Rev. Robert D. McDearmid, 86, of Fitzgerald, died Thursday, April 17, 2014 at Phoebe Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald.
Funeral services will be held 11 A.M., Monday, April 21, 2014, at Westside Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Rusty Brock, the Rev. Robert Couey, the Rev. Robby McDearmid, and the Rev. Jimmy Cargle officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery with honors rendered by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 6-8 Sunday evening at the funeral home.
Rev. McDearmid was born October 27, 1927, in Fort Valley, Georgia to the late Robert D. & Annie Lee Parker McDermid. He attended school in Tifton and joined the United States Marine Corps in 1945. Rev. McDearmid loved his country and served her honorably for 6 years. He was stationed in Japan, China and Guam and served in the active reserves during the Korean War. He was graduated from Douglasville High School following his service. Rev. McDearmid was a former bank examiner in Eau Gallie, Florida as well as in Jacksonville, Florida. He moved to Fitzgerald in 1960 and worked as a teller at First State Bank. Rev. McDearmid accepted the call to preach the Gospel and served churches throughout south Georgia. He was ordained in Poulan on March 29, 1953. His almost 60-year ministry planted seeds in congregations at Kennedy Memorial, Westside, and Faith Baptist Churches in Fitzgerald as well as Amboy, New Hope in Ambrose, and Pridgen Baptist Church. Rev. McDearmid loved to fish and was passionate about Purple Hurricane football and the Atlanta Braves.
He is survived by his two children and their spouses: Miriam & Eddy Reeves and Rev. Robby & Tina McDearmid, all of Fitzgerald; grandchildren: Tanera & Josh Alves of St. Simons Island, Rob & Miranda McDearmid of Brunswick, and Ross & Anna Joy Reeves of Fitzgerald; six great-grandchildren: Rain Alves, Makenzie Alves, Chloe McDearmid, Jayden Alves, Hallie Kate Reeves, and Lindy Mae Reeves; and his dog: Luan. Several nieces and nephews also survive including: Bobby & Ellene Sanderlin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, whom he dearly loved: Jennie Porter McDearmid; two brothers; and two sisters.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Gideons International, P. O. Box 752, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to Westside Baptist Church, c/o Butch Dale, 211 Walker Road, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to Fellowship Baptist Church, P.O. Box 777, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.