Jimmie Lee “Jim” Tollison, 75, passed away Dec. 13. After serving in the National Guard from 1970 to 1976, he surrendered to God’s call to preach in 1977 and began a lifetime of faithful gospel ministry. He attended Central Baptist College and graduated in 1991, where he also received the Yousef Costa Preaching Award.
Jim pastored eight churches in Missouri and Arkansas, including: Bethel, Sikeston, Mo.; Mt. Pleasant, Plumerville; First, Bald Knob; Ridgecrest, Jonesboro; and Bethel #1, Rison. He also served the BMA of Arkansas as a state missionary beginning in 2012, ministering through Mustard Seed Mission in Alma.
In a Personality Profile from the Baptist Trumpet, he said, “The best thing about my ministry is leading folks to Jesus,” and hoped his life would be remembered with the simple words, “He loved and lived for the Lord.”
He was also known for his love of Southern Gospel music and songwriting and wrote several gospel songs that were recorded and aired on gospel radio.
Survivors include: his wife of 56 years, Becky Taylor Tollison; two daughters, Jennifer (Mark) Malugen and Heather (Ed) Harper; two sons, Jimmy (Julie) Tollison and Taylor (Beth Ann) Tollison; 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Dec. 29 at Calvary Baptist Church in Fayetteville, under the direction of Walker Funeral Home (walkerfuneral.com).
