About Us

Paul Calhoun

A native of Panama City, Paul served as an Army combat soldier for two years and a tour of duty in Viet Nam. As non-believers, Paul and Sylvia were influenced by Richard Tuggle and Calvin Smith. These relationships led to Bible studies with Jack Reece, and the Calhouns were baptized in 1979. Currently, Paul is a realtor for Century 21.

Paul and Sylvia have one adult son, Darrell, and three grandchildren. He has taught classes and served as a deacon of Youth, Outreach, Action Teams, Fellowship and Church Activities. Paul has been serving as an elder since January 2000.

Jim Holsombake

A Panama City native, Jim played football for LSU.  In college Jim married his high school sweetheart, Marsha.  While still in Louisiana, one of Jim’s teammates studied with him and Marsha, and they were baptized in 1980. They moved back to Panama City and have been active members of this congregation since 1985.

They have three grown children, Kristy, Katy and Jamey, and seven grandchildren. Jim has been an Action Team leader, a deacon and taught classes.  He also serves on the board for Harding University.  Jim has been an elder since January 2000.

Bob Backus

Bob and Sandy Backus met Hal and Lori Burleson while Bob and Hal were Navy helicopter pilots together.  That friendship continued when the Backuses moved to Panama City in 1984.  Through the Christian example of the Burlesons, Bob and Sandy came to know the Lord and they were baptized in 1985.

Bob and Sandy have three adult children, Lee, Sara and Tim, and four grandchildren.  Bob has served as a teacher, Action Team Leader, chairman of the building committee and a deacon.  He has been serving as an elder since July 2007.

Hal Burleson

Hal grew up with Christian parents and was baptized at youth camp in 1973.  Upon graduation from Abilene Christian University, he married Lori, a preacher’s daughter, and entered the Navy to pursue a career as a pilot.  They moved to Panama City in 1983 and have been actively serving in the church here ever since.

Hal and Lori have two adult sons, Ryan and Jared and two grandchildren.  Hal has served as a deacon, treasurer, a Bible class teacher, and has worked extensively with our youth and young adults.  Lori has taught all ages.  Hal has been serving as an elder since January 2000

Matt Wegner

Matt grew up mostly in Panama City and attended Palo Alto church of Christ as a child. A graduate from Freed-Hardeman University, Matt is a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Matt has served in various areas of ministry, most recently as a deacon over finance.
In December 2016 Matt began to serve as an elder following in his father’s footsteps who served as a shepherd for both the Palo Alto and Jenks Avenue congregations. Matt and his wife Stacy have two grown sons and a daughter-in-law.

Gary Witham

Bart Lewis