"I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." - John 11:25 KJV

It is with profound sorrow, yet with a heart of gratitude for a life faithfully lived in service to God, we announce the passing of The Reverend Elex German, Jr., 84, of Tallahassee, Florida, who finished his earthly course on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Viewing-visitation will be 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the TILLMAN OF TALLAHASSEE CHAPEL (850-942-1950).

Homegoing Services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 3, 2026, at Jacob Chapel Baptist Church, 2333 Lake Bradford Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, with burial to follow in Concord A.M.E. Church Cemetery.

All resolutions may be submitted to: tillmanfh1931@gmail.com.

The Life, Leadership, and Legacy of 

The Reverend Elex German, Jr.

Reverend Elex German, Jr. was born to Elex German, Sr. and Ezell German. Affectionately known as “June” and “Coon” by those closest to him, he was a man who loved life, loved people, and lived with a quiet strength that left a lasting impression on everyone blessed to know him.

Reverend German was the second oldest of six children. He was educated in the Leon County School System and spent much of his life in the Tallahassee area. In adulthood, he made Miccosukee, Florida, his home, becoming a beloved and respected figure in the community.

His foundation of faith was formed at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, where he was raised and nurtured in the Word of God. It was there that he developed a deep understanding of the scriptures, service, and devotion to the Lord. Reverend German served faithfully in many roles and capacities within the church. With a servant’s heart and a sincere love for God’s people, he heard the call of the Lord upon his life. In his mid-thirties, he stepped out on faith and accepted the call to preach the Gospel.

Reverend German’s ministry was marked by humility, faithfulness, and a genuine concern for others. He was not one who sought attention or recognition, but he carried the Word of God with conviction and compassion. Whether serving in the church, encouraging families, visiting the sick, offering prayer, or sharing wisdom with those in need, he used his life as a vessel of service. His ministry reflected the heart of a man who understood that true greatness is found in serving God and serving others.

From 1978 until his transition on June 24, 2026, Reverend German faithfully served as pastor for 48 years, leaving a lasting legacy of preaching, teaching, leadership, and love. His ministry was marked by humility, faithfulness, wisdom, and a genuine concern for others. He was not one who sought attention or recognition, but he carried the Word of God with conviction, compassion, and power.

Reverend German began his pastoral ministry at St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida, where he served from 1978 to 1982. In 1982, he continued his pastoral journey in Georgia at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Coolidge, Georgia, where he served faithfully until June 26, 2006. Under his leadership at New Bethel, five ministers and two evangelists were ordained and licensed, and sixty-five souls accepted Christ and were baptized.

In 1985, the Lord sent Reverend German, a young, energetic man filled with vision and the Holy Ghost, to Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Park, Georgia, during a time when the church was without a leader. He became the 26th pastor of Bethel and served faithfully for almost 41 years, until his passing.

In 1990, Reverend German began serving as pastor of First Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Whigham, Georgia, where he served faithfully for 36 years until his passing. During a powerful season of ministry, Reverend German carried the responsibility of pastoring three churches at one time: New Bethel, Bethel, and First Mt. Pilgrim. Because the churches were meeting only one Sunday each month, he was able to preach every Sunday, faithfully traveling from church to church to serve the people of God. Under his leadership, the ministries grew stronger and transitioned to worshiping two Sundays a month.

Many great things were accomplished under his faithful leadership. Souls were saved, ministries were birthed, lives were changed, renovations were completed, expansions took place, and revivals were held. Through his preaching, teaching, and servant-hearted leadership, churches were strengthened, communities were blessed, and the Kingdom of God was advanced.

At 84 years old, he was still full of life, wisdom, strength, and spiritual conviction. His life was a living sermon, and his ministry reflected a heart committed to preaching the Gospel, serving God’s people, and building the Kingdom of God.

In the community he called home, Reverend German was loved and admired. He was hardworking, dependable, and kind. He had a special love for cars, a warm affection for people, and the rare gift of never meeting a stranger. His smile was welcoming, his presence was steady, and his spirit made others feel at ease.

Though he lived a humble and low-profile life, his impact was far-reaching. Reverend German was a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and an entrepreneur with vision. He owned and operated a barbershop where he served local residents with pride and excellence. People traveled from near and far to receive a fresh cut and enjoy conversation with him. He is remembered as one of the first Black barbers in the area, a distinction that speaks to both his skill and his place in the history of his community.

While operating his barbershop, Reverend German also worked faithfully for the State of Florida Department of Transportation, serving in both Jefferson and Leon Counties. He dedicated 35 years of service to his career. Among his staff and coworkers, he was known as a strong leader, a man of integrity, and someone whose work ethic and wisdom earned great respect.

Reverend German lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, and quiet excellence. He did not need a large stage to make a difference. His legacy was built through consistency, kindness, leadership, and love. He helped people look better, feel better, and believe better. Whether he was standing in the pulpit, sitting in the barbershop, serving on the job, praying with families, visiting the sick, comforting the grieving, or encouraging those in need, he used his life as a vessel of service.

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Reverend German peacefully transitioned from labor to reward at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family and dear friends. His earthly journey was completed with grace, dignity, and the love of those who cherished him most. He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory his loving children: Sonja German (Ron) Jones, Lloyd, FL, Theodis L. (Tasha) German, Tallahassee, FL and Elex (Courtney) German III of Tallahassee, FL. He also leaves to treasure his legacy his grandchildren: Jaden, Nyla, Jordan, Jacari, Maliyah, Dylon, Bryson and Londyn; brother-in-law: Willie James of Tallahassee, FL; special nephew: Gerry German; along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, church family, friends, former coworkers, and community members whose lives were touched by his presence.

Reverend German was preceded in death by his parents, Elex German, Sr. and Ezell German, and his siblings, Daisy, Nellie Mae, Bettie Jackson, Henry, James, and Theodore.

Reverend Elex “June/Coon” German, Jr. has completed his assignment, finished his course, and kept the faith. His work on earth is done, but his witness, wisdom, and love will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew him.

It is our esteemed honor to have been entrusted with the care of Reverend German and to serve the German family.