ROBERT EARL NABORS

Robert E. Nabors, 85, of Evensville, TN, passed away peacefully on May 15, surrounded by his loving family. 

Robert was born February 5, 1938 in Union Grove, AL.  He was one of five children of the late Riley and Bonnie Nabors of Guntersville, AL.  He was of Baptist faith, professed his belief and acceptance of the Lord, and was at peace.

At age 17, Robert enlisted in the US Army and served seven and a half years from February 1955 to September of 1962, and later served with U. S. Army reserves.   He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant E5 (P).  While in the service, he was an Infantry Scout and was awarded the Expert Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Good Conduct Medal.  He was a paratrooper and completed in excess over 65 jumps. He served in the 11th Airborne Brigade, 82nd and 101st Airborne Division.  He spent a year plus in the Pacific, and was in the Combat Support Company, 1st Battalion, and 32nd Infantry.   

After the service, Robert began a career as a Millwright and later in Construction Management with TVA.  He worked at Browns Ferry, Bellefonte, Phipps Bend, Sequoyah, and Watts Bar Nuclear plants.  In 1987 while with TVA, Robert was honored as a Silver Honor Award recipient by TVA for his work in The Watts Bar Chapter of the National Management Association (NMA). 

During his presidency in 1986/87, he grew the membership from 33 to 121.  He was on the Board of Directors for NMA, being one of 82 directors nationwide, and one of four directors statewide.   Robert retired from TVA in 1993, serving as Modification B Manager of Nuclear Construction at Watts Bar. 

Robert was also a member of the Masonic Lodge # 320 F. & A.M. Union Grove, AL.  He was raised to the Degree of Master Mason on December 23, 1966. 

When Robert had an interest, he dove head first and was always fully committed.  This included scuba diving, coaching little league football, getting his associates degree from Calhoun Community College in Tanner, AL, starting a farm with horses, chickens and ducks, and operating and managing a restaurant (BJ’s restaurant in Morgan City, AL).  He and his wife enjoyed golf and for many years were active members of the Dayton Golf and Country Club. 

After retirement, he enjoyed wood working, finish carpentry, and traveling as a vendor to various flea markets and shows.  He spent many years as a weekly vendor at the Sweetwater Flea Market selling flowers, socks, and ties.  For many years, Robert would always have a vegetable garden, and through this love, he achieved his Master Gardner certification. In his later years, he enjoyed watching the weather channel, FOX news, and always turning the house thermostat up to 74.  However, Sunday dinner with his family was always his highlight of the week. Robert was married to his beloved wife, Jackie, on May 20, 1960,  and  they enjoyed just short of 63 wonderful years together. 

He is survived by wife, Jackie (Kirby) of Fort Payne, AL, one son, Kerry (Cary) of Dayton, TN, two granddaughters, Whitney (Jesse) Ailey of Dayton, TN, and Rachel (Aaron) Tullberg of Soddy Daisy, TN, three great-grandchildren: Easton Ailey, Katherine Ailey, and Granger Tullberg, brother, Sammy Nabors of Arab, AL, sister-in-law, Carolyn Lee of Gurley, AL, and many loving nephews, nieces, and other family members.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Riley and Bonnie Nabors of Guntersville, AL, infant son Robbie, sister Peggie June Long of Tuscaloosa, AL, brother Billy of Town Creek, AL, and brother James of Anniston, AL.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Coulter Garrison Funeral Home in Dayton, TN.  Visitation for the family will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Friday, May 19, 2023.  Burial to follow the service at Buttram Cemetery in Dayton, TN.  Funeral arrangements are being handled by Coulter Garrison Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Robert’s memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children via website:  donate.lovetotherescue.org.  The family wishes to thank the many prayers, thoughts, and concerns expressed by our family members and friends.  We wish to thank his medical staff at CHI Memorial, Dr. Lee Logan’s office, and the staff of Amedisys Hospice in Athens, TN.

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