Reverend Billy Vestal

March 1, 2023

Let us remember with thanksgiving the life and ministry of Rev. Billy Guy Vestal, 94 of Penny Farms, FL who passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

Billy was born on July 21, 1928 in Abingdon, Virginia to Eugene Clark, Sr. and Ollie Pearl (Kestner) Vestal. Rev. Vestal graduated from Emory and Henry College in Virginia and received an M.Div from Drew University. Billy served his country in the United States Air Force.  

He received his License to Preach on June 10, 1951 in the Holston Conference and in 1953 transferred to the New York Conference where he served the Putnam Valley Circuit. He was ordained a Full Elder in June 1958. During his 30 plus years in pastoral ministry he served the following congregations: Downsville: Colchester UMC, Kerhonkson and Leibhardt UMC’s, East Quogue and Flanders UMC’s, North Canton and Washington Hill UMC’s, East Berlin UMC, Mountainville and Highland Mills UMC’s and Amityville: Simpson UMC. Billy retired in June 1989.

Rev. Vestal was known for his compassion, his generosity, his great big smile, visiting the sick and elderly, and holding the hand of the dying.  His love for the Lord and his family will always be remembered.  

Billy is now reunited with his wife and ministry partner of 61 years, Phyllis, his brother, and all of his Kestner Aunts and Uncles that he was raised alongside after the death of his mother at the age of two.  

In addition to his parents and his loving wife, Phyllis, he was preceded in death by a son in law, Jeffrey Dickman, brother, Rev. EC Vestal Jr. (Elder Holston Conference) and his wife Joann.  Survivors include his children, Nathan Vestal (Cheryl) of Wallingford, CT. Kristine Galasyn (James) of Saco, ME.  Melissa Dickman (Stephen Cowles) of Ellington, CT. Rev. Jennifer Vestal Moore, Clergy VA Conference, (Barry) of Lynchburg, VA. Grandchildren: Elizabeth Chirico (Anthony), Stefanie Vestal (Amanda), Thomas Vestal (Danielle), Matthew Galasyn (Andrea), Gregory Galasyn (Amanda), Jeffrey Galasyn (Isabella), Heather Hanscom (Thomas), Jacob Moore (Kristen), and Bradley Moore (Caroline). Also surviving Billy are nine great grandchildren and two more that will be born later this year.  Dad, Grandpa, Pop Pop was dearly loved and admired.  “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant, Well Done!” 

A service of death and resurrection will be held in Penney Farms, Florida at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the PRC residents fund, Penney Retirement Community, 3495 Hoffman Street, Penney Farms, FL, 32079 or a United Methodist Church of your choosing.  
Blessings and prayers to the Vestal family at this time of loss.
 
Grace and peace,
 
Margaret Howe
Conference Secretary