George Rebsamen

February 1, 2018

Matthews – The Reverend Dr. George John Rebsamen, Jr., 74, died February 1, 2018 following a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family.  He is remembered by his greatest accomplishments in being a godly husband, father, and grandfather.  He spent his lifetime commitment to preaching the Word of God.  He was a man who was faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ and finished strong in his journey of faith.

George was born on August 28, 1943 in New York City, NY to Helene Spielberger Rebsamen and George John Rebsamen Sr.  He was a graduate of Barrington College with a degree in Biblical Studies and received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the California Graduate School of Theology.  Throughout his career he served God by pastoring and teaching in numerous churches throughout the east coast including Rhode Island, New York, Philadelphia, and South Carolina.  He counted it a high privilege to be able to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to whomever and whenever the opportunity presented itself.

George, or endearingly called by family “Grandpa”, was called into ministry at Pinebrook Bible Conference Center at the age of sixteen.  His passion involved camping ministry as well as reaching the next generation for the cause of Christ.  He loved to travel, visiting missionaries all over the world that was supported by the churches he served.  His mission travels always included training hundreds of pastors with biblical truths from God’s Word. 

 A few of his favorite sayings he expressed with people were: “Hey, what's happening?”  “Sin will never make you a better person; it will always destroy your life.” “It’s never right to do wrong.”  “I was born ready!”  and, “Macht Schnell” which in English means “Hurry Up!”

 In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his first wife, Jane Andrews Rebsamen, who died in 1991.  He is survived by his wife, Ann Troxell Rebsamen, whom he married in October of 1992; three sons, George John Rebsamen III (Jay) and his wife, Melanie; Jonathan Ross Rebsamen and his wife, Jennifer; and James Grant Rebsamen (Jim) and his wife, Bonnie; eight grandchildren, Caleb, Addison, Jake, Jordan, Jude, Madelyn, Olivia, and Grant Rebsamen; and sister, Helene Logue and her husband, Michael.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness….” 2 Timothy 4:7-8a.

In lieu of flowers, the family request sending memorial contributions to: First Baptist Church - Charlotte, 301 South Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. In the memo line—Rebsamen Memorial.  All proceeds will go to Thomas Road Outpost, a 500-acre parcel of land amidst the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Peaks of Otter region, donated to Thomas Road Baptist Church in March of 2014.  It has been repurposed as a youth camp with the emphasis of reaching at-risk youth from Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland and the DC area. 

A celebration service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at First Baptist Church, 301 South Davidson Street, Charlotte with the Reverend Michael Cummings officiating.  The burial service will follow at Sharon Memorial Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends on Friday evening, February 9, from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Church Worship Center.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

 

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  • Nancy & Joseph Ray

    It was a pleasure knowing him and his wife, Ann. We were touch spiritually through his many Bible studies at Calvary Memorial church. He even wrote to my mother who he expressed her coming to meet Jesus before she past away September 2011 at Nazareth Hospital. My husband, Joe and I, Nancy will surely miss him. May jesus his soul in His name. AMEN!

  • Laura Hadley Phoa

    Our loss is Heaven's gain. I am so thankful that I will see him again when I pass through the Eastern Gate. During my time of service at Calvary Memorial Church, Philadelphia, he was a blessing, an encourager, and a stimulator to keep the faith and finish strong.

  • Ted and Cyndy Klatt

    Our deepest condolences.
    Pastor was a good and godly man. He will be deeply missed.

  • Suzanne & Christopher Garber

    Pastor Rebsamen was at the beginning with my walk with Christ when I first came to Calvary in 1995 and then married me and my husband in 2001. He and Ann prayed for me when I was going diagnosed with and healed from cancer and I count them amongst my earliest role models in the church. I am a changed person because of his strong teaching in the Word of God. Rest in peace, Pastor!

  • Rick & Gail Myers

    Some remarkable "R's" Remembering 1975 Rick responding to one of pastor's first altar calls at Calvary. Raising our 3 sons of similar ages along side of George & Jane. Recreating at softball games, corn roasts, Sunday School picnics, choir & holiday pagants . Roadtrips with the Leisuretimers & Evie Myers. Realizing how influencial Liberty University would be to our son's futures. We rejoice in the "R's" and in the rest and rewards laid up for your dad. Rick & Gail Myers

  • hope white

    Pastor Rebsamen was my pastor for many years. He was an excellent preacher, and I learned many things from him. As a missionary from Calvary Memorial Church, pastor always made sure I was fully supported before I left for the field, and that all of my needs were met. He made sure I never lacked for anything! Each time I arrived home from the field we always sat and talked about my time overseas, my health, spiritual needs, relationships, etc. With the direct questions that only he would ask, I felt as though he was a brother talking to his sister When talking with fellow missionaries regarding his questions their comment was " I wish he was my pastor." As a missionary I was blest to have him as my pastor. The Lord used him in my life! He served the Lord until He could no longer serve. A great example for all of us to follow! He will be greatly missed but we have the hope of meeting together in the "sweet bye and bye!"

  • Bob & Kathy Haywood

    My wife & I met at Calvary Memorial Church in northeast Philadelphia in 1979 where Pastor Rebsamen built this growing Church through to his retirement in 2014. At the time we attended 2 other churches on Sunday morning but were attracted to the community evening services at Calvary. We traveled on a church trip to Israel with Pastor Rebsamen in the early 1980's, met with him for marriage classes in 1984 and were married there later that year. He dedicated our daughter in 1987. Kathy was a Sunday School teacher for 1 or 2 of his children. We attended his retirement service in 2014 with all fond memories. Both of and I am sure many hundreds of other people from Calvary Memorial Church will agree that Pastor Rebsamen made a difference in our lives.

  • Mrs. Joyce Allen of Eastview Baptist Church

    Ann and Jay Rebsamen, I am so sorry for your loss. I have recently been through the same, Ann. It is very hard, but we know He is talking to God now. He was a great preacher, as is his son, Jay. I can never thank these persons for helping me through my loss. Ann, anytime I can be of help to you please do not hesitate to call me (803-684-4786). I love you. Joyce Allen

  • Sharon Teufel

    What an earthly loss but heavens gain. So very sorry for your loss. So many wonderful memories of George and his family. Keeping you all in our prayers.

  • Cindi Decker

    I sat under Pastor Rebssmen's teaching at Calvary Memorial Church for a few years. It was there that I met my husband, and Pastor married us there. He was true to the Word in preaching and was committed to excellence in all things in the church. These are the memories that I hold dear from that time that we spent while living in Philadelphia. His lovely wife Jane was an inspiration, and we can recall many fun stories about how they were so made for each other. We also fondly remember the three children who we're so beloved. This photo of him captures the visage we remember even from those many years ago. We are praying for the family at this time of loss but rejoice with an appreciation for the hope of Heaven as he is experiencing now.

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