Robert “Bob” Albert Lumpkin peacefully passed away at his home on Saturday, November 1, 2014 in the presence of several family members. Robert was eighty-one years old.

On December 25, 1932, Robert was born to parents, McKinley Lumpkin and California Wallace Lumpkin also known as “Callie” in Hartford, Connecticut. Robert was the youngest of three children which included Rosa and Calvin Lumpkin.

Robert enjoyed fishing, both as a young boy and an adult. He fondly recalled that his Uncle Lindsey (mother’s brother) introduced him to fishing at an early age. In his retirement years he spent time fishing at his daughter’s cabin in Kentucky.

At the tender age of seventeen, Robert entered the United States Air Force. Hometown folk of Hartford excitedly talked about Robert’s intelligence and high score on the entrance exam which was published in the newspaper. He proudly served his country during the Korean War and was stationed in Guam.

On November 7, 1953, Robert married Ineice Foster, whom he met while stationed in Montgomery, Alabama. They were married for 47 years before her death in 2000. From their union they produced four children, Vaniece, Renee, Guy and Laura. After Robert started his family he shared his knowledge and love for books with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Robert enjoyed reading a variety of written text which included novels, short stories, biographies and poetry. In fact, reading developed his love of words and his ability to read with great expression. Robert was routinely described as a “walking dictionary” because of his command of the English language and his ability to define words with uncanny precision.

Robert’s passion for the arts was not isolated to literature, but also encompassed music and photography. He loved many types of music especially jazz. It was not uncommon to hear the likes of Wes Montgomery, Ramsey Lewis, Les McCann and the Modern Jazz Quartet playing throughout the house. Robert’s affection for the visual arts and photography later became his profession.

Robert was preceded in death by wife, Ineice; son, Guy; mother, California; sister, Rose; and brother, Calvin. Robert’s survivors include a host of family members; daughters, Vaniece Armstrong, Renee Anderson, Laura Mitchell (Cliff), granddaughters; Chiante Turpeau (Ross), Christian Anderson, grandsons; Guy Robert Lumpkin, Logic Amen, Foster Lumpkin-Liggins, Jamaal Armstrong, great grandchildren; Alisian Turpeau, Milahn Davis, Reagan Turpeau, Madisyn Turpeau, Julian Turpeau, Kamryn Turpeau, Perry Lumpkin, Robert Lumpkin, Michael Lumpkin, Guy Lumpkin, Mecca Amen, Isis Amen, Askia Amen, Azzan Davis and great great grandchild Parker Taylor. Robert will be remembered by many nieces and nephews.The family expresses sincere gratitude for the prayers, love and support that you have offered throughout our father’s illness and this celebration of his life.