Robert "Bob" Morris Lightfoot Sr.

Robert “Bob” Morris Lightfoot, Sr. passed away at the age of 92 on June 17, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha Koehne Lightfoot and Richard William Lightfoot, Jr.; and brothers, Richard William Lightfoot III and Frank Koehne Lightfoot. Born in Columbus, GA on August 5, 1932, his family moved to Tuskegee, AL when he was 9. After graduation from Tuskegee High School, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served as an aircraft mechanic stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Following his time in the service, he returned home and began his college education. He received his Bachelor’s from Troy University and his Master’s from the University of Alabama. He began his teaching career in Montevallo, AL where he met his beloved wife, Gene Givhan. They married in 1961 and moved to Birmingham where he taught at the Birmingham University Boys School. He accepted a job at the University of Montevallo in 1965 where he taught math and physics before moving into teacher education. He retired in 1994, leaving a legacy of hundreds of teachers throughout the state and south who he taught and mentored.

Always active in the community, he was the public address announcer in the 70’s and early 80’s for Montevallo High School Football and an active member of the Montevallo Volunteer Fire Department where he was named Fireman of the Year in 1979 and eventually became the Assistant Fire Chief. After he retired, he also was elected to the Montevallo City Council and also served with his wife as a volunteer at American Village in Montevallo.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Gene; his two children, Robert M. Lightfoot, Jr. (Caroline) of Huntsville, AL and Genie Lightfoot Johnson (Miles) of Fairhope, AL; six grandchildren, Kelsey Lightfoot Hanvey (Sam), Haley Lightfoot Johnson (Philip), Kendel Lee Frazer, Peyton Fraser, Miles Drew Johnson, Jr. and Jace P. Johnson; and four great grandchildren, Wyatt Johnson, Alexander Johnson, Elise Johnson, and Addison Hanvey. He leaves behind numerous others including former students, dear friends, and relatives.

A private burial with military honors will be held at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo. A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church of Montevallo Fellowship Hall on Monday, June 30, 2025. Memorials can be made to the American Village at https://www.americanvillage.org/donate/.