A TRIBUTE TO BILL WELLMAN

I first met Brother Bill in the early spring of 2002. I had traveled down to SVBA

from Columbus to introduce myself as a new state convention missionary (SCBO).

From the first moment we met I liked brother Bill. His smile, mustache, kind

demeanor, and of course his signature cowboy hat, were staples I came to enjoy

until his passing this week.

I so enjoyed my visits to the SVBA office where I most often would find Bill in his

office, sitting at his chair and doing the Godly servant ministry that he so

dedicated himself to much of his life. We had great conversations, meaningful

strategy sessions, reflective prayer, and when possible and time would allow, a

good meal. And as needed he would often ask me for financial assistance to help

the churches of SVBA in fulfilling their God given assignments, to which most

often I complied!

The day after Bill’s death, I had the privilege of having a conversation with Emily,

his wife of fifty-three years. It was during that conversation that she called to

remembrance just how full a life of ministry brother Bill had enjoyed as he served

in Scioto Valley. Serving as association missionary from 1997-2021, before that he

pastored Burlington Baptist Church, where he saw the sanctuary built, and

pastored First Baptist Church Athens. While serving SVBA he did numerous

interims, taught seminary extension classes, encouraged pastors, and filled the

pulpit when churches needed assistance! He last served Emmanuel Baptist Church

in Jackson before his health began to deteriorate which led to his eventual

retirement.

Bill always believed that we could accomplish more together for Christ than we

could alone. That is a legacy he left me as I now serve in the position he held for

so long. As I write this memorial tribute, I sit in his office chair and remember him

with a fond heart and an encouraging spirit. Thank you brother Bill for your

service to our Lord, our country, your family, and to the churches of the Scioto

Valley Baptist Association. You will not be forgotten and the seeds of the gospel

you have planted here will continue to grow until Jesus returns. Well done my

brother and friend!

Jack Helton, SVBA Missionary