Caudle Jerry “C.J.” Adkins, a former trustee for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College, passed away on Thursday, July 11. He was 73.  

Adkins, who served as a trustee for the institution from 2006 to 2016, pastored several churches in both Kentucky and West Virginia (his birth state) throughout his six decades of ministry.  

Among those churches were Wayside Baptist Church and Ashland Baptist Church in Kentucky, as well as Charley’s Creek Free Will Baptist, Pleasant Valley Free Will Baptist and Westmorland Baptist Church in West Virginia. Adkins was Westmorland’s longest tenured pastor, serving for 21 years. 

In addition to his service as a trustee with NOBTS, Adkins also served as President of the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists for two years.  

Jamie Dew, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College, spoke to the loss of Adkins and the legacy he left behind.   

“We grieve the loss of our dear friend C.J. Adkins,” Dew said.  

“C.J. was a faithful trustee and a model servant to our beloved school. He encouraged presidents, faculty, fellow trustees, and students alike. His affection for NOBTS caused each of us to love our school more each time we were with him. We remember his kindness and take joy knowing his faith and obedience are now rewarded by our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Don Currence, NOBTS alum and SBC recording secretary, grew to know Adkins during their time serving together as trustees.

“It was during this time (as trustees) that I learned about the gentle and encouraging spirit of C.J.,” Currence said. “What has amazed me over the years with all the health issues he has experienced, he never complained or did a pity party over it. His life was only about proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and being a servant leader.  

“I know the statement, ‘Well done, thy faithful and good servant,’ is totally appropriate for C.J. I am so thankful to have known C.J. on this earth and look forward to one day seeing him again in heaven.” 

Frank Cox, NOBTS alum and senior pastor of North Metro Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, Ga., also came to know Adkins while serving as a trustee.  

“What a joy to call C.J. a friend,” said Cox.

"Right off I found him to be a godly, cordial, and committed follower of Christ. His years of pastoring marked his life with humility and many times when tough decisions had to be made, C.J. brought forth wisdom. As he rotated off the trustees, he was greatly missed. When I heard of his passing, I thought heaven has just become near and dear to those of us who knew C.J. Adkins as a friend and an encourager. Our loss is heavens gain.” 

Phil Hanberry, an NOBTS alum and current trustee, said serving with Adkins was a wonderful experience.  

“C.J. loved the Lord, he loved the Lord’s church and he loved NOBTS,” Hanberry said. “He served all three with great joy and passion. It was a pleasure to serve with him.” 

Jay Adkins, one of C.J.’s two sons, is an NOBTS alum and pastor of First Baptist Church of Westwego, La.  

Jay released a statement about his father’s passing in a post on X.  

“It is with tremendous sadness but abiding joy that we share with our friends that our dad has left this life and is with Jesus,” Adkins said in a July 11 post. “Of course, the consolation we take today is that he has been completely healed and is no doubt basking in the glory of his Savior as we are left behind to wait for our reunion.” 

In a response to Jay's post, Chuck Kelley, president emeritus at NOBTS, described the late Adkins as “a great trustee, a wonderful pastor, a godly man and a good friend.”   

“All who knew him will miss him,” said Kelley. 

In a follow-up X post on July 12, Jay said the family has been “overwhelmed by the outpouring of kind words, the sharing of stories and the testimony of God’s goodness to so many through dad’s ministry.” 

“It has brought us great comfort and solace,” Jay said.  

Adkins is survived by Linda, his wife of 53 years whom he affectionately called his “Sweet Baboo.” He was the father of Jay and Benji and the father-in-law of Michelle and Leigh Anne. He was a proud grandfather to his five grandsons Quint, Will, Canon, Asher and Nathan.  

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 23, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland, Ky. The funeral service will be held the following day on Wednesday, July 24, at 1:00 PM with an additional visitation before the service at Steen’s Central Avenue Chapel.  

A full obituary for Adkins can be found here.  

In lieu of flowers, one giving option friends are asked to consider is to his beloved New Orleans Baptist Seminary through a scholarship NOBTS has created in his name.  

Donations can be made to the C.J. Adkins Memorial Scholarship at this link.