In Loving Memory of Rev. Tom Ficklin, Pastor Emeritus

In October 2018, when Southampton Baptist Church moved its meeting to Woodland Heights Baptist Church, their Pastor, Tom Ficklin, continued to lead that congregation. Over the next number of months, Tom’s connections with us grew deeper and stronger—we found, as Southampton had before, that Tom was a man of great love of the Lord, of church, and of people, and that his warmth and wisdom and boundless energy and passion for God’s work were deep and abiding. As WHBC struggled through some challenges, Tom was a constant guide and help and source of wisdom and peace. In January 2020, Tom officially became Pastor of both churches simultaneously, and in January 2021, Southampton formally joined Woodland Heights as one church, with Tom as Pastor.

In early 2022, Tom stepped down as Pastor due to health concerns, and even though he was not able to be with us in person often after that decision, he remained a present help and encouragement even through his challenging situations. He was named Pastor Emeritus in August 2022, and he last spoke in our pulpit in September 2022 during a special worship time to celebrate 30+ years of service for Organist, David Thomason upon his retirement from WHBC. As always, Tom’s warm, caring spirit and love for people and church shone through that day. In typical Tom fashion, he did all he could to make the day special for others, not at all considering his personal comfort, and always remained faithful in speaking God’s word.

Tom’s passing on January 17 leaves us devastated, but also leaves us with a call to be God’s people and God’s church as Tom led us to be. Tom believed that “doing church” was being active in the world—caring for each other and for others outside our walls, finding ways to make a difference wherever we find ourselves, focusing on worship and prayer and study and fellowship as Christ’s body here at 31st and Springhill. We will always treasure our chance to be led by and to get to know Tom, and we pray that we will live out his hopes and example in the life of Woodland Heights Baptist Church. Tom always said, “I LOVE CHURCH!” May we follow his lead in every meaning of those words.

Tom’s obituary may be found here.

On Thursday, February 2nd from 5 to 8 p.m., visitation will be held at WHBC.

On Saturday, February 4th at 2 p.m a memorial service will be held at the church.