Galen Lovell Kimbrue

Galen Lovell Kimbrue

Galen Lovell Kimbrue affectionately known as “Rip” to his family and close friends, was born on December 17, 1959, to the late Caralis Sr. and Versia Kimbrue in Washington D.C. Galen graduated from Annapolis Senior High school in 1977. He then matriculated to Hampton Institute, (now Hampton University), where he majored in English and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981. While at Hampton, Galen was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Epsilon chapter in 1979 being a part of the “Elusive 11” line. He was elated in July 2021 to have been elected to the office of Vice President for the Eminence Class of ’81. With all his heart, he loved Hampton and everything associated with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).

At an early age, Galen joined the Asbury United Methodist Church in Annapolis, Maryland, where he accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ as his personal savior and was baptized. Continuing on in his Christian journey, Galen joined Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church in Washington, DC in 1986. At Calvary, Galen increased his love for God and his love for the ministry of the church. In the beginning, one of the areas where this was most prevalent was the music ministry as a percussionist for YCC (the Youth Concert Choir.) He then began to display his wonderful vocal gift of singing God’s praises with the Sanctuary (formerly Mass) Choir, the Adult Praise Team, and the Sons of the Prophet which eventually became the Male Praise and Worship Team. Galen furthered his Christian walk and work on the Deacon Board at Calvary, serving not only as a member but also as a respected leader and mentor to boys and men of all ages. Over the years at Calvary, he also undergirded his faith by increasing his Biblical knowledge matriculating through the Bible in One Year Series of studies – today he is remembered as a graduate of the now-Calvary Bible Institute (CBI).

In 1988, Galen married the late Stacey Broome, who proceeded him in death. From this union, two beautiful children were born, a daughter, Jamila Kimbrue, and a son, Jamal Kimbrue. The children were the apple of his eye and he was an integral part of their growth and development. He was an avid supporter of their educational and their respective athletic pursuits - Jamila’s basketball and Jamal’s football.

In 1999, Galen joined the Church of the Rock Praise Factory with his long-time friend and brother in ministry, Pastor Grant Thompson. As before, Galen served in the music ministry this time as the Minister of Music and the Praise and Worship Leader. Whenever he opened his mouth to sing, the angels rejoiced, and the atmosphere shifted and blessed those listening to pause internally and take in the ministry and melody of renewal, uplifting, and healing in the song that he offered.

Always being found doing the work of the Lord at Calvary and Church of the Rock, Galen diligently served on the Board of Trustees, as the Church Administrator, and as a member of the Men’s Ministry – M.O.B. 66. Without a doubt, Minister Galen used his gifts and talents to the fullest at all times. He was a faithful member and supporter until his health began to decline.

In his spare time and moments of “me-time,” Galen was enthralled with personal pursuits that brought him overwhelming joy. He had an insatiable affinity for vintage cars and would wake up early Sunday mornings to watch Formula 1 Racing and Lewis Hamilton. He was an avid lover of all types of live music and could often be found at concerts and shows enjoying the likes of such artists as Marcus Miller, Rashaan Patterson, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Prince, Hezekiah Walker, the Winans and Commissioned to name a few! Saturday morning pick-up basketball games were another of his favorite past-times until COVID shut down the gyms and prevented him from going. And anyone that knows him well knows that he was a voracious Las Vegas Raiders fan who could often be seen sporting his beloved team’s regalia – Raider Nation for Life!

Galen’s career spanned a plethora of positions within the insurance and employee benefits arena. He was the Senior Client Manager for Cigna; Sales Director of Labor Sales for MAMSI/Alliance; Assistant Vice President of Employee Benefits Consulting Sales for AON Consulting, Inc.; Vice President of Sales for USI Insurance Sales; and Vice President of Business Development and Business Channels for Aetna, just to name a few.

In 2016 after a long and successful career in Corporate America, Galen began his entrepreneurial journey. He collaborated with and consulted for his friend and fraternity brother, Anthony Copeland’s company Rebirth as a Financial Executive. Enjoying the success and freedom of this move, Galen was inspired to create The Versia Group - an Insurance and Consulting firm named after his beloved mother. Shortly after forming the company, his friend and fraternity brother, Frederick Griffin, partnered with him at Versia and they set about to run a business of honesty, loyalty, commitment, and excellence.

Their mission was to provide top-notch solutions for families and businesses to pass along a legacy to their heirs. Galen was most excited about sharing this expertise with the faith-based community. Through this part of their work and a connection from Rev. Joseph Williams, they met Reverend Dr. Kendrick Curry. Through their combined passions, these three developed and hosted the Just a Cup of Coffee Podcast addressing the issues of Community, Faith and Culture. Galen juggled the duties of both co-host and producer and it was not unusual for him, like a proud papa, to text each show to hundreds of people.

In his later years, Galen reconnected with his college sweetheart, Renee Wallace, at a Hampton University Homecoming, and on June 16, 2019, they were united in holy matrimony. Soon after, he and Renee began traveling the world together. They trekked to Alaska, Amsterdam, Belize, Cuba, Greece, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico creating countless memories.

Galen further shared his love of cars with his wife while cruising the beltway in his Z on beautiful days. He would remove the tops and they would be off to shopping, dining, and ice cream adventures.

Galen loved Renee like a man is supposed to love his wife - like Christ loved the church! (Ephesians 5:25). His display of love, care, and concern for her was unmatched. Although their time together was not nearly long enough, they did so much in such a short time.

Galen’s presence was quiet at times and strong when necessary. He was faithful over all things. Loyal to his core. Always the gentleman, the best dressed, and with the biggest smile. He was an impeccable Man and simply a joy to be around. One of his most famous phrases, and as a man of wisdom and wit, he had many, was “Hope is not a Strategy!”

Galen loved hard! He loved his mother, Versia; who proceeded him in death; he loved his brother, Caralis; he loved his children, Jamila and Jamal; he loved Omega and most importantly he loved the Lord Jesus Christ!

Our lives have been enriched by having been in his presence. Although we mourn his exit, we celebrate his life, for he knew the Lord personally and he strived to live a life pleasing unto God as a husband, father, brother, and friend. Psalms 37:3 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” We know for sure that Galen’s steps were ordered and that he is resting in our Father’s arms, singing and praising without ceasing!

Galen is survived by his loving wife, Renee Kimbrue; his children, Jamila and Jamal Kimbrue; his bonus children, Corey and Chelsie Stevens; his brother, Caralis Kimbrue (Donna); his uncle, Paul Holland; his aunt, Darlene Smith; his nieces, Rashida Major (Joshua) and Naimah Kimbrue; his nephew, Malik Kimbrue; his great-niece, Malone Rose; his God-sister, Marla Holland; his Goddaughter, Nadira Adams; and a host of family and friends.