Robert "Brother Bob" Mahaffey

Robert Edward Mahaffey of Birmingham passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 22, 2021, due to complications after emergency surgery. He was 91 years old. Born and raised in Tarrant, Mr. Mahaffey retired from the Norfolk- Southern Railway system, and in 1960 was called to follow the Lord as a Baptist minister. With Martha Sue, his wife of almost 68 years, at his side, he began his ministry as Associate Minister at Plainview Baptist Church and later served as Minister at Vance Baptist Church, Dogwood Grove Baptist Church, Randolph Baptist Church, and Ryan’s Crossing Baptist Church. He also served many years as Chaplain at Shelby Baptist Hospital. He and Martha Sue joined the church family at Siluria Baptist Church, where they served as minister of Senior Adults. Lovingly known as Brother Bob, he and Martha Sue retired from the ministry in their beloved community of Dogwood Grove.

As an avid fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Brother Bob enjoyed cheering their athletic teams and reviewing the Tide’s victories with family and friends. Bob and Martha Sue also enjoyed extensive travel in the US and several international locations, particularly their visits to the Holy Lands. Bob most recently enjoyed his time at The Woodlands, an assisted living facility in McCalla. He frequently spoke of the professionalism and caring of the staff and the friendship of the residents.

One of ten children born to Gordon and Sophronia Mahaffey of Tarrant, Bob is survived by his sister, Jean Alice; a daughter, Anita McCroskey (Stephen) of Lake View; a son, Keith Mahaffey (Ann) of Tuscaloosa; a grandson, Dr. Bryant Mahaffey (Kristin) of Rodgersville; and a granddaughter, Cassandra Nelson (Clay) of Tuscaloosa. He was also the very proud great-grandfather to Renna Nelson, also of Tuscaloosa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Sue Freeman Mahaffey. He is survived by brothers-in-law Sparks Freeman of Gardendale, and James Beasley of Memphis, TN; sisters-in-law Kathy Mahaffey of Birmingham, and Nettie Mahaffey Phillips of Fultondale. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews. Brother Bob particularly enjoyed football analysis with his nephew, Jeff Mahaffey of Birmingham, who was his “Source” for all things ‘Bama football.

A service in celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, May 26, at Dogwood Grove Baptist Church with interment at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Hoover.

Because of his love for all the children who crossed his path, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).