Jack Arnold Hazelbaker
1928-1995
"Jack Arnold Hazelbaker was born June 30, 1928, in Danville, Illinois, and passed from this life Tuesday, October 24,1995, while tending his farm. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Norma (White) Hazelbaker; one son, Jack A. Hazelbaker II of Waterloo, Alabama; three daughters, Connie Rogers of Florence, Alabama, Lisa Perry of Englewood, Ohio, and Linda Carnahan of Nashville, Tennessee; eight grandchildren, Andy and Jairnie Hazelbaker, Geoffery and Michael Rogers, Tabitha and Joseph Hundley, and Nathan and Mitchell Carnahan; one brother, Clifford Hazelbaker of Richmond, Indiana; and his mother Ora Marie Hazelbaker of Richmond, Indiana.
"Brother Hazelbaker was educated at Freed-Hardeman University and Harding University (B.S.); and Indiana University with a M.S. degree in Guidance and Counseling.
"Jack was a noted educator in the Florence and Muscle Shoals area of Alabama. He was a guidance counselor and taught at Mars Hill Bible School, Leighton, Central, Cherokee, and completed his career with Wilson High School after thirty-five years in the education system. He had also dedicated his life to gospel preaching. He began preaching at the age of 16 and had spent 51 years in local ministry work and the foreign mission fields. He devoted many of his summers in the continent of Africa seeking to establish churches and strengthen the Christians there. He was known and loved by the citizens and members of various congregations where he preached. He served at Weeden Heights Church of Christ, Red Rock Church of Christ, Central Church of Christ, Hydes Chapel Church of Christ, Valdosta Church of Christ, Courtland Church of Christ, and Hendrix Chapel Church of Christ where he had recently retired after 17 faithful years. All these churches are near where he lived at Florence, Alabama.
"Jack Hazelbaker was also a member of the Lauderdale County Retired Teachers Association, the Cattleman's Association and strongly supported the North Alabama Forestry Service. He loved being outdoors and spent much of his time between his farms in Tennessee and North Alabama. He was a wonderful neighbor, outstanding member of the community, caring father and grandfather to his family, and a devoted, loving husband.
"He has touched the lives of many people and will always be remembered as our friend, the gentle giant."
The foregoing news release is a fitting tribute to a gentle and faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Jack Hazelbaker and I were friends nearly 50 years. We first knew each other while we were students at Freed- Hardeman College nearly 50 years ago. David Underwood was enrolled there then also. David and I spoke at Jack's funeral October 27, 1995 in the meeting house of Mt. Zion Church of Christ near Florence, Alabama. Charlie Coil, Jr., one of Jack's nephews, also spoke. Jim Martin, who married Charlotte Coil, led a prayer. Charlotte is one of Jack's nieces. Chris Coil, another of Jack's nephews, led congregational singing at the funeral.
Charles Coil died almost a year before Jack died. They loved and respected each other deeply. Charles' widow, Maye and Jack's widow, Norma, are sisters. I esteemed Jack Hazelbaker as a spiritual giant. He did not realize what a great influence for Christ and his church he was. One of the things I said at his funeral was that all the things that truly matter about a person can be truthfully said about Jack Hazelback!
I know Jack was one of my most loyal friends and encouragers. On the day of his funeral I was moved to write the following poem as a tribute to him, and I read it at his funeral.
-The World Evangelist, Basil Overton, Vol. 24, No.6, January, 1996, page 1,3
Location Of The Grave Of Jack A. Hazelbaker
J.A. Hazelbaker buried near Florence, Alabama. From Hwy 72 turn right on Cox Creek Parkway (Hwy 133). Go a couple miles and turn right on Old Jackson Hwy (County Rd. 47). Go about two miles and you will come into St. Florien community. In St. Florien bear left on County Road 61 (Butler Creek Rd.) toward Mt. Zion Church of Christ. The church is on the right. Hazelbaker is buried in the cemetery behind. The main part of the cemetery is behind and to the right of the church building. Hazelbaker's grave is behind the building and to the left, away from most of the other graves in the cemetery. Walk straight back to the cemetery and look far to your left. Look for the large above ground grave of Charles Coil. Jack is buried in the plot to the right of Coil.
GPS Coordinates of the Grave
34°55'23.3"N 87°37'44.5"W
or D.d. 34.923124, -87.629018
Accuracy to 23ft
Grave Faces West
