FORMER SBC LEADER PAUL POWELL DIES

Baptist Press

TYLER, Texas — Paul Powell, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Annuity Board, died Dec. 28 following a stroke earlier in the month. He was 83.

In addition to leading the Annuity Board (later renamed GuideStone Financial Resources) from 1990-97, Powell pastored Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, 17 years. He became dean of Baylor University’s Truett Theological Seminary in 2001.

GuideStone President O.S. Hawkins, Powell’s immediate successor, called him “a strong advocate for our participants throughout his tenure.”

“He guided the Annuity Board with integrity and skill,” Hawkins said in a statement.