Lonnie Wilkey, editor of the Baptist and Reflector, has received many honors and awards during his journalism career. But the most recent award he received was especially meaningful.
Wilkey, who is retiring as B&R editor at the end of this year, was presented with the Paula and Ken Hemphill Denominational Service Award from North Greenville University during a NGU dessert fellowship on June 10 in Indianapolis. The dessert fellowship was held during the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.
RELATED: Check out more stories written by Lonnie Wilkey here.
Wilkey graduated from North Greenville in 1978, when the school was still a junior college.
“This is such an honor,” Wilkey said. “The Hemphills are well known in Southern Baptist life for their service over the past several decades. To receive the award named for them is very humbling and something that I will cherish.”
The Hemphill Award recognizes “servant leadership empowering Southern Baptists’ kingdom growth,” and is named in honor of noted Southern Baptist ministry leaders Paula and Ken Hemphill. With careers spanning global missions, local pastorates, a seminary presidency and writing books on varied Christian topics, the Hemphills are engaged in developing resources that enhance strategic work in evangelism and church revitalization.
Gene C. Fant, president of North Greenville University, presented the award to Wilkey. The Hemphills also attended the dessert fellowship, and joined in on the celebration for Wilkey.
‘Classic story’
Fant noted that Wilkey earned the money to attend North Greenville by working at a mill near Tigersville, where the school is located, during his time there.
“Lonnie Wilkey is a classic North Greenville story (in terms of doing) whatever is possible to be able to attend school,” Fant said, “and we are so glad to be able to recognize him today.”
Fant noted that he and Wilkey have been friends for many years, and that Wilkey “has been wise counsel for me” on many occasions.
Wilkey, who has served as editor of the B&R for 26 years, announced in April his plans to retire from his position, effective Dec. 31, 2024. The Greenville, S.C., native first joined the B&R staff in 1988 as associate editor, holding that position for 10 years, before being elected editor in September of 1998.
Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, attended the dessert fellowship and spoke about Wilkey’s dedication to the paper.
“Lonnie has had the task of being the editor of one of the longest-running Baptist publications the nation — and he has shepherded those duties extremely well,” said Davis.
“I just love this dear brother so much, and I can tell you that the members of the TBMB communications team certainly hate to lose Lonnie (to retirement),” Davis added. “You’ve done a great service to North Greenville University tonight by honoring one of your own in this way.”
An award-winning journalist and a past president of the Association of State Baptist Publications, Wilkey has covered many of the biggest events in Southern Baptist life for the past three-plus decades.
Chris Turner, communications director for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, also attended the dessert fellowship to honor his long-time friend and coworker.
“Every university desires to have graduates who go on to represent the university well — and Lonnie has certainly done that for North Greenville,” Turner said. “Their recognition of him was merited.”
Looking ahead
Wilkey said his upcoming retirement will likely result in mixed emotions, noting that he will miss the relationships and other facets of the job — but he probably won’t miss the stress.
“I am blessed that God has allowed me to serve Him for more than 40 years in denominational journalism,” he said. “Though it can be tiring and sometimes stressful, it also is very rewarding. I love telling the stories of people who give God their best by serving Him and telling others the good news of His son, Jesus Christ.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — The full story was written by David Dawson and originally published by Baptist and Reflector.
