Robert Siler Jeffery

Loving and devoted father, grandfather and spouse, passed away peacefully on Feb 13, 2022, at home, surrounded by his family. He was 94. Per his request, cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. He was born May 18, 1927 in Washington, DC. As the son, grandson and nephew of Jeffery home builders, Bob learned trade crafts at an early age.

Bob left high school at age 17 to join the Navy and was a WWII vet. By the time he finished basic training, the war was over, so his ship helped to transport military personnel home. One notable group transported was to bring home the Flying Tigers from China. He was a Fireman 1st Class on the USS Makin Island. His ship’s motto was “Gung Ho!”, which means “work together.”

After the service, Bob finished high school and worked as a draftsman. He eventually took a job with the US Postal Service, about the time he and Dottie met. They were married July 3, 1958 in Washington, DC. He enjoyed racing sports cars and to this day holds dirt track speed records at the Marlboro Raceway in Upper Marlboro, MD.

He worked postal jobs from letter carrier up to a supervisor at the Atlanta Bulk Mail Center. Later he worked at the Postal Technical Training Center on the campus of The University of Oklahoma, where he was a Master Instructor. He developed lesson plans and taught logistics to the postal workers.

The Jefferys were long-time residents of Norman, OK and moved to Madison, AL in 2000. Bob was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Huntsville, AL and McFarlin Memorial Methodist Church in Norman, OK prior to that. He loved participating in bible studies at church, and was a student of the Disciple Bible Study for many years.

He helped Dottie found the food bank at McFarlin Methodist in Norman, OK. This food pantry has grown and become a very important part of the Norman community. Bob and Dottie also helped to create Norman Mission Ministries, an early social work system that collected contributions from several churches and then helped people in need to pay their bills.

Bob was an active Boy Scout Leader for nearly 50 years. He served Troop 789 in Norman, OK and Troop 351 in Madison, AL. He spent many hours on boards of review, doing service projects, hiking and camping. He helped his son and 3 grandsons attain the rank of Eagle Scout.

Bob is survived by daughter Jean Bateman, her husband Monte and their children James and John; daughter Joan Hengst, her husband Randy Hengst and their children Jeff, Jasen, and Kendall; and son Rob Jeffery, his wife Shann Jeffery, and their children Anna and Ian; and grandson Joshua Jeffery.

He was preceded in death by Dottie, his spouse of 62 years, daughter Karen Hines, brother Alfred Jeffery, Jr., sister Marion Jones, and his parents Alfred Benjamin Jeffery, Sr. and Myrtle Nellie (Bird) Jeffery.

Bob will be interred at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Matthew 5:12 – 

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

We miss you, Dad!