New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary is mourning the loss of alumnus Daryl Hall, who died July 11 after a years-long battle with cancer at the age of 58.
Hall was a two-time graduate of NOBTS, earning a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry in 2019 and a Master of Divinity in Urban Missions in 2021. He was enrolled as a Doctor of Ministry student at the time of his passing.
Hall served in a variety of ministry roles for more than 35 years, beginning as a youth pastor and most recently serving as Pastor of First Baptist Church of Freer, Texas.
Other work and ministry experience for Hall, who was born in Florida but raised in Tennessee, includes ministry positions in both of those states and several years as a social worker for at-risk children.
He also founded his own film and media company called MissionWorx. The company produced missions and discipleship training content as well as full-length features.
MissionWorx was used as a ministry tool, and many people came to faith in Christ as a result of the production and subsequent showings of several media projects.
Hall is survived by his beloved wife Laura (married in 2016), four siblings (Donnie, Chip, Sarah Beth and Rebecca Grace) and 14 nieces and nephews (Chelsea, Mary, Lauren, Timothy, Josiah, Ezra, Elliot, Karis, Sophia, Veronica, Cindy, Marisa Elvia, Kristi and Julie).
Consistent in his love and support for NOBTS, Hall was a dedicated member of the seminary’s alumni association and was a former alumni officer in Texas.
Hall was vocal about his affection for NOBTS, often commenting and interacting with the seminary's Facebook posts.
Throughout his time at NOBTS, Hall became friends with one of his former professors, Rex Butler. Butler taught Hall during his master’s work and later taught him during a DMIN seminar. Hall wanted his Doctor of Ministry project to focus on how to care for terminally ill patients.
Butler, retired professor of church history and patristics, said the two’s relationship went far beyond the classroom.
“Daryl always loved New Orleans Seminary and New Orleans the city,” Butler said.
“My wife and I visited with Daryl and his wife many times over the years, and we all became kindred spirits. They have been good friends with us for several years.”
Butler emphasized that Hall’s life and ministry were a reflection of the mission of NOBTS.
“Daryl was a life-long learner with a love for the Lord Jesus Christ,” Butler said. “He was deeply grateful for opportunities to serve the Kingdom of God and NOBTS.
“He loved Laura dearly, and they were a true ministry partnership at their church. He was a good friend to me, and I always enjoyed all of our conversations. I have the utmost respect for him. I grieve that God chose to heal him in Heaven and not Earth, but my wife and I cherish his memory.”
Hall preached his final sermon at FBC Freer on Sunday, July 5. In his final Facebook post, Hall referenced John 15, saying “I look forward to more time to abide.”
A full obituary for Hall can be found on his Facebook page.
A funeral for Hall will take place at First Baptist Church Freer on Aug. 8th at 11 a.m.
