Robert Douglas “Bobby” Alder, 74, of Fayetteville passed away on March 6, 2018 at Saint Thomas West Hospital in Nashville after a brief illness.
Mr. Alder was born Feb. 3, 1944 in Lincoln County, Tennessee, son of the late Robert Clay Alder and Helen Lindsay Alder.
Alder graduated from Fayetteville Central High School in 1962. A lifelong diehard fan of the University of Tennessee Volunteers, Bobby graduated from the Knoxville campus in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. While at UT, he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and served as an officer for two years.
Upon graduation from UT, Alder served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He returned home to Fayetteville in 1969 to join his father’s construction company, Robert Alder, Inc. The company was responsible for building numerous bridges and structures throughout Lincoln County and across the state, including the first bridge on the Interstate highway system in Tennessee.
On June 28, 1969, Bobby married Cynthia Claire Groce. The couple had two children, Robert Douglas (Doug) Alder, Jr., 47, of Seattle and Michael Jeffrey (Jeff) Alder, 46, of Fayetteville.
After selling the family construction business in 1989 following his father’s passing, Alder entered the education ranks as a Drafting teacher at Lincoln County High School from 1989 to 1993. He received his Master’s degree in Vocational-Technical Education from Middle Tennessee State University in 1992, and was later awarded an Educational Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision.
In 1993, Bobby accepted the position of Supervisor of Engineering, Construction and Maintenance of the Lincoln County Department of Education. He remained in that role until his retirement in 2011.
Alder was very active in the Fayetteville community, serving as a mentor and coach to countless young people. He coached baseball in youth leagues for 11 years, leading his teams to multiple championships. He was also a Scoutmaster for Cub Scout Pack 329 for three years, receiving the Long Rifle Award for Outstanding Service to Scouting.
He also undertook many civic duties, serving as Chairman of the Fayetteville Regional Planning Commission for three years and a member of the Fayetteville Recreation Board for six years.
Bobby devoted a large portion of his retirement to genealogy and documenting his family’s story through photos—a passion that stretched over 40 years. His efforts have connected the Alder family tree across many generations, states and countries.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Helen, and sister Carolyn. He is survived by his wife Cindy, sons Doug and Jeff, daughter-in-law Brooke Browning Alder, grandchildren Dylan and Kyndal Alder, and son-in-law Eric Middleton.
The First Baptist Church in Fayetteville will host visitation with the Alder family on March 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., as well as the funeral on March 9 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville. Arrangements are being handled by Higgins Funeral Home.
Cindy and family, this is a huge loss for the class of 1962. Bobby will be greatly missed. He was such a huge asset to our class. My heart just broke when I learned of him passing but then I took peace in knowing that he will no longer suffer and that he will be at peace and rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior. We will continue to pray for you and your family.
In His name, Jim and Linda Childers
Cindy and Family. I feel as if I have lost another member of my family. Bobby was a large part of my early church years. He was a friend of Bobby’s and my co-worker and friend for years. My heart goes out to each of you in his loss. You are all in my prayers. Bobby was a Prince of a Guy. He will definitely be missed!
Cindy and Family,
It is so sad to read of the passing of Bobby. I know he was a good father and a good husband. My prayers are with you. He will take care m
of his family and friends from heaven.
I am so sad to learn Bobby is gone. The world was a better place with him in it. Cindy you and yours are all in my prayers. What a blessing to have known him.
Cindy and Family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of Bobby. I know he was loved by all his classmates and I am happy to say that Bobby and I were good friends before we even started the First grade at school. I have thought of the good times over years that we had as kids playing in our special haystack behind the horse barn at the fairgrounds. Your in mine and my wife’s prayers for comfort at this time.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Bobby. He has left a great legacy for his family for his integrity and good works. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers .
Jeff, Judy and I were sorry to hear of your father’s passing, you and your family will be in our prayers.
Charles and Judy Cunningham
Cindy and family, may God wrap His loving arms around you in your time of sorrow. I will keep you all close in thought and prayers.
Cindy and Family– Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this time. We will not be able to see you, as I am still in the wheelchair since the wreck. Bobby was such an asset to our City and County and will be missed by many. Love to you and your family. Janice & Reeves
My friend, Cindy, I am shocked and so sorry for this news. I know your heart is so broken and raw with pain. My heart hurts for you and your sweet family. Words fail me in any ability to comfort. There is only One who can, I pray He will embrace and hold you so close. I pray that you can feel His nearness and His grief as He shares in your sorrow. Jesus wept. Continued prayers for you in your brokenness. Much love.
Jeff I’m sorry to hear about your Father, you and your family will be in our prayers
Cindy,
I am so, so sorry to learn of Bobby’s death. May you be comforted by special memories of time spent together and may God’s peace be with you today and always.
Blessings,
Jeff and Brooke,
There are no words for the loss of your dad. Bobby was loved by so many and he will be missed each day. Prayers for you and for strength as you go through these days of grief. Love to you all.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Mr. Bobby. He was a great man. I had the privilege of having him as a teacher for two years. Never saw a time that he did not have a smile, reach out to shake your hand, or a pat you on the back. He will be truly missed! May the Lord bless you and give you the strength for healing during this time of mourning!
Bobby was such a fine man. He was a coworker, a colleague, a friend, a neighbor. He was a hard worker—fair and dedicated to his family and his community. I was blessed to work with him and to have known him. God bless the entire family—With love,
Wanda
Cindy & family,
Sympathy and love are sent your way. Keep Bobby alive in your hearts. He was one of the best.
Cindy I’m praying for you and your family
Cindy I’m praying for you and your family
Mrs. Cindy, Doug, and Jeff,
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time of great loss. Mr. Bobby was a friend to all and a pleasure to get to talk with when we would pass. He was such a very kind and gentle soul and always had a family story to share. Prayers to each of you during this time of loss and blessings for a life well lived.
Love to each of you!
Lenace Hyde Vaughn
Cindy and family, my heart breaks for you and your family. Bobby will be remembered for his kindness and friendliness. You and your boys are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy and Family,
Bobby was truly one of the best Christian men that we have ever known. Loved his enthusiasm for life and his abiding and deep love for his family. You are all in our prayers.
Cindy and family, what an honor to have know your Bobby. He was a treasure that we will always miss so very much. Bless you, sweet friend.