Robert "Bob" LaVigne passed away on August 30, 2026, following a series of strokes. He was born February 8, 1948, to Ambrose Louis LaVigne and Lillian Mae Hopkins. He was their eldest son, and brother to James "Jim", Diane, and Dawn.
He was an avid athlete, playing varsity football and wrestling. After high school, he attended college in Livingston, Alabama, where he met the love of his life, Linda Kay Smith. They were married for nearly 45 years. Kay preceded him in death on January 9, 2015.
Bob served in the U.S. Airforce as a Captain. Following an honorable discharge, he and his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee. There, he was a pilot for Federal Express until his retirement. Bob was a wonderful father to three girls: Kelley, Lisa, and Wendy, as well as a beloved Papa to Hannah, Haleigh, Hunter, and Kyland.
He was very passionate about the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, training bird dogs, riding horses, and cattle ranching. Bob and his brother went on several trips where they would hunt game abroad.
Spoiling his grandchildren was likely his most cherished activity. He took every opportunity to gather with family, laugh, and tell stories. He was known for his generosity, often helping others without it being known.
Bob will be greatly missed, and we pray that his memory will always be a blessing to those he has left behind.
