BIRMINGHAM, Ala (ABP) — Longtime Southern Baptist educator and denominational leader Arthur Walker died January 14 at his home in Birmingham, Ala. He was 78.
Walker held a unique position in Southern Baptist Convention life. He served as the executive director of two SBC agencies — the Education Commission and the Commission on the American Baptist Theological Seminary. He held both positions from 1978 until his retirement in 1993. Both entities were dissolved in the mid-1990s under the SBC's restructuring plan.
Following retirement, Walker returned to his native Birmingham and taught part-time at Samford University for several years. Funeral services were held Jan. 17 at Brookwood Baptist Church in Birmingham, where Walker was a member
Survivors include his wife, Gladys, a daughter, Marcia Walker Hamby, a son-in-law, Pat Hamby, and three grandchildren, all of Birmingham; brothers Roy and Jimmy Walker, and a sister-in-law, Rochelle.
A native of Birmingham, Walker spent his adult ministry in Christian higher education. He taught for many years at his alma mater, Howard College (now Samford University), and served as dean of students and later vice president for student affairs at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.
Colleagues and friends remembered Walker not only for his dedication and love for Christian higher education, but also for his integrity and for his Christian faith and witness.
“He balanced well his multiple staff roles as agency head, editor, writer, teacher, counselor and trusted friend,” said Tim Fields, who worked with Walker at the Education Commission.
“Dr. Walker was a man of uncompromising integrity, unshakeable faith, and impeccable Christian witness,” said Fields, director of communications for the Association of Southern Baptist Colleges and Schools, which at one time was under the umbrella of the Education Commission. “His churchmanship, captivating preaching, deep concern for the welfare of others, and dedication to excellence in Christian higher education are a testimony to his deep and abiding faith in Christ and to the mission and ministry of Southern Baptists.”