Robert Lee Rivenbark

Robert Lee Rivenbark, age 76, died peacefully at home on April 8th surrounded by his family. Survived by his wife of twenty years, Charlotte; children, Wynde Griffith (Mike), Britton Rivenbark (Helen), Whitney Macklem (Jason) and the mother of his children, Betty Edwards Rivenbark. Known as “Grand” by the kids in the neighborhood and by his twelve grandchildren, and five great grandchildren, he always said it could not be any better than being “Grand”. He was preceded in death by his stepson, Michael Catchot; stepdaughter, Angelia Allen (who he always referred to as his red-headed step-child); his parents: Edwin Lee (Buster) and Lu Celeste Fletcher Rivenbark, whose union gave Lee three siblings: sister, Betty Mac Turner of Fairhope, twin brother, Arch fletcher Rivenbark of St. Augustine, FL and John Edwin (Susan) Rivenbark of Fairhope and many loving nieces and nephews. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt and fish traveling to the Rocky mountains, seventeen states and Canada with friends, seeking wild game – elk, mule deer and antelope. His travels also included Europe and twenty-seven countries. After retirement he and Charlotte also visited every state in the lower United States. Born in Camden, Arkansas, his family moved to Mobile in 1956. After graduating Murphy High School in 1962 he attended the University of Southern Mississippi, and moved with his family to Fairhope in 1964. A big fan of SEC football, he always liked to Auburn Coach Tommy Turberville and Alabama Coach Paul Bear Bryant were born only fifteen miles away at Fordice, Arkansas. A plumbing contractor by trade, he worked with many contractors/families in the surrounding area and lived by the rule a handshake sealed a good deal. He loved going to the family pier to watch sunset, “have a toddy”, and share time with family and friends where he would cook and eat crabs, throw the cast net, and also teach those willing how to catch mullet for supper, which he promptly cooked and served calling it “mullet on the half scale”. He was an active volunteer for twenty-eight years with the Fairhope Arts & Crafts festival and never met a stranger. His opening question to people being “where are you from” gave way to a conversation and more often than not made a lifelong friend. Most recently you would find him at “the coffee club” at the Thomas Hospital workout center where many “lies” have been swapped and friends made. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The American Cancer Society. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 19698 GREENO RD FAIRHOPE, AL 36532 (251) 990-7775