Jose P. Bove

Jose P. Bove
Methodist Minister

Jose P. Bove was born and raised in the port city of Cienfuegos, Cuba, the third of three children. He did his high school education in both Spanish and English, and, as a very young man, taught English to children and youth in one of the Methodist schools in Havana, Cuba.

Jose came to Tennessee in 1953 and completed his college education in 1957. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Christian Education from Scarritt College in Nashville. Jose was consecrated as a diaconal minister in 1977, the year after the General Conference of the United Methodist Church instituted this level of ministry in 1976.

He served large membership churches in Florence, Alabama; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Coral Gables, Florida; Columbus, Georgia, and beginning in 1985, Lakeland, Florida. From 1985 to 2001 he was Director of Christian Education at First United Methodist Church of Lakeland. Upon retiring from that position, he served FUMC for several more years as a visitation minister.

He continued until recently in his teaching ministry, often being described as brilliant, and was also recognized as a gifted classical pianist. He often shared his wide knowledge of both sacred music and art, through his classroom presentations.

Jose is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Luis and his sister Marta.

There will be a celebration of his life and ministry at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Adult Christian Education at the First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, Florida, Inc.

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