BYRON HARVEY

Tomorrow morning, we head out for a few days getaway to celebrate my 65th birthday…boy, writing those words feels really, really weird. Dawned on me this week that there are likely no more senior discounts for which this guy won’t qualify. Yikes. One of the things that I try to do–and hope to do more–is to spend more time reflecting, looking back at my INCREDIBLY BLESSED LIFE (hopefully with the immense gratitude that is due both God and so many people), and considering just where I’ve been (and where I hope to head in my days remaining).

Many years ago, I was doing some reflecting, and I identified the men whom I considered personal heroes. No, not talking about national figures like Billy Graham or Ronald Reagan, or sports heroes like Johnny Unitas and Ozzie Smith; I’m talking about people whom I had known, and who knew me, on a first-name basis, whom I considered both heroes and friends. These were all men I looked up to, whom I hoped in one way or another to emulate, who helped make me the person I am.

On that list were several men: Steve Futrell, whom I met a little less than 50 years ago; Steve was youth pastor at Shenandoah Baptist Church (Roanoke), which my family began attending in earnest in October, 1974, and Steve made a profound impact on my life, as a man who loved God and loved young people, whose zest for life as a Christ-follower made a deep and lasting impression on me.

Another was Dr. Walter Craymer, a man I met 50 years ago this month. Dr. Craymer was the Bible teacher at Roanoke Valley Christian Schools, and also being a former missionary to South America, served as the Spanish teacher there as well. I am pretty sure that the Lord used me in Dr. Craymer’s life to hone his patience; Dr. Craymer was an exceptional man from whom I learned so much, and to whom I looked up as a hero. Both Steve and the good doctor have been in glory with the Lord for a few years now.

This January, a third of my heroes passed away; I’m of course referring to my dad, Glen Harvey. Dad was my #1 hero, a man of immense integrity, devotion to Christ, good humor, consistency, and compassion. I could go on and on, of course.

A few minutes ago, I learned of the passing of the last of these heroes, Dr. Bob Alderman, long-time pastor of Shenandoah Baptist Church. I suppose that next to Dad, Pastor Bob was at the top of the stack. He planted Shenandoah Baptist almost as an accident 55-odd years ago, and lived to see its influence literally reach worldwide. I learned how to preach by watching Pastor Bob do it week-in and week-out, and if you listen to me preach for very long, you can hear strains of Bob Alderman coming through…or at least I certainly hope you can. Bob was absolutely committed to the Word of God and its faithful proclamation; to the cause of world-wide evangelization; to the educating of generations through the work of Roanoke Valley Christian Schools; and to genuinely caring for and shepherding people as a pastor. Though Bob was somewhat well-known in certain circles, there certainly are a lot of pastors who are better-known in American culture…but Bob Alderman took a backseat as a man of God, and as a man of the Word, to NONE of them (and few are his equal). To this day, I can count on one hand the number of preachers of the Word whom I have heard who are in Bob’s league…and I’d probably have fingers left over. And I was so greatly privileged by the Lord to call Bob my pastor.

Trust me when I say I am just scratching the surface with these few words. I remember being at a conference a few years back and running into Bob. Away from the “norm”, and with only him around, I seized the opportunity to try to convey to him what he had meant to me. I got a few words out and then absolutely dissolved into tears, unable to say anything else. I think he got the message, though; I hope he died knowing that he was loved by thousands, and that this guy here was one of those who owed to him more than I could possibly hope to repay.

Bob Alderman – April 23, 1937-September 5, 2025. Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of the Lord.

 

Here is a brief tribute:

Pastor Robert L. Alderman
April 23, 1937 – September 5, 2025

On September 5, Pastor Robert L. Alderman’s faith became sight as he entered into the eternal presence of our Savior. Under his leadership, God established Shenandoah Baptist Church in 1971. The church flourished through his verse-by-verse exposition of the Bible and his passion for world missions. Shenandoah continues to beat with his missionary heart, knowing, praying, giving, going, and caring for the global Great Commission task.

Later, Pastor Alderman led in the establishment of the Roanoke Valley Christian Schools on Williamson Road and Camp Eagle in Fincastle, Virginia, both vibrant, continuing ministries of the church. In June 2004, Pastor Alderman stepped away from the pulpit and became Shenandoah’s Minister-at-Large.

As a church family, we honor Pastor Alderman’s leadership among us by following his example of Christian faithfulness. As Scripture urges, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).

Pray for the Alderman family. Pastor Alderman is survived by Amelia, his wife of 67 years, his children Lewis, Susan, and Anne, their spouses, along with nine grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. His daughter, Mary, preceded him in death.

A special time of reflection will be a part of our Sunday morning gathering. Additional details regarding funeral arrangements will also be shared at that time.

With deepest appreciation,

The Pastors and Elders of Shenandoah Baptist Church