Robert "Bob" Leslie Grafe

GRAFE FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA Robert Leslie (Bob) Grafe died on Wednesday, July 27, after a brief battle with lymphoma. He was surrounded by family. Bob was born in Lucedale, MS on October 10, 1940, the second son of Roy Clement Grafe and Leslie Lucile Grafe. He studied Mechanical Engineering at Mississippi State University and began his professional career with NASA, in Houston, TX, where he was a part of the earliest wave of young, adventurous minds who would put a man on the moon, shake hands with Soviet cosmonauts during the Apollo/Soyuz mission, as well as launch and land a returning Space Shuttle. Bob is survived by his boyhood sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Jane Blackwell Grafe; his daughter and son-in-law, Janie and Bill Hampton, of Aledo, TX; his son and daughter-in-law, Rob and Braden Grafe, of Pawleys Island, SC; his grandchildren, William Hampton, Jr., Robby Hampton, Thomas Hampton, Joseph Hampton, Robert Grafe, III, Hanes and Lauren Grafe, Hunt Grafe, Hollis Jane Grafe, and Margaret Braden and Jack Estes; his great-grandchildren, Annie and Lyla Jane Estes; and his brother and sister-in-law, Roy and Kay Grafe, of Lucedale, MS. Bob loved his family, was devoted to his children and was totally invested in the lives of each of his grandchildren. He loved his Eastern Shore community, the majesty of Mobile Bay, and was completely content with a wobbly wharf under his feet, a casting net in hands, and a lead weight between his teeth. Bob was a serious follower of Jesus Christ and was not ashamed to confess Christ and Him crucified. He was a longtime member of Grace Anglican Church in Fairhope, and was blessed to serve in numerous leadership capacities. Bob was known for his quick wit, quiet wisdom, gentle humility, and unflinching faithfulness to family and friends alike. He will surely be missed by us all. A memorial service will be held at Grace Anglican Church in Fairhope, AL on Saturday, July 30 at 11:00 am, the Rev. Scott Davis officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be offered to Grace Church. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 19698 GREENO RD. FAIRHOPE AL. 36532 (251) 990-7775