Robert Lee Hailey

Robert Lee Hailey was the sixth child of ten children born on October 11, 1934 to John and Mary Hailey in Russell (Centerville) Texas. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age at Hopewell Baptist Church in Centerville, Texas. Robert Hailey attended Hopewell Elementary and Middle School and graduated from Centerville High School in 1954. He enlisted in the United States Army and served in the 9th Infantry Division, Fort Carlson, Colorado. He became a licensed barber and attended Tyler Barber College in Tyler Texas. He was employed at the Port of Houston for 32 years before retiring in 1995. Robert Hailey later moved to Houston and united with Saint Luke under the pastoral leadership of E.L. Edwards. He later moved his membership to Greater First Baptist Church, during the pastoral leadership of Rev. W.E. Gibbs and current pastor Rev. Rory L. Thompson, Sr. Robert Hailey united in holy matrimony to Nora Jones Carper, September 21, 2002. They were affectionately called "Ma and Pa Kettle" because of their extensive travel and zest for life. Robert and Nora were blessed with a bountiful family. When not traveling, Amiyah, their great grand daughter was a constant companion of her Paw-paw and Granny. Robert loved to cook and to share with everyone. His favorite sport was basketball. He was an avid fan of the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets. Robert's chartable contributions included volunteering for the MS 150 cycling event, GFB Scholarship Walk and Houston Heart Walk. Robert was a comedian in his own right. Always with a quick wit and insight to share in that soft spoken voice. Family members who proceeded him in death a daughter, Debra Hailey Forbes (Robert), stepson Ambrose Carper, Jr., grandson Octavious Perry, Jr., and a sister Augusta Woodworth all of Houston, Texas. Brothers, Rufus and Richard Hailey of Dallas, Texas. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Nora, his son's Rodney and Vincent (Donna), daughters, Linda, Barbara (Milton) and Shon. Eleven grand children, eight great-grand children. Three sisters, Dollie Brewer (Napoleon) and Alma O'Neal Davis of Dallas Texas; Maggie L. Cornelius of Midland Texas. Three brothers, Eunice Cecil (Mary) of Fort Worth; Henry (Yvonne) of Houston, Texas; Jessie Frank Hailey of Dallas, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.