R. Edward "Eddie" Gilstrap, Sr.

Robert Edward (Eddie) Gilstrap, Sr., (92), passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2024, after a brief illness. Eddie was born on July 30, 1932, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Thomas W. and Flonnie L. Gilstrap.

 Eddie was married to the love of his life, Hazel Ditsworth of Pascagoula, MS, on June 20, 1959. They met as students at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and shared a 59-year marriage rooted in faith, love, and a mutual commitment to ministry. Together, they raised three children: Robert (Bobby) E. Gilstrap, Jr. (Brenda) of Conyers, GA; Thomas (Tommy) W. Gilstrap (Karen) of Ft. Worth, TX; and Elizabeth Gilstrap Keith of Cleburne, TX.

 Gilstrap was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hazel, on July 11, 2018; his parents; and his older brother, William (Bill) T. Gilstrap. He is survived by his three children, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, who will cherish the legacy of love, wisdom, and faith he leaves behind.

A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, Gilstrap was known for his strength, love, and unwavering encouragement.

 His life was marked by his passion for family, ministry and a commitment to making disciples of Jesus Christ. A gifted preacher, Gilstrap spoke with fervor and urgency, always striving to proclaim the Good News as though it were his final opportunity.

 Eddie grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated from Mercer University in Macon, GA, in 1955. He went on to earn both an MRE and MDiv from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, in 1961. Following his seminary graduation, the Gilstrap’s were appointed as missionaries with the Southern Baptist International Mission Board, serving in Costa Rica and Guatemala from 1962 to 1968.

 His ministry spanned decades, serving as pastor of six churches in Georgia and Texas (1950–1962, 1968–1974). He later served as the Executive Director of Missions for the Atlanta Baptist Association (1974–1982) and the Greater Orlando Baptist Association (1986–1994). Gilstrap also served as Vice President of Counseling Services for the Radio/Television Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention (1982–1986). Even after retirement, his heart for missions led him to volunteer as the Coordinator for the Florida Baptist Convention/Western Montana mission partnership.

 Eddie Gilstrap’s life exemplified faithful service to God, his family, and the church. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

 The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the International Mission Board, SBC (www.imb.org), Richmond, VA, or to Nolan River Road Baptist Church (www.nrrbc.org) in Cleburne, TX, in his honor.

 A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Cleburne, TX.