Former BGCT president and CLC director Jimmy Allen dies at age 91

Jimmy Allen, a former president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) and former director of the Texas Baptist Christian Life Commission (CLC), died Tuesday, Jan. 8, at his home in Georgia. He was 91.

“Jimmy Allen served the Lord and Texas Baptists well for many years,” said Executive Director David Hardage. “He has left a lasting legacy for which we are grateful. Our BGCT family is praying for the Allen family during their time of grief.”  

Allen served as BGCT president 1972-1973 and as director of the CLC, BGCT’s ethics agency 1960-1968. He began leadership of the CLC at age 32. He also had been a long-time pastor of First Baptist Church in San Antonio (1968-1980).

Gus Reyes, director of the CLC, said, “There are many of us grieving today because of the loss of Jimmy Allen. God raises up leaders for specific seasons, and for a particular time in our history God raised up Jimmy for leadership with Texas Baptists and the CLC. He will surely be missed.”