Robert "Bob" William Foster, 83, of Burgaw was granted his angel wings on Monday, March 4, 2013. He was born May 10, 1929 in Greenfield, Missouri, the son of the late Benjamin Albert Foster and Josephine Ethel Weeks Foster. Preceding Bob in death was his wife, Lois Foster who died in 1993. He later married, Elaine Rivenbark Foster who died in 2012. Bob's grandson, Anthony Shane Foster and his sisters, Leona Jewel Foster, Mary Alice Cochean, Addenia Donnelly and Jennie Rose Donnelly also preceded him in death.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Patty Foster Todd (John) of Woodstock, IL; sons, Robert "Bob" W. Foster, Jr. (Midge) of Rienzi, MS, Benny C. Foster of Delavan, WI, and Clifton W. Foster (Marsha) of Fayetteville; step-daughters, Bertha "Bertie" Larimore (Dargan) of Watha and Virginia "Ginny" Evans (Robert) of Loris, SC; step-son, Harry Rivenbark, Jr. (Karen) of Leland; grandchildren, Robert Cecil Foster and Marcella Alvarado; six great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; five step-grandchildren; three step-great grandchildren; and sisters, Eva May McGee, Creita Sue Dinger and Darlene Marie Cook; and extended family and many friends.

Bob served his country in the US Army with loyalty and dignity for over 20 years, retiring as a Staff Sergeant. He gave his best to his country during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Era, earning many metals. Upon retiring from the Army, Bob went to work for Lafayette County in Oxford, MS, as Civil Defense Director and the first Fire Chief of the all volunteer county fire department. This department lives on today due to the support of the men who built the department and trained to become firemen as well as search and rescue teams. They worked tirelessly all hours to resolve the lost or endangered citizens that they were charged to find.

Bob was a faithful member of Burgaw Baptist Church where he generously gave of his time and talents in the church audio department and many other areas of church work that needed his help.

Bob not only gave his devotion to his church and his country, but to his family. In years past he enjoyed traveling in his travel trailer. He was a kind and gentle man who was always doing something for others. His Christian faith was a shining light in his life and an inspiration to others. His smile, his joyful spirit will surely be missed.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Burgaw Baptist Church with The Rev. Nathan Morton officiating. Burial will follow in Potts Memorial Presbyterian Church Cemetery with full military honors accorded by NC National Guard and American Legion Post #10 Honor Guard.

Memorial gifts may be given to Burgaw Baptist Church, PO Box 385, Burgaw, NC 28425.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Burgaw Baptist Church with The Rev. Nathan Morton officiating. Burial will follow in Potts Memorial Presbyterian Church Cemetery with full military honors accorded by NC National Guard and American Legion Post #10 Honor Guard.