A native of Wayne County, Georgia, Robert lived in Glynn County for the past 45 years. He was a graduate of Wayne County High School and attended Valdosta State University. Robert was the owner and operator of A-1 Economic Exterminators and A-1 Overhead Garage Doors, businesses he built through hard work, integrity, and a commitment to serving others.
Robert was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Brunswick. Above all else, he loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was a champion of his faith, living it out daily through kindness, generosity, and grace. He was a devoted husband of 50 years, father, grandfather (affectionately known as “Gramper”), uncle, and brother-in-law. Robert chose to see the best in everyone he met and leaves behind a lasting legacy of generosity and compassion. He had friends from every walk of life.
An avid fisherman, Robert especially loved the Altamaha River. Over the years, he won numerous fishing tournaments and guarded his favorite fishing holes closely, sharing them with only a special few. He was also a devoted fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and greatly enjoyed watching them play, celebrating enthusiastically when they won the SEC Championship this year.
Though known to many for his business acumen and love of fishing, fewer people knew of Robert’s deep love for writing, especially poetry. He was a master storyteller, and his stories and memories will be cherished by all who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Peggy Madray.
Survivors include his loving wife, Shirley Tyre Madray of Brunswick; two daughters, Rachel Madray Echols and her husband, Lamar Echols III, and their children, Elise, Nolan, and David Echols, all of Arlington, Virginia, and Megan Madray Taft and her husband, Kip Taft, and their children, Harper and Robert Taft, of St. Simons Island, Georgia; two brothers, Greg Madray of Jesup, Georgia, and George Madray Jr. of Brunswick; along with many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. at Gardi Baptist Church, with burial to follow in Gardi Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Outdoors.
Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with all arrangements.
