George David Youstra

Dr. George David Youstra, 88, passed away peacefully with his beloved wife, Pat, at his side on June 12, 2025, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. A devoted husband, loving father, dedicated educator, and steadfast follower of Jesus Christ, George leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and scholarship that touched countless lives.

Born on May 23, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, George was the son of George Youstra and Mildred Philbin. From an early age, he exhibited a deep love for learning and a strong sense of duty—qualities that would define his life’s work both in the classroom and beyond.

George proudly served his country as a reservist in the United States Marine Corps. His commitment to service continued throughout his professional life as he pursued a distinguished career in education. A 1959 graduate of Bob Jones University, George was awarded Master of Arts degrees from Bob Jones University and Michigan State University and the Doctor of Philosophy degree from Michigan State University. He completed post-doctoral work in political theory at the University of Scranton and in school law at the College of William and Mary.

George’s diverse educational background included positions as high school teacher, college professor, high school principal, chairman of graduate studies, and academic dean. He inspired generations of students with his passion for Christian education, social studies, and educational leadership and strived to instill a thirst for knowledge and unwavering principles in his students, faculty, and staff. His leadership extended to national service, working in various capacities in the Reagan Administration, including the appointment as special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Education. Later, George served as president and president emeritus of Clearwater Christian College, where his vision and dedication helped shape the institution’s mission and impact.

A past president of the General Andrew Pickens Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and the American Association of Christian Colleges and Seminaries (AACCS), George was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, University Professors for Academic Order (UPAO), and has authored two books and numerous articles. A former member of the State Executive Committee of the South Carolina Republican Party, he was twice elected an alternate delegate to GOP National Conventions and served as a political consultant to the Reagan election committee in 1980.

A man deeply rooted in his faith, George was a longtime member of Hillsdale Baptist Church. He enjoyed singing baritone in the choir and taught adult Bible study. His love for Christ guided every aspect of his life—from his family relationships to his professional endeavors—and he remained a strong defender of the faith throughout his lifetime. In the

final stanza of The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost, we find a poignant example of George’s steadfast commitment to his principles:

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

George cherished time with his family. He is survived by his “girlfriend” Patricia (Williams); their children, George Youstra (Rose), Laurie Dennis (Phil), and Connie Braden (Bob); nine grandchildren, George, Phillip, Meghan, Rachael, Taylor, Micah, David, Kaitlyn, and Rachel; nine great-grandchildren; and siblings, Greggory Youstra and Sonnet Madara. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by an infant son and his in-laws, Thomas and Edna Williams, who were second parents to him.

Outside of work and ministry, George found joy in simple pleasures, like reading one book a week, watching war movies, and cheering on Michigan State and the Chicago Bears and White Sox. In later years, he enjoyed meals and the fellowship of friends at Lenny’s Restaurant in Clearwater, Florida. These hobbies reflected both his intellectual curiosity and enduring loyalty to the people and places he loved.

Dr. George David Youstra lived with purpose and conviction—a man whose faith shaped every chapter of his journey. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps.

A Memorial Service will be held on June 19, 2025, from 02:00 p.m. to 03:00 p.m. at Hillsdale Baptist Church, 6201 Ehrlich Road, Tampa, Florida. Visitation will precede the service from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.; interment at 4:00 p.m., Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park, Clearwater, Florida. The service will be live streamed at hillsdalebaptist.org.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hillsdale Christian Academy, 6201 Ehrlich Road, Tampa, Florida 33625, (813) 884-8250.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant.