Robert Reuel Westbrook, 87, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2019 at Hospice House in Greenwood, SC, with complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Westbrook of Greenwood; his daughter Cynthia Westbrook of Princeton, NJ; his son Andy Westbrook and wife Mary Lynn Westbrook of Greenwood, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Born in Crabapple, GA in 1931, Reuel was baptized a Christian at the age of twelve and called to ministry at the age of seventeen.
Growing up on the family farm during the Great Depression, Reuel left home for Atlanta, where he apprenticed as a carpenter, to help earn money for the family. While preaching in a tent revival, Reuel met Sylvia Boyd, who was playing the piano for the services. They were married in Atlanta in 1950 and their life together has been one of partnership in Christian ministry.
Reuel joined the Navy in 1953 and served on the USS Boyd Destroyer. He served as a Chaplain while based in Guam. Many of his travel experiences in Asia and his enduring friendships with fellow sailors helped nurture and develop his life for ministry and service.
Reuel completed his Bachelor’s degree at Mercer University in Macon, GA. He and Sylvia served several churches during his college years – Bethel Baptist Church in Monticello, GA, and Westlawn Baptist Church in Macon. With their newborn, Cindy, they moved to Wake Forest, NC, where he began his Master of Divinity at Southeastern Theological Seminary.
Within two months, Reuel and Sylvia were called to serve at Peachtree Baptist Church in Spring Hope, NC. In 1966, the family with an additional child, Andy, moved to Atlanta, to begin work as the Assistant Minister at Gordon Street Baptist Church. His primary work there was inner-city mission work, visitation, and creating programs for senior citizens.
His enduring ministry as Pastor of Callie Self Memorial Baptist Church in Greenwood, SC, began in 1969. During his tenure there, he created innovative programs for missions, children and youth, senior citizens, music, and community outreach programs that engaged many to participate. He was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and one of the founding church partners for Faith Home in Greenwood.
During the troubled time of civil rights in the 70’s, he served as an advocate and leader for peace and reconciliation in the Greenwood community. Following his thirty-year ministry at Callie Self, Reuel served as the Interim Pastor at First Baptist Church of Abbeville, First Baptist Church of Edgefield, Modoc Baptist Church, McCormick, Jordan Baptist and Woodfields Baptist in Greenwood, and finally, Donalds Baptist Church in Donalds, SC. Reuel was an avid gardener, a wood worker, and a voracious reader.
He wrote hundreds of encouraging notes that he gave to people of all ages and to people that he met for the first time. The family would like to express their gratitude to the many friends, church members, and community leaders who supported his ministry and family throughout their years in Greenwood. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. J. C. Collins and Rev.
David Little officiating. Burial will be private. Pallbearers will be Connor Westbrook, Brandon Sumerel, Rev.
Chuck Keller, Rev. Jason Sturkie, Walt Sansbury and James Ouzts. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 12:30 to 2 p.m. If you would like to make a small donation in honor of Reuel Westbrook, please consider the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or by visiting Parkinson.org.
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