Rev. Bob Baxter's Obituary
Rev. Bob A. Baxter, a great Baptist statesman, died Sunday October 26th after a battle with cancer. Serving as pastor of Mt. Harmony Baptist Church in Mableton, Georgia for almost 50 years from April 1959 - August 2008, he was a light that burned brightly in the community and was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him.
He gave his life to the Lord as a young farm boy in Haralson County. His dad wanted him to stay and work in the dairy business but God called him to the ministry as he was praying one day in a hay loft.
He left for Mercer University and graduated with honors. While at Mercer, he met the love of his life Gloria Ann Twitty. Beyond the Lord, his greatest source of strength and encouragement was his wife of 52 years. They gave their life together to the Lord and to their family. Children and grandchildren include: Son - Dr. David Baxter, wife Ann, children - Andrew, Matthew, and Lauren; Daughter - Carol Kirby, husband Ronald, children - Paul, (wife Brandy) and Sarah.
During his years at Mercer, Brother Bob pastored several country churches. While attending Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina and earning his Master of Divinity degree, he pastored the City Lake Baptist Church in Burlington. Upon graduating from seminary, he received the call to pastor Mt. Harmony Baptist Church in Mableton.
Through the difficult sixties, Brother Bob led Mount Harmony to love all of God’s children and the church grew into a strong suburban church. Firmly believing the Bible, his message was always based on love When celebrating their 40th anniversary at the church he was quoted as saying “Love is the most powerful force in the world. The only answer to problems is to get people to love Jesus enough that they want to do right.”
Brother Bob had a heart for missions and service. He led Mt. Harmony to purchase a home for missionaries so they could rest and rejuvenate while in the United States. Many new buildings, and facilities were added during his time of service, and from Mt. Harmony many young men and women have gone out into full time service of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Much beloved by all who knew him, he was known for his humor and compassion. He was especially well known for asking the men he would see if their wives had fixed them biscuits. Fittingly his last meal was a biscuit. Always with a smile, and speaking to everyone as he went, he shared the love of Jesus with his life and ministry.
He was involved in the local needs of the community and also was very involved in Baptist life serving in numerous capacities. He loved fellow pastors and was a mentor to many, and an encourager to all. Bob Baxter exemplified the secret to longevity as a pastor because he was a great giver of grace. He was quick to forgive and had heart full of patience, humor, humility and love. His ministry was never about himself, but always about Jesus.
Brother Bob counted it among his greatest blessings to have his children and grandchildren as part of his church family for the length of his ministry. He was a generous husband, father and grandfather who was exceedingly thankful his children and grandchildren loved the Lord.
A few days before his death he told his family and others, “I have hit the bottom and the bottom is rock solid”. Even to the end, he continued to teach and encourage.
What’s your fondest memory of Rev. Bob?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rev. Bob?
Share a story where Rev. Bob's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rev. Bob you’ll never forget.
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