Hendricks served on the DTS faculty for 60 years and was founder and chairman of the seminary's Center for Christian Leadership. He authored or co-authored 16 books and taught more than 10,000 students. He even was chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys football team from 1976-1984.

Students and friends knew him simply as "Prof." He preached on the campuses of Southern Baptist seminaries and at the 2003 SBC Pastors Conference.

Following is a sampling of what Southern Baptists said on Twitter:

-- Jack Graham (@JackNGraham), pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas: "Howard Hendricks was an incredible man teacher leader believer. He influenced a generation of pastors and churchmen. Now rewarded."

-- Rick Warren (@RickWarren), pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif.: "Friend and mentor to so many of us, #HowardHendricks went on to heaven last night."

-- Gregory Mathias (@GregMathias), associate director of international missions for the Center for Great Commission Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C.: "The passing of Howard Hendricks is a true loss for us but complete gain for him. Thanks for your legacy." Southeastern Seminary President Daniel Akin quoted Mathias in a Tweet and added, "AMEN."

-- Terry L. Wilder (@TerryLWilder), professor of New Testament at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas: "Never had 'Prof' Hendricks for class but did enjoy lunch w/him a couple of times. Listened closely to the wisdom he shared."

Russell D. Moore, dean of the school of theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., also sent out a Tweet, calling Hendricks a "titanic" professor. Continued...