Robert George Burton

Robert G. Burton (Bob) died peacefully on Sunday, January 12th at the age of 84. He was a devoted and loving father, a loving and loyal husband, and a caring friend. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Otto Leo Burton, his mother, Norma Friedman Burton, and his wife of 50 years, Sally Berry Burton.

He is survived by his wife Andrea Carmichael and her two children Catherine Carter (Chris) and Gilbert Carmichael (Jennifer) and his children Clay Spencer (Steve), Gayle Bentley (Mike), and Rob Burton (Nancy) as well as 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

After graduating from Auburn University in Building Science, he began a career in the construction industry as an estimator. After working for other construction firms, Bob joined F. R. Hoar and Son, a small general contractor that built schools and churches in Birmingham. While working for the Hoar family, he pursued and won several large new contracts including the Mountain Brook Office Park, the first office park ever built in the country. In the late 1950’s he secured the contract to build Eastwood Mall in Birmingham, which was the third enclosed mall ever constructed in the United States. The successful completion of Eastwood Mall with Bob as the project manager catapulted F. R Hoar and Son to the forefront of a budding new industry. Working successfully with an eye for detail and a disciplined lifestyle, he grew in his contributions to the company and became president in the 1970’s. Following the retirement of Richard Hoar, he became the majority owner and CEO of the firm. He and the firm had become leaders in the shopping center industry often teaching classes and leading panels on the design and construction of enclosed malls. Bob was also a leader in the International Council of Shopping Centers. Through all of his efforts the company was often ranked as the largest shopping center builder in the nation. Bob retired in 1991, but always loved the company, which became HOAR Construction, and remained on the advisory board with the company until his death.

He was a long time member of the Board of the YMCA, and a member of the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, and the Rotary Club. He was also an honorary member of SCYMPS.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to UAB Cancer Center, Cornerstone Schools or The Monday Morning Quarterback Club.