Jay Abernathy, senior Pastor
Jay became a follower of Jesus Christ at the age of eight after recovering from injuries by being struck by a car. At the age of 21, Jay had a profound calling to the ministry that has not diminished. In addition to demonstrating a committed call to serve the local church for over 35 years, Jay has been engaged in advancing the ministry of the Christ. He believes in “equipping saints for the ministry”, and has led many to engage in local and global mission action. He was founding chairman of Refuge of Light (one of the first ministries to recover victims of sex-trafficking in our state) and engages in relating to churches in the Holy Land. Jay has also led and chaired Texas Baptist organizations (Baptist Standard and Texas Baptist Missions Foundation).
Jay and his wife, Kelle, have been married since June 1988. They have three young adult children. Hannah is married to Trevor Brown (Associate Pastor of First Baptist, Amarillo) and they have four children. Hayley is married to Cameron Bohls (Media Pastor at Parkway Fellowship Church, Katy) and they have two sons. Caleb lives in Fort Worth and works for PlainsCapital Bank.
Mark Tolar, Associate Pastor for Worship and community outreach
As one of our associate pastors, Mark leads our Music/Worship ministry. Mark has served in this capacity since March 2001. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Music and a master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. He has served in churches for 30 years. These include Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene , Field Street Baptist Church in Cleburne, and First Baptist Church in Port Arthur. Mark is married to Colleen Ray of Houston, Texas. His daughter, Courtney, is a lab technician in Oklahoma. He has a love for people, animals, and the great outdoors. He believes strongly that we should love God with our whole heart including our time, talents, and treasure. He would love to visit with you about your place of service in the church.
Billy Gazzaway, Youth Pastor
Billy was born in Houston, Texas, and graduated from Woodville High School in 1993. Upon processing at the Houston Military Entrance Processing Station, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Cyber Transport Technician. Billy is married to Emily and will celebrate their 24th anniversary this March. They have two children, son Kadin and daughter Avery (16). His hobbies include: volunteering within the community, singing, learning guitar and piano, fishing, hunting and reading.
The “calling” to be a youth pastor has been in his heart for years. After retiring from the Air Force, Billy knew he wanted to mentor and teach the next generation in any capacity. To be able to return to the community where he first opened a bible, and start his ministry as a Youth Pastor, is truly a blessing.
Ashley Spurlock, Children’s Pastor &Financial Secretary
Ashley grew up in Woodville and was an active member of FBC Woodville until she went to college at East Texas Baptist University. Ashley earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Mathematics and graduated Cum Laude. She taught high school mathematics for the past seven years at Woodville ISD, Athens ISD, and College Station ISD. She married James Spurlock in June 2009. James and Ashley have an 10 year old daughter, Emma, and an 8 year old son, Isaac.
Ashley has a true passion for helping children of all ages. She has served on numerous mission trips including several of the FBC Woodville Peru mission trips. Ashley has a strong desire to help children grow in their knowledge of Jesus and in what God desires for them in their lives.