MEMPHIS, Tenn. (ABP) — James Williams has announced he will retire as executive director of the Baptist Medical/Dental Fellowship, an organization that enlists health-care professionals as volunteer and career mission workers.
In a letter to the organization's Executive Committee, Williams, 69, cited the health of his wife, Jo, as the primary factor in his decision, which is effective May 1. She has undergone two lumbar surgeries and since last August has battled chronic sciatic nerve pain, Williams wrote.
“We have prayerfully concluded that it is time to locate near family and a primary support system and for BMDF to have unencumbered leadership,” Williams added.
Williams joined the BMDF in 1997 after serving as president of the Southern Baptist Convention Brotherhood Commission from 1991-97. The Brotherhood Commission was one of several SBC agencies which was disbanded as a result of the SBC's restructuring plan.
Williams announced his retirement during the organization's annual meeting April 1-4 at Calloway Gardens in Georgia. Williams and his wife plan to reside in Fort Worth, Texas. Fred Loper, associate director of the BMDF, will serve as acting executive director in the interim period.
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