Robert Dowe Rumley

Robert Dowe Rumley, age 76 of Welcome, passed away June 12, 2016 at Hinkle Hospice House. Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Thursday June 16, 2016 at First Pentecostal Holiness Church, where he was a member, with Rev. J. C. Miles and Rev. Michael Greer. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Memorial Park with Masonic Graveside Rites by Lexington Memorial Lodge 473 and Military Honors by the Davidson County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at Davidson Funeral Home from 5:00 until 7:00 pm Wednesday night. Robert (Pop) was born in Lexington, NC to Lewis A. and Mildred Queen Rumley (Wood) on January 25, 1940. He was preceded in death by his parents, his soulmate, Brenda S. Rumley; a daughter, Cynthia Lynn Rumley and a brother, Russell Grant Wood. After meeting mom at Anchor Skating Rink, Pop and Mom married after a courtship of several years and within months discovered their first child, Robert Scott was on the way. Pop knew he must find more meaningful employment with a child on the way but, soon discovered no one wanted to hire him until his military obligation had been met. So, Pop made the difficult decision to enlist in the U.S. Army. He was on the parade field at Fort Gordon, Georgia on July 13, 1962, graduating basic training when he learned his first son had arrived. He was followed in years to come by Cynthia Lynn, Russell Lee and the apple of his eye Sabina Grace. Pop served in Company B 503rd Military Police Battalion, 3rd U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge in 1965, he returned to Lexington and was employed by Lexington Telephone Company where he served for 31 years. Mom and Pop moved to the Welcome community in the mid 60’s where they raised their family and made a house, a home. In his personal life, Pop enjoyed serving in the Youth Fellowship at Grace Alliance Church. Later, as his relationship and devotion to God grew the Holy Spirit lead Pop and Mom to First Pentecostal Holiness church where he served as usher, Sunday School Superintendent and later as greeter. Pop also served the youth of the Welcome community as assistant Cub Master of Pack 215 and later as assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 238 where his son Russell, earned the Eagle Scout Award. In later years, he continued to serve in scouting and as a Unit Commissioner for the Tyro and Churchland units. Pop also enjoyed working in the Republican Party of Davidson County and served as county chairman. He later inducted into Davidson County GOP Hall of Fame, an honor he was very proud of. Pop leaves to cherish his memory, three children, Robert Scott Rumley (Lisa), Russell Lee Rumley and Sabina Grace Long (Jeff); three grandchildren, Robert Scott Rumley, II (Elizabeth), Dillon Chance Rumley and Destany Brooke Long, one great-grandchild due to arrive in September; one brother, Richard “Dickie” Rumley; also his special companion on many of his adventures Peggy Moncrief, who could never thank enough for her companionship and love to our father. The family would also like to thank the staff of Hospice. You are a very special group of people who love and companion in the most difficult of times makes you all heroes and a gift from heaven. The family ask that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Hospice of Davidson County. Pop always supported The Ride for Angels and it is only fitting that in his death, his support of Hospice continues. Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net