Robert McBride
Father Robert McBride’s family and congregations remember him for his contagiously joyful disposition, his booming laugh and rich tenor singing voice. Bob went to meet his Heavenly Father on March 22, 2022 in St. Charles, Missouri, attended by his family.
“Bobby” Green McBride was born June 13, 1937 in Laurel, Mississippi to Lester and Erna.
Bob was a modest but very well-educated man, obtaining undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry and music as well as a masters in counseling from the University of Florida. Bob then obtained a Master of Divinity from Duke University in 1964. He became associate minister of First Methodist Church in Ocala, Florida – a third generation Methodist minister in the family. In 1986 he began studying at Nashotah House and was ordained in the Episcopal Church on November 19, 1987. Bob joined the Florida National Guard in 1956 and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1962.
During his priestly career, he ministered at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Avon Park, Florida, Saint Mathias in Clermont, Florida, Good Shepherd in Terrell, Texas and Good Shepherd in Brownwood, Texas and others.
Bob had an ability to forgive, forget and meet people where they were. He made others feel loved in his presence and would be ready with whatever was needed- be it a laying-on of hands and a prayer or a lighthearted joke. Bob was a brilliant pun-ster with a quick wit and a marvelous vocabulary. He had a love for classic cars, which he selflessly sold when a few children came along. Bob enjoyed globetrotting with his late wife, Diane and had a soft spot for the latest interesting gadget.
He is survived by his sister, Judy, wife, Ella and his five children: Betsy, born to his late-wife, Martha, and Christopher, Melissa, Jennifer and Matthew, born to his late-wife, Diane. Bob leaves behind 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A visitation and funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cottleville, Missouri at 1pm and 2pm respectively on April 2, 2022. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Retired Archdiocesan Priests’ Endowment Fund at the following link: Retired Archdiocesan Priests Endowment Fund.
We met Fr. McBride at Good Shepherd in Terrell, Texas, in 2002. We immediately knew this was a new church home. Fr. McBride was very jovial, gave great sermons, and kind. When he left Good Shepherd we followed him to St. Matthias in Dallas, Texas, even though the drive was much farther we figured it was close enough to continue fellowship with Fr. McBride. Later on Fr. McBride became my stepfather, but the relationship really did not change, because his personality and spiritual father character was that of a father or dear friend. Gracie, Samantha, Mac, and I will truly miss Fr. McBride as his presence in our lives
I never thought I would find a minister as good as my dad until I met Fr. McBride. I had marriage counseling with Fr. Bride and my husband then was a Baptist and Fr. McBride’s laughter and his spirit was strong enough for my then husband to want to switch churches. He high fived my kids when he was walking at the end of worship. Held them when they just needed to calm down and this is was during his sermon. He prayed and held prayers group to help heal Richard or help him find guidance through his cancer. This man is someone that I have always admired and loved. He is up in heaven telling the stories when he used to ride a motorcycle with Richard. Laughing about what they had in common. You will be missed but you will always be loved and remembered for your kindness. God Bless you Fr. McBride.
I first met Fr Bob when I attended church at the Good Shepherd with my uncle. He was such a friendly person . Then he married my sister so we were connected again. He was quick witted and kind and I feel fortunate that our paths crossed in life. May he Rest In Peace.
I met Bob through Ella…These two helped me through a very rough time, going the extra mile! I was a Christian but I felt completely broken and Bob and Ella helped put me back together again! I will never forget their kindness. May Bob rest in peace and May God be with Ella and Bob’s family!