Robert Lewis Alderman
On September 5, 2025, Robert Lewis Alderman, Sr. came to know the complete fullness of the joy of his salvation when he entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Born April 23, 1937, in Kingstree, SC, he was the son of the late Ben Geer Alderman, Sr. and the late Mary Jones Alderman. He was the great-grandson of David Wells Alderman and Martha Priscilla Alderman, founders of the Alcolu village in South Carolina which remained dear to his heart as his childhood home.
He was the faithful husband of his childhood sweetheart, Amelia Burke Alderman, for 67 years and a loving father and Pa to his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter, Mary Amelia Alderman Kessler. He is survived by his wife, Amelia, their children, Susan (Ed) Bailey, Lewis (Terri) Alderman, Anne (Robert) Mullen, son-in-law Jimmy Kessler; nine grandchildren, John (Rachel) Kessler, Meghan (Bradley) Kuebler, Ben (Hannah) Bailey, Joe Bailey, Robbie (Savannah) Alderman, Bryan (Kayli) Alderman, Ben (Allison) Alderman, Amelia (Sean) Gillenwater, Andrew Mullen and 18 great grandchildren, Jack, Cora, Connor, Grady, Lola, Beau, Emma Kate, Evelyn, Ava, Brody, Cade, Evie, Lucy, Ava Grace, Eli, Louie, Aubrey and Kinsley. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Geer Clark and his brother, Jim (Sharon) Alderman. His brothers, Ben Geer Alderman, Jr. and David Alderman preceded him in death.
Robert graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BS degree in accounting. He studied in the Graduate School of Bible and Missions at Columbia International University and graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Having served in the pastoral ministry since 1959, Pastor Bob founded and pastored Shenandoah Baptist Church in Roanoke, VA, from 1971 to 2004. In June of 2004, he became Shenandoah’s Minister-at-Large. Pastor Alderman led in the establishment of Roanoke Valley Christian Schools, as well as Camp Eagle in Fincastle VA, both vibrant, continuing ministries of the church.
His great passion was that every person would have the opportunity to hear the life saving message of Jesus Christ and he regularly shared the gospel with those he encountered. Under his leadership, Shenandoah Baptist Church became a recognized leader in the role of the local church in global missions.
By the grace of God he lived a principled life based on the Bible, as evidenced by his wisdom, faithfulness, kindness and humility.
His sincere pastor’s heart and love for others was reflected in his unselfish ministry to countless people. He esteemed others more highly than himself and was dearly loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Missions Fund of Shenandoah Baptist Church, 6520 Williamson Road, Roanoke, Virginia https://sbc-family.churchcenter.com/giving/to/faith-promise-missions
The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from 5-8 pm at Shenandoah Baptist Church. Services will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 11:00 am at Shenandoah Baptist Church. Interment will follow services at Sherwood Memorial Park. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Chapel. (540)366-0707.
Services will be livestream from Shenandoah Baptist Church on the following links.
https://www.youtube.com/@shenandoahbaptistchurchroa2974
https://sbcfamily.org/watch-live
