REVEREND DR. JUSTIN GILREATH, OBITUARY, DEATH,SENIOR MINISTER AT BUNCOMBE STREET METHODIST CHURCH, PASSES AWAY – A Life of Faith, Service, and Compassion Remembered
The news of Reverend Dr. Justin Gilreath’s death sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many in mourning as they remembered the profound impact he had on their lives and the congregation of Buncombe Street Methodist Church. While no official cause of death has been released, the outpouring of grief from his family, friends, and church members paints a vivid picture of the legacy he leaves behind.
Reverend Gilreath’s death has left an irreplaceable void in the church, and the people who knew him are grappling with the loss of a dedicated spiritual leader, a mentor, and a friend. Vance Jenkins, a member of the Buncombe Street congregation, expressed the deep sorrow shared by many in a heartfelt tribute to the late Reverend Gilreath.
“Please pray for the people of Buncombe Street Methodist Church in the wake of the death of our beloved Senior Minister, the Reverend Doctor Justin Gilreath. We are utterly bereft. May God cling tightly to and comfort Justin’s wife, Jenny, and their two beautiful young daughters. There are no words to describe the depth of our collective loss. Justin loved the Lord with all his heart, mind, and soul. May his soul rest in God’s most perfect peace,” Jenkins wrote, reflecting the overwhelming sense of loss felt within the church community.
The Reverend’s passing is not just a personal tragedy for his family but for the entire congregation he served so faithfully. His ministry was marked by a compassionate and unwavering commitment to helping others find their way to God. Many members of the church have shared that Reverend Gilreath was not only a skilled preacher but also a source of emotional and spiritual support. His messages were often infused with a sense of deep understanding, and he had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
His teachings resonated not only in the pulpit but also in the many ways he reached out to individuals personally. Born and raised in the Upstate of South Carolina, Reverend Gilreath’s path to ministry was both deliberate and inspired. He graduated from Blue Ridge High School and then went on to study Agricultural Education at Clemson University. While his early studies were grounded in a different field, it was during his time at Clemson that Reverend Gilreath began to feel a calling to a higher purpose.
His passion for service, his commitment to leadership, and his growing interest in spiritual matters led him to pursue theological studies. He enrolled at the Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina, followed by further theological education at the Erskine Theological Seminary, equipping himself with the academic and spiritual tools necessary for ministry. After completing his studies, Reverend Gilreath’s journey in ministry took shape when he accepted the position of associate pastor at Buncombe Street Methodist Church, a historic church in Greenville, South Carolina.
His years in that role would mark the beginning of what many describe as a transformative chapter in the church’s life. Reverend Gilreath quickly became known for his pastoral presence, thoughtful preaching, and commitment to the church’s outreach programs. Whether it was leading Bible studies, counseling families, or organizing community service projects, he was always present and active, demonstrating the heart of a servant leader.
As Senior Minister at Buncombe Street, Reverend Gilreath’s leadership was defined by his deep empathy and tireless energy. He worked alongside his congregation to bring about spiritual growth and social change, emphasizing the importance of faith in action. He was known for his strong advocacy of social justice, regularly addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and the importance of creating a compassionate and inclusive community.
His approach to ministry was holistic, combining a strong foundation in scripture with a deep concern for the practical needs of those around him. Reverend Gilreath was also deeply devoted to his family. He and his wife, Jenny, along with their two young daughters, were an integral part of the church community, often seen participating in events and sharing in the life of the congregation.
Many church members have noted that Justin’s love for his family was evident in all that he did. His role as a father and husband was one he cherished deeply, and he was known to speak often of the joys and challenges of balancing family life with his demanding ministry. His dedication to both his family and his flock reflected the profound depth of his character.
In the wake of Reverend Gilreath’s passing, his memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of all those he touched. The church community, though grieving, takes comfort in the knowledge that his legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to inspire and guide them in the years to come. His life and work stand as a testament to the power
