Robert Lee Lavender

Robert Lee Lavender, age 82, of Old Fort, North Carolina, with his loving family by his side, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital in Asheville.  A native and lifelong resident of Old Fort, Robert was born February 07, 1934, and was the son of the late Alfred and Minnie Smith Lavender. 

A founding member, past president, treasurer and chaplain, Robert took great pride in serving the citizens of the Crooked Creek Community and McDowell County as a dedicated volunteer fireman with the Crooked Creek Fire Department.  He was a member of Cherry Springs Baptist Church where he had served as deacon. 

In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Margaret Bradley Lavender; one brother, Joe Lavender; half-brother, Paul Lavender; and half-sister, Lois Burgin.

He is survived by one daughter, Angela Lavender Wilkerson and her husband, Ronald; one brother, Frank Lavender and his wife, Bonnie; one sister, Inez Anderson and her husband, Glenn; two grandchildren, Lane Beasley and Katie Wilkerson; and a number of nieces and nephews. 

A celebration to honor the life of Robert will be held on Friday, July 15, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Cherry Springs Baptist Church in Old Fort with Rev. Marty Conner and Crooked Creek Fire Department’s Chaplain Jeff Davis officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  Members of the Crooked Creek Fire Department will serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at Cherry Springs Baptist Church.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Lavender’s memory are asked to consider, Crooked Creek Fire Department Building Fund, P.O. Box 1927, Old Fort, North Carolina 28762.