Historian William R. Estep Jr. Dies - Obituary

Baptist History and Heritage, Summer-Fall, 2000

One of the most prominent church historians in Southern Baptist life, whose work threw a spotlight on Baptist origins and church-state issues, has died. William R. Estep Jr., 80, distinguished professor of church history emeritus at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, died Friday, July 14, at his Fort Worth, Texas, home.

A major historian of the Anabaptist movement, Estep wrote or edited twenty-one books including The Anabaptist Story and Anabaptist Beginnings. He was a longtime member of the Southern Baptist Historical Society and wrote several articles for Baptist History and Heritage.

James Leo Garrett, Southwestern distinguished professor of theology emeritus, said that Estep's work helped "broaden understanding of Baptist origins" and "helped clear up distortions about Anabaptists."

He is survived by his wife, Edna, and four children.