Dr. John E. Hull

Dr. John E. Hull, 90, of Marietta died Thursday, March 12, 2015. Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. (CST) Tuesday at Faith Baptist Tabernacle in Jamestown, TN. Interment will be held at Fellowship Church Cemetery in Allardt, TN. Born in Fentress County, Tennessee, on January 8, 1925, John Eben Hull was a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ for over 65 years, serving churches as both a pastor and an evangelist. His strong communication skills, his family name identification with Cordell Hull (Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Secretary of State under Franklin Roosevelt), along with his passion for God and people, gave John a strong foundation upon which he built a sterling ministerial career. In 1948, he began THE BACK TO BETHEL HOUR, a weekly Bible teaching program which continues to this present day. John also had a great love for gospel music and in 1951, formed a music trio, THE JOYMAKERS, which travelled across the south singing in churches and concert halls. The group recorded a dozen albums. John eventually conducted revivals all over the United States and in several countries overseas. He often said the two greatest influences in his ministry formation were the late J. Harold Smith and the late Lee Roberson. After finishing Bible College in 1948, John got his first church job as a choir director in Fort Payne, Alabama. He met his future wife, Agnes Holley, a gospel pianist for the Sullivan Family, at a concert in Cookeville, Tennessee. They were married in 1950, moving to Gadsden, Alabama. The two formed a very successful evangelistic team. While living in Gadsden, Agnes gave birth to their two children, Jo (1952) and John David (1958). In 1964, the family relocated to Jackson, Mississippi, and in 1972, moved for a final time, to Marietta, Georgia. Each move represented another significant step in John's ministry's growth and his influence as a preacher. He continued to speak on a weekly basis to congregations well into his eighties. He mentored countless pastors through the years and led thousands to an understanding of how they could receive salvation through Jesus Christ. John will be remembered for his firm conviction in Biblical truth and a preaching style that was straight-forward and yet filled with humor and warmth. He was friendly and was blessed with many wonderful friends. He loved what he did and said often that he was "born to preach." He was a faithful soldier of Jesus Christ who lived a long, joyful and productive life - and finished well! John passed into eternity on March 12, 2015. The heaven he proclaimed is now his to inhabit! He is survived by his wife, Agnes Hull of Marietta; daughter, Jo Hull Minor of Chattanooga; son, John D. Hull of Alpharetta; two grandchildren, John Andrew Hull and Mary Alice McDowell; one great-granddaughter, Mayzie Noel Hull. Family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta, GA with a few moments of remembrances following visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Back to Bethel Hour, P.O. Box 1116, Marietta, GA 30061. JohnHull1@me.com. www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511

Dr. John E. Hull

January 8, 1925 - March 12, 2015