Reverend Robert E. Biggerstaff, age 83

The Reverend Robert E. Biggerstaff, age 83, of Forest City, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2015.

Born July 2, 1932 in Rutherford County, he was a son of the late James Carl Biggerstaff and Lillie Cleo Bailey Biggerstaff. He was a graduate of Ellenboro High School, class of 1950 and a graduate of Fruitland Baptist Bible Institute, class of 1958. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War era. Robert accepted the call as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and served his Lord for forty-eight years. During these years, he pastored the High Shoal Baptist Church and Pores Ford Baptist Church and was an Associate Pastor at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He was a current member of Smith Grove Baptist Church. He also worked for J.C. Cowan Plant before his retirement. Robert enjoyed fishing with his sons, gardening and watching baseball. He was dedicated to his country, his faith and his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Hugh and James Biggerstaff.

Survivors include his wife of sixty years, Annie Lou Biggerstaff; two sons, Jim Biggerstaff of Zebulon, NC and Mark Biggerstaff and wife, Elizabeth of Forest City; three grandchildren, Mallory Biggerstaff, Courtney Usher and Brandon Biggerstaff; one great-grandson, Brian Biggerstaff ; nephew, Don Biggerstaff of Morganton and niece, Shirley Wright of Georgia.

Funeral services were conducted at the Smith Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Terry White and Reverend Tom Willoughby officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery with the American Flag being presented by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.

Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or to the Smith Grove Baptist Church Missions Fund, PO Box 1195, Forest City, NC 28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.