Dr. J. Paul Savell

He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Mary; parents Rev. and Mrs. J. O. Savell; brothers Jimmy, Bill, Dan and Veno Savell. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Dr. John and Rebecca Savell; daughters and sons-in-law Debbie and R. D. “Buddy” Johnson, Kathy and Renee Lopez, Liz and Ken Starnes; granddaughter Becky Johnson; grandson Chris Starnes; brother David Savell; sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Bill Ford; family friend Barbara Shugart and a host of other family and friends.

After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, he received a B.S. in Theology from Southwestern Assemblies of God College, a B.S. in Education from the University of Houston, a Masters in Education and Administration from U of H, and a Doctorate in Education and Administration from Texas A&M at Commerce. He was a member of the Rotary Club, and received the Paul Harris Fellow Award. In 2004, Dr. Savell received the P. C. Nelson Distinguished Alumnus Award for achieving prominence in his field of service and for his outstanding loyalty and service to SAGU. In 2006, he was awarded a certificate from Phi Delta Kappa for over 35 years of membership. In 2009, he received a special award from the South Texas District of the Assemblies of God for fifty years of service in the ministry. He was a member of the Certification Advisor Committee, the Texas Higher Education Coordination Board, and spent two terms on the Board of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas.

Upon graduation in 1950, he began his ministry working as a pastor and an associate pastor for several churches in the North Texas area. Later he became minister of music for a number of churches including Lindale Assembly of God in Houston, Trinity Tabernacle in Baytown, and University Assembly of God in Waxahachie, Texas. An accomplished musician, his gift touched the lives of many.

His educational career began with HISD, where he was a teacher and later an administrator until 1973. At that time, Southwestern Assemblies of God College called him to the position of Dean and Registrar for the Jr. College, and later as Academic Dean of the entire college. In 1985, he became President until his retirement in 1990. From 1985 until 1987, he served as General Council Presbyter for the Assemblies of God.

Dr. Savell had the reputation among all who knew him as a professional educator with a gentle manner and a heart for students as well as for God. Under his leadership, the curriculum at Southwestern expanded considerably with numerous courses being added in the area of church ministries, as well as the addition of a four-year business degree.

Of far greater significance was the attainment of regional accreditation for the entire four-year curriculum at Southwestern. In 1988, this resulted in the Bible College and Jr. College merging into one four-year institution. After a grueling self-study and application process, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools granted accreditation to Southwestern Assemblies of God College to award associates and bachelors degrees. This important achievement gave the college’s upper level courses and four-year degrees full recognition and acceptance by virtually all colleges and universities in the nation. The final important achievement of Dr. Savell’s administration was the establishment of the Southwestern Foundation in 1986. The purpose of the foundation was to build and manage the school’s endowment funds.

During his tenure as president, Dr. Savell became a Licensed Professional Counselor. Upon his retirement from Southwestern in the fall of 1990, he and his wife joined their son in private practice. They returned to Baytown in 1993, where they lived until moving to Conroe in 2008.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, July 10, 2010, at Spring First Church, 1851 Spring-Cypress Road, Spring, Texas, 77388, with Rev. Robert Pruett, Rev. Robert Hogan and Dr. Kermit Bridges officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to Southwestern Assemblies of God University, All Steinway Music School Project, 1200 Sycamore, Waxahachie, TX, 75165. The family would like to especially thank Dr. Cynthia Williams of Medical Clinic of Houston; the staff and many friends at The Mansions in the Forest; caregivers Darrell Torres and Gloria Thomas and Odyssey Healthcare Hospice of Conroe for the excellent care given during the final days of his illness, and for Cindy Malone, his occupational therapist and family friend. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home. To view the obituary or post a tribute to the family, visit www.mem.com.