Jimmy Ponder Voyles

Reverend Dr. Jimmy Ponder Voyles, 86, a beloved educator, pastor, and community leader, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 13, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Crosland Baptist Church, with Reverend Jimmy Albritton, Joe Baker, Stacey Rutledge, and Bob Meister speaking. Interment will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Cairo. Steve Pearce, Clay Roberts, Sonny Baker, Jeffrey Horne, Stacey Rutledge, Chad Clanton, Drew Felts, Parker Somerindyke, and Jim Horne will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 PM in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home.

Born on November 21, 1938, in Cairo, Georgia, he was the son of the late Frank Harrison Voyles and Mary Louise Taylor Voyles. He graduated from Cairo High School in 1956. He pursued higher education with a passion, earning his Associate of Arts degree from Norman College in 1958, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mississippi College in 1960, a Master of Arts degree from Florida State University in 1964, and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in 1971. A dedicated educator, Dr. Voyles began his teaching career in 1960 at Thomas County Central, where he taught history and coached football. His teaching journey took him to Norman College from 1962 to 1967, where he taught English, and then to Georgia Southern University and Mississippi College, where he continued to inspire students in the field of English. He spent the last years of his career teaching at Brewton Parker College, both at the main campus and in Norman Park, where he also served as Dean from 1981 to 1984.

Dr. Voyles was not only an educator but also a devoted pastor. Over the course of his ministry, he served numerous churches, including Dixie Baptist & Liberty Baptist, First Baptist Brooklet, Little Ochlocknee Baptist Church, Evergreen Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Norman Park and many others across Georgia and Mississippi. His service as pastor extended over decades, from 1960 to 2024, touching the lives of many congregations, most recently at Crosland Baptist Church.

In addition to his work as an educator and pastor, Dr. Voyles was actively involved in various leadership roles within the Baptist community. He served as moderator for the Ogeechee River Association, Daniell Baptist Association, Associational Missionary for Grady County Association, and Colquitt County Baptist Association. He also chaired the Georgia Baptist Education Commission and was a member of the Executive Committee of the Georgia Baptist Convention.

Dr. Voyles is remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his unwavering faith, kindness, and deep love for his family and friends. He was a mentor, a counselor, and a friend to many, always ready with a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or a prayer.

Dr. Voyles made an indelible mark on the lives of countless students, church members, and friends. He has spent the last 39 years reading to his first graders. His legacy of faith, knowledge, and commitment to others will continue to inspire those who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Miller Voyles; son, Bennett “Benny” Voyles; daughters, Beverly Voyles Moxley and Angela Joy Voyles; brothers, Thomas D. Voyles, Sr., Jeff Voyles, and Michael F. Voyles; grandson, Bennett Andrew “Andy” Voyles, Jr.; and step son, John Somerindyke.

Mr. Voyles is survived by his loving wife, Robbie Clark Voyles of Norman Park; grandchildren, Angela Joy Moxley Felts and husband Drew, Mary Jo Moxley Clanton and husband Chad, and Ashley Taylor Voyles; great grandchildren, Addison Felts and Ezra Felts; brother, Paul R. Voyles and wife Carolyn of Moultrie; sister, Cornelia Voyles Rackley of Cairo; son in law, Michael Moxley; daughter in law, Denise Voyles; step son, Charles Somerindyke; and step grandson, Parker Somerindyke.

The family has asked that donations be made to Crosland Baptist Church in the care of Linda Roberts, 321 Crosland-Scooterville Road, Omega, Georgia 31775.

Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Home.