DBU REPORT 14 Bernie Spooner—considered “Mister Sunday School” to a generation of Texas Baptists— died August 9, 2024, in Dallas at the age of 89. Spooner served 22 years with the State Missions Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas as director of what initially was known as the Sunday School Division and later the Bible Study/Discipleship Division. While there, he was instrumental in the early development of Bible study curriculum published by BaptistWay Press, now known as GC2 Press. Prior to serving at the BGCT, Spooner worked 15 years as minister of education and administration at several churches, including Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth. He also served two years as associate professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. After he retired from the BGCT staff, he became inaugural dean of the Gary Cook School of Leadership and professor of Christian Education at Dallas Baptist University. “We were thrilled to have Dr. Spooner join us at DBU after he retired from the BGCT,” DBU Chancellor Dr. Gary Cook said. “He was truly a servant leader who inspired us all.” During his time at DBU, Spooner helped to develop eight master’s degrees and one Ph.D. program, and he was involved in publishing eight textbooks. Spooner is survived by his wife of 67 years, Patricia. Memorial gifts may be made to the Bernie and Pat Spooner Christian Education Scholarship Fund at Dallas Baptist University. Credit Baptist Standard, August 14, 2024 An Inspiration to All Harold Edward Norris passed away peacefully on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the age of 89 years. Norris joined the DBU administration in 1988 and served as chief financial officer and subsequently as senior vice president for financial affairs. He will always be remembered for his strong leadership and sound fiscal policies that helped eliminate a $5.8 million debt in 1991 and set the University on a new debt-free path. Norris graduated from the University of North Texas and completed undergraduate and graduate accounting courses at Southern Methodist University before becoming a Certified Public Accountant. Passing of a Servant Leader After serving many years in finance, including Centex Corporation in Dallas as controller and financial vice president, at the age of 54 Norris sensed God leading him to work in a Christian organization. We are thankful that God led Norris to dedicate the second half of his career to DBU, where he also served as a trustee and taught in the College of Business and in the Master of Higher Education program. Norris received an honorary doctorate from DBU in 2003 in recognition of his tireless service. At his passing, his family lovingly noted that Norris was a determined, diligent, and discerning man of integrity— qualities he so generously shared with the DBU Family as well. Norris is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Kathryn Norris. Memorial gifts may be made to the Harold Norris Endowed Baseball Scholarship Fund at DBU.
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