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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A prominent Memphis pastor died this week after serving his congregation for more than 50 years.
Rev. Dr. Johnny C. Bachus died on Tuesday, his family told WREG. He was the leader of St. Mark Baptist Church on Lauderdale for 53 years.
Bachus also served his community as a member of the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association, the Memphis District Association and as an advocate for civil rights during the 1960s.
He leaves behind a wife of 63 years and five children.
![In this photo released by The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, shows officials burning seized drugs in Niamey, Niger, Monday, June 26, 2023. Drug seizures soared in the West African Sahel region according to figures released Friday April 19, 2024 in a new U.N. report, indicating the conflict-ridden region is becoming an influential route for drug trafficking. In 2022, 1,466 kilograms, [3,232 pounds], of cocaine were seized in Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso and Niger compared to an average of 13 kilograms [28.7 pounds] between 2013 and 2020 , said the report from the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime. (UNODC via AP)](https://wreg.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2024/04/66227f1e660f50.13387577.jpeg?strip=1)
