TENNESCENE: JUNE 11

June 12, 2025

DEATHS

Carroll C. Owen, 102, died June 3 in Brentwood. Owen dedicated nearly three decades to pastoral ministry, serving Baptist churches in Tennessee and Illinois from 1952 to 1979. He pastored First Baptist Church in Paris, Tenn., for 17 years from 1962 until his retirement from pastoral ministry in 1979.

Following his pastoral career, Owen joined the Tennessee Baptist Convention Executive Board as director of convention ministries, where he served until his full retirement.

His commitment to Baptist institutions extended through numerous leadership roles, including service on the TBC Executive Board and as a trustee of Union University and Baptist hospitals in Nashville and Memphis. He also served on the boards of trustees of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., and the Southern Baptist Convention’s Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board). Owen is a past president of both the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the Tennessee Baptist Pastors Conference.

Owen was a decorated World War II Army veteran who served with distinction in the European Theatre of Operations with the 406th Regiment, 102nd Infantry Division. For his overseas combat service, he was awarded a Bronze Star and a Combat Infantry Badge.

A funeral service was held June 10 in Paris, Tenn.

On June 1, Gregg Hauss presented a certificate from the TBMB to interim pastor Kenny Bruce upon the 25-year anniversary of Warren Community Church. The church was a church plant of FBC Somerville and launched April 23, 2000, in Somerville, Tenn. They will have a larger celebration after a new pastor is called.
Trinity Baptist Church in Manchester held a groundbreaking ceremony last month for a new wing that will serve children from birth through fifth grade as part of Phase 1 of their building plan. The new addition will include a reception area, classrooms, restrooms, and a large multipurpose space, all designed with enhanced security features to ensure children's safety. The groundbreaking included Trinity’s four pastors as well as three original charter members from the church's founding in 1964. Pictured left to right are pastor Jerry Pullum, children's minister Jon George, young adult pastor Tim Forsythe, and music minister Matt Gluck.
Carson-Newman University’s Marketing and Communications Office earned the number one spot in three separate categories in the 2024 Collegiate Advertising Awards. Members of the team are pictured left to right: (front row) Donnie Newman, Hannah Oakes, Teresa Dailey; (second row) Charles Key, Nick Davis, Kris Wysong.
Ashby Goldstein, Carson-Newman assistant professor of music, was named Tennessee’s Outstanding College/University Music Educator of the Year by the Tennessee Music Education Association (TMEA). Since joining C-N in 2022, Goldstein has served as director of Music Education and Bands along with conducting the university’s concert and marching bands. Goldstein, pictured left, receives congratulations from TMEA President Joel Denton at the organization’s annual conference last April. — Photo courtesy of JHR Photography
Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Huntland recently honored Corene Bradford for her many years of faithful service to the Lord and the church. Her parents were charter members who along with a few other built the church in 1943. Corene has served faithfully in the church since childhood. She continues to serve in many roles, Sunday School teacher, treasurer, pianist, music director, prayer warrior, mentor, and friend to all who enter the church.