Robert "Bobby" Funderburg, Jr.

Early in the morning on August 16, 2022, Bobby Ray went Home to be with his Lord and to live in eternal joy with those who have preceded him in death: his father, Robert Ray Funderburg, Sr., mother, Norma Jean Funderburg, baby brother, Rocky, baby sister, Rachel, grandparents, Sam and Mary Funderburg and Charlie and Ruby Goolsby, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends including Jon Lindberg. He is survived by his sister, Rebecca Glass (Rodney) whose enduring adoration was evident. She was there every step of the way as he fought valiantly these last ten weeks against Stage 4 Melanoma. In fact, throughout their entire lives, Rebecca, as he and she were the last in their family line, a rich heritage of which he was incredibly proud, has always been his strongest supporter. The legacy of “Team Funderburg” also lives on in the lives of her children and grandchildren, his nieces: Lindsey Rachel Guthrie (Daniel) and Courtney Sarah Jacobs (Wyatt), nephews: Dr. Tanner Samuel Glass (Dani), Morgan Wayne Ferguson (Christine) and Brock Alan Ferguson (Chaynna), great nieces: Tuesdai Jacobs, Saylah Jacobs, Isabelle Ferguson, Nora Guthrie and June Jacobs, great nephew: John Guthrie as well as special friends whom he also considered family: the entire families and extended families of Kevin and Rebekah Potts, Bill Oliver, Dan Cox, Neil Lawler, Dan McArthur and a host of other lifelong friends. Bobby never met a stranger who didn’t become a friend, and he never had a friend whom he wouldn’t help whenever any need would arise. Bobby Ray grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and attended Shades Valley High School and The University of Montevallo. Bobby’s career included a long tenure in the restaurant management industry where he quickly climbed the ladder and became a district supervisor for CLP Corporation. He and his business partner and friend went on to open their own restaurant on Rocky Ridge Road. They painstakingly designed every inch of space from the inside out and carefully chose every menu item using only the best, freshest and mostly, locally grown ingredients. It became a very popular hub in Vestavia. In recent years, Bobby became sole proprietor of his own bodywork business where he free-lanced repairs. Traveling from automobile dealerships around town, he made countless more lifetime friends including the entire extended family of Randy Boyles. Bobby was also a proud member of the Centerpoint Masonic Lodge #872 of which his father was also a member. Bobby's family offers their heartfelt appreciation to his long-time physician and dear friend, Dr. Frank Rudeseal and to Dr. Keegan John Nicodemus at Grandview Hospital. Dr. Nicodemus took expert, comprehensive care of him. As it was clear that Bobby’s life was very near the end, Dr. Nicodemus took exhaustive measures in helping Rebecca to get Bobby into the very best facility available, St. Martin’s in the Pines. The compassionate care he received there made his transition from this life to the next very peaceful, comfortable and free from all pain and fear. We would also like to thank the excellent administrators at Compassus Hospice Care and the wonderful caregivers and staff at St. Martin's in the Pines for their expertise and warm kindness to us all. The visitation for Bobby will be Wednesday, August 24, 2022 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM with his Celebration of Life beginning at 2:00 PM at: Deerfoot Memorial Funeral Home 5360 Deerfoot Parkway Trussville, Alabama 35173 Uncle Bobby’s service will be presided over by Ashley Potts and officiated by Deacon Jason Addington with rites by Masonic Lodge #872 led by friend, Mike Boyles. Friend, Noble John D. Harris, Jr., will speak and offer an open invitation to anyone who has anything to share, or if you prefer to send or print something to be read for you, please feel free to reach out and let us know. Bobby loved a good story, so it is only fitting that some are told as we celebrate his life and the indelible mark he left on this Earth and in our hearts. Bobby will be privately laid to rest alongside his parents and siblings at Elmwood Chapel at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please teach a child how to fly a kite or where to search for arrowheads, listen intently to them as they tell a story, or get on the floor with them and read them a book, reach out to a stranger and make them your friend, and always tell those who matter most how much you love and appreciate all the beauty they add to your life.

Robert "Bobby" Funderburg, Jr.

June 1, 1956 - August 16, 2022