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About
Frank Pollard Obituary
Dr. Pollard was born February 25, 1934 in Olney, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Spurgeon Pollard and Ova Boone Pollard; and four of six brothers.
He attended Texas A & M University on a baseball scholarship and graduated in 1955. Following graduation, Dr. Pollard received a call to preach and attended Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas where he earned a divinity degree. He would go on to earn a doctor of ministry degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
He pastored 8 different congregations during his 40-year ministry, and was President of Golden Gate Theological Seminary in Marin County, California from 1983-1986. He served the congregation of First Baptist Church of Jackson for two decades and retired there in 2002. Dr. Pollard pastured several churches in Texas including Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church (Dallas) and First Baptist Church (San Antonio).
Dr. Pollard first became pastor of First Baptist Church in Jackson, MS in 1976. In 1979, Time Magazine named Dr. Pollard one of the seven most outstanding protestant preachers in America.
In 1983, Dr. Pollard was selected as President of Golden Gate Theological Seminary in Mill Valley, California. After 3 years, Dr. Pollard returned to Jackson, MS. to again pastor First Baptist Church, serving there until his retirement in 2002.
For over 20 years, Dr. Pollard was featured on "The Baptist Hour" and "At Home with the Bible" radio and television programs. In addition, Dr. Pollard served two terms as president of the Mississippi Baptist Convention.
Throughout his life, reading and intense theological study were passions of Dr. Pollard. He would go on to author five books, "How to Know When You're a Success," "The Bible in Your Life," "After You've Said I'm Sorry," "Keeping Free" and "Someone Once Said."
Finally, Dr. Pollard served as professor of preaching at Baylor University's, Truett Theological Seminary, until his retirement in 2005. Later that year, upon returning to Jackson, Dr. Pollard was named Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church in Jackson.
To friends and loved ones, Frank will be remembered for his serious commitment to God and Christian service, his humble demeanor and gentle spirit, his love of language such as poetry, and finally his quick laugh and incredible wit.
In July 2008, "Papa" and Jane moved to San Anselmo, California to live with their daughter's family, including his only grandchild, Elizabeth. While in San Anselmo, Dr. Pollard attended Tiburon Baptist Church in Mill Valley, CA.
Dr. Pollard is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara Jane Pollard; daughter, Suzanne Pollard Kelly (Greg) of San Anselmo, CA; son, Brent Pollard, Fort Worth, TX; brother, Miles Graham of Witchita Falls, TX; brother, Boone Graham of Los Angeles, CA; granddaughter, Elizabeth Pollard Kelly, San Anselmo, CA.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Mission First (West Park Community Ministry Center), P.O. Box 250, Jackson, Mississippi 39205.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lillie Jones
November 22, 2024
I truly miss Dr.Pollard a First Lady Mrs Barbara Jane Pollard. were their maid n their were plenty of love there n that were a very beautiful peoples to be around . Tell Ms Pollard that Lillie said hello
Steve C.
May 5, 2024
I just found this notice on the Internet. Reverend Pollard was my preacher as a boy attending Shiloh Terrace Baptist Church. He is my favorite.
Bill Hudson
December 12, 2008
I praise the Lord for having had the opportunity, for so many years, of calling Brother Pollard my pastor. He once said, "Christ gave His Life for you, now let Him live His Life through you.", and that is exactly what Frank Pollard did. He was a man whom God blessed with great talent, intellect and notoriety, yet he always displayed genuine humbleness like none I have ever witnessed. It was because he had a true servant's heart and was all about helping everyone, with whom he came into contact, regardless of who they were, understand what life is all about, "Seeking first the Kingdom of God" through a daily walk with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
Eula Jett
December 11, 2008
Jane,
My heart is breaking, hearing the news that Frank has passed away. I remember hearing his sermons in years past, never dreaming that one day I would meet this great man of God at First Baptist Church, Temple, TX where he would serve as our Interim Pastor and befriend my late husband, Rev Robert Jett Sr. You are in my prayers during this difficult time. I am grateful for the love you and Frank showered on me and on Robert, and will never forget it. Heaven is blessed with the home comming of Frank, and Frank has received his many blessings from our Lord for his earthly service.
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Peggy Wall
December 11, 2008
Dr. Pollard was one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever known. What an impact he had on my life and the lives of my two daughters. We, along with so many others, will miss him. Heaven is a more special place now that he is there.
Jimmy Gentry
December 11, 2008
Dr. Pollard was a pastoral mentor at a distance. Although I never studied under him, I studied him from the time I began pastoring in November 1976. The congregation I serve as pastor, Tabernacle Baptist Church in Carrollton, GA, was so blessed when Dr. Pollard preached on a Sunday morning in May 2004. Helping him up the steps to the pulpit, he and I both sensed a tenseness among the worshippers due to his Parkinson's. He put the worshippers at ease by telling them he was "all shook up!" He preached faithfully, connecting with the people and immediately he won their hearts. He befriended me with occasional phone calls of encouragement. I was humbled. He truly was one of God's choice saints and pastors. My thoughts and prayers are focused on Jane, Brent, Suzanne, Greg, Elizabeth, and his brothers as well as the First Baptist Jackson family.
Billy Brooks
December 10, 2008
Music, when soft voices die
Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory—
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.
Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the beloved's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.
By Percy Bysshe Shelley
The Poetry Foundation
James F. Bailey
December 9, 2008
Frank and I became fast friends at Southwestern Seminary in 1957 on my return from Japan when I finished my tour as a jet pilot in the Air Force. Even then he was regarded by many as being an outstanding preacher of the Word. Even though our lives took us in different directions geographically, I have not forgotten him nor his ministry. He was always a gentle and kind person who consistently encouraged others in their journey with God. Having served as an Assistant to Dr. Harold Basden, Senior Pastor, Gaston Avenue Baptist Church, Dallas, while in Seminary, after he left Jackson, MS, it was encouraging to know that Frank had gone to Jackson to pastor FBC.
I never met Jane, but know it is difficult to let go of a companion like Frank after all the years they were together. A long-time friend who knew Frank at Texas A&M sent me Frank's obituary. How blessed we all are to have known Frank Pollard. Jane and family, know that we all share your sense of loss but also your sense of peace that comes from knowing that Frank has "finished the race."
Joe Hipp
December 9, 2008
My BSU buddy at Texas A&M, pastor at First Baptist Big Spring, Texas, and friend. He will be missed by many.
Mary Ann Spinks
December 8, 2008
It is not quite enough to say Dr. Pollard will be missed, but it is with much sorry that I say so. It is with comfort that he is undoubtably in a much greater place than we. Dr. Pollard meant so much to me and my family. Most important, he taught me that our God is a loving God and I am now able to share that love with my children. I feel fortunate that he was able to share in my wedding day and the infant dedications of two of my children. I hope that as a community of believers, we will continue with his life's work and continue to use his life and how he related Christ as an example of Christian living. May God carry you, his family, through this time, and know that he is greatly loved.
Nancy Y. Gilbert
December 8, 2008
Dr. Pollard was a blessing to my family in a very special way. While my Dad was bedridden and dying of cancer way back in the 70's, we all watched BROTHER Pollard, as we called him, on Sunday morning TV while we took shifts taking care of Daddy. I told Brother Pollard of my Dad's situation , and how he had become OUR pastor for a home season. One day he cleared his calendar and drove to Franklin County, MS to spend time, minister and pray with my Daddy and Mother. It meant the world to them and to me that he would do such a humble and generous thing being the busy man he was. He would later talk to Daddy from time to time after the broadcast when he talked to the 'folks at home watching' and ask for prayer for him.
The thing that makes this SO special is that I was not even a member of his church, but a sister church. That did not matter to him.
I know he faced hard trials and many personal challenges in his life, and surely he has now heard "WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, ENTER INTO YOUR REST".
One of my favorite things was the Dr. Seuss Poems. "Oh the places you'll go and the things you'll see", he would say; and surely he lived that out in full for the Glory of God. And now; "OH' the things he must be seeing" !
May God bless and comfort the family in a very special way as you go through this tremendous loss.
Blessings,
SuzanneSaunders
December 8, 2008
Dearest Jane and family,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. If you feel like you want to talk, please give me a call.
Jo Anne Ertle
December 7, 2008
Thoughts and Prayers to the family of a wonderful man. Many many times when I could not attend my church on Sunday morning, I tuned in to Dr Pollard on tv and always received a blessing. God Bless this family.
Judi Thompson
December 7, 2008
I lived across the street from Frank when he was a t eenager in Graham, Texas. He was an inspitation even then. I was only 10 and he was 15, but he always had a word for me despite the age difference. He attended First Baptist Church where my father was minister of music and education. it has been wonderful to see him at our church minister at Shiloh Terrace in Dallad, Texas and go on to greater things. He will be greatly missed.
Whit Whittington
December 7, 2008
Dr. Pollard was a great inspiration to me while I was growing up at FBC Jackson. Our loss is heaven's gain. My thoughts are with you all. I think my grandad may have had a part in bringing him back to Jackson all those years ago. Unfortunately, we just lost him too this weekend. I imagine they're together now, watching over us all.
Martha Huggart
December 7, 2008
What an awesome person! I truly enjoyed being a part of First Baptist of Jackson while Dr. Pollard was there. Heaven is definitely richer today for the arrival of this wonderful pastor and Jackson metro area is certainly richer for the teachings he gave us while he was here. My condolences go out to Mrs. Pollard and family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and ask that God give you guidance and guard you in these tough times and give you peace of mind knowing where Dr. Pollard is today - at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless you all.
MARTHA S. GAUGHF
December 7, 2008
Dr. Pollard was one of the greatest preachers of the Word that I was ever blessed to hear. He was such a blessing to so many.His dear family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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