Robert Lee Washington

Robert Lee Washington, 85, was received with wide arms into Glory’s gates this past Thursday evening. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2013, 2 pm at Bellevue Baptist Church with Brother Phillip Elliot officiating. The family will receive friends and family at Bellevue Baptist from 1 pm until the hour of service, and a graveside service will follow at Forrest Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services, directing.

For his family, Robert Lee was a living portrait of deep kindness and pure grace. He was a friend to every stranger he ever met—always ready and willing to share the sweat of his labor, the tomatoes from his garden, the whole of his heart. A native of Alabama City, he lived most of his life on Noccalula Mountain, where he created a life as a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He liked to eat the stuff that would “give you what you ain’t got.” He loved the Lord and the Lord loved him. He loved people and people loved him.

Robert Lee was preceded in death by his sweetheart of 59 years, Evelyn Louise Blanton, his parents, George Washington & Grace Lee Martin, as well as his beloved siblings, George Washington and Sara Bellamy. He is survived by his children, Susan McGuire (Jim), Robert Washington Jr. (Pam), Sharon Paul (Sonny), and John Washington, three grandchildren, Bo, Justin, and Courtney, as well as his sister Frances and special friends, Diane Leonard and Donna Graham.

Pallbearers will be Roy Blanton, Ronnie Blanton, Ben Simpson, Benny Washington, Bo McGuire, and Justin Washington. Honorary Pallbearers will be Scott & Micah Williamson, Wilbur Hunkapiller, Johnny McBurnett, Jerry Foster, Burlon Watts, Flavis Maddox, Garrett Jackson, Garry Ray, Nathan Jones and the late Bill Bobo.

The family also wished to express its deep gratitude to Mr. Washington’s caregivers: Melissa Cline, Dawn Melissano, and Lisa Worthy, as well as his doctors: Dr. Harper, Dr. Hwang, Dr. Hiakim, Dr. Narrayan, Dr. Head, Dr. Kelly, Dr. Wade, Dr. Kantzler.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com