Ronald Elmer Gilstrap

Bubba was born September 24, 1949, in Jackson, the son of the late William Herbert Gilstrap and Mary Lee Wren Gilstrap. After his 1967 graduation from Provine High School he joined the U.S. Air Force where he served for four years. Bubba then attended Hinds Junior College and graduated from Mississippi College in 1975.

Following graduation he joined APAC-Mississippi Asphalt where he was an accountant. In 1982 Bubba followed our Lord’s calling and surrendered to the ministry, attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received a Master of Divinity Degree in 1985.

Bubba was blessed to marry the lady God created as his perfect companion, the lady he called the love of his life and his best friend, Marcia Belinda Harris, on May 19, 1974. Belinda was as dedicated to the ministry as Bubba, and was a devoted and supportive minister’s wife.

Bubba served congregations throughout Alabama and Mississippi during his years in the ministry. Often, young people of the church flocked to Bubba and Belinda for guidance and direction. Bubba had a true heart for service to others, and he was a loving shepherd to the many he was blessed to pastor.

Bubba is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Belinda Gilstrap; sister and brother-in-law, Maxine and Bill Kron; numerous nieces and nephews, dear friends, and a myriad of spiritual children.

The Gilstrap family requests that memorials be made to the ministry of the donor’s choice.

Although our gathering to honor Bubba will be delayed due to current world conditions, we have the comfort of knowing he is with Jesus and we will soon join together to honor his life and legacy.