BMA Pastor Dies

      Richard Martin Britt, 75, of Magnolia, passed away Nov. 27. He surrendered to the ministry on April 9, 1961, at First Baptist Church in Taylor at the age of 13 and was ordained on June 13, 1968, when he was called to pastor Spring Branch in Taylor, which he also came back to pastor later in his ministry. Other pastorates include Antioch West, Magnolia; Ridgecrest, Jonesboro; and First, Emerson.

      He was also a dedicated teacher, coach and administrator at many public schools in south Arkansas and served as the superintendent for Columbia Christian School, a ministry of First, Magnolia. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southern Arkansas University, a Master of Science in Education from East Texas State University at Commerce and a Doctor of Education from Texas A&M University at Commerce. Dr. Britt served six years as a Central Baptist College Board of Trustees member in the early 2000s.

      Survivors include: his wife of 57 years, Melba Britt; two sons, Bill (Michelle) Britt of Magnolia and Brad (Melissa Rhea) Britt of Conway; and eight grandchildren.

      Funeral services were held Dec. 1 at Lewis Funeral Home Chapel, with David Watkins officiating. Interment followed at Harmony Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc.

      Memorial donations may be made to Southern Arkansas University Foundation, P.O. Box 9174, Magnolia, Ark. 71754.