Reverend Bob Philbeck, age 79 of Forest City, died Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Hospice House in Forest City.  Bob was born on November 20, 1945, in Rutherford County and was a son of the late Chivous and Bernice Champion Philbeck. 

Bob grew up in Forest City and graduated from the public schools before enlisting in the United States Navy serving aboard the destroyer, the USS Towers during the Vietnam war.  He began his working career for the Town of Forest City both as a police officer and later a fireman. 

When Bob was called to the ministry, he enrolled at Fruitland Bible College, and then at Gardner-Webb College before graduating from Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.  Bob served several churches in North Carolina prior to being called to pastor Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church where he is a member and served for 13 years until his retirement. 

His depth of love for the Lord, and the church endeared him to many in the congregations he served, and he was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Jed Drummond, his son-in-law, Russell Stribling, his brother-in-law, Donald Spratt, and his nephew, Michael Philbeck.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Nancy Millwood Philbeck of the home, his daughters, Tammy Philbeck Conner and husband Larry of Forest City, Shelley Philbeck Lafone and husband Scott of Taylorsville, NC, and Kelly Philbeck Stribling of Columbus, his brothers, David Philbeck and wife Gretta of Rutherfordton, Danny Philbeck and wife Debbie of Inman, South Carolina, and his sister, Cynthia Philbeck Spratt of Ellenboro.  There are 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and one expectant great-grandchild.

The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church with the Reverend Stephen Matheny and the Reverend Steven Cooper officiating.  Mr. Chase Breeden will officiate at the graveside.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 4:30 until 7 o’clock on Friday evening at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Sanctuary. 

Memorials in his memory may be made to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 397 Mt. Pleasant Church Road, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com