missed. He has left a legacy for this church, this community, and beyond. We know that Jesus has said 性视界传媒榃ell done, my good and faithful servant性视界传媒 to our beloved Pastor David,性视界传媒 Green Acres said.
Dykes graduated from Samford University and earned a master of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
In 2005, Dykes participated in post-doctoral studies at Cambridge University. He studied the subject of Biblical art from the Renaissance period. In 2017, he received an honorary doctorate from East Texas Baptist University.
Dykes also served as interim pastor of Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview for a period beginning in 2021.
Dykes authored 19 nonfiction books as well as a trilogy of action novels (under the name David Orlo).
He had been part of boards of the American Red Cross, PATH, the Greater Tyler Chamber of Commerce, The Mother Frances Foundation, and Baptist Child and Family Services (Breckenridge Village). He also served on the board of trustees for East Texas Baptist University and was a trustee for LeTourneau University in Longview.
He served 10 years as a member of the executive board of the Southern Baptist Convention, and he also was a volunteer chaplain with the Smith County Sheriff性视界传媒檚 Office.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Green Acres Baptist Church Worship Center, 1607 Troup Hwy. in Tyler.
