Robert D. Rumph, 92, of Columbus, GA, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2020 at his home. A visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, September 23, 2020, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Striffler-Hamby, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, GA 31907. A graveside service to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Parkhill Cemetery.
Mr. Rumph was born on August 29, 1928 in Columbus, GA, to the late Roland Hartwell and Ethel Flournoy Rumph. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the U.S.S. Klondike. He worked for Alabama-Georgia Cigarette Service and in 1975 started Valley Vendors. He retired in 2001.
He rarely met a stranger, and when he did, they did not stay that way for long. He volunteered his time telling jokes at nursing homes. He thought of himself as the “Head of Entertainment” at Cracker Barrel and “Customer Relations” at Golden Donuts. He had a mischievous spark and loved making others laugh. He was known by many different names -- Daddy, Grandaddy, Grandaddy Bob, Uncle Bobby, Mr. Bob, Cigarette Man and some called him “Trouble.” He had a gift for making people laugh. His wit and smile will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Mr. Rumph was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Sylvia; grandson, Adam Hall; brothers, Gene and Joe; sister, Mildred; and his parents.
Survivors include his children, Jeanne Hall (Randy), Jackie Henderson (Mike), Joe Rumph (Rhonda), Jerry Rumph (Laura); grandchildren, Amanda Mallow (Brian), Andrew Hall, Chip Prather (Lauren), Michael Henderson, Adam Henderson, Joel Rumph (Jennifer), Jeremy Rumph (Christy), Jacob Rumph (Kristle), Renaye Gilbert (Ryan) and 17 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ultra Care Hospice, Columbus, GA.
