Born in Birmingham on September 1, 1941, to Robert Keith Sr. and Ruth Keith, Bobby came into the world and spent his life changing it for the better. As a kid from a divorced family in the 1950's, the cards were stacked against him. But with the guidance of a tenacious mother, Ruth, and the love of a steadfast grandmother, Stella, he overcame many obstacles. As a kid, he went to church by himself and found mentors in the men he knew there. With one suitcase, he boarded a bus to Auburn, and started the trajectory of his life. He learned the value of higher education and how to love a football team that loses more than it wins. In 1963, he married the woman that would make the most difference in his life, Donna Vanderver. They were opposites in many ways, but created a strong and loving partnership, equally devoted to the other. Together they would build a family, long lasting friendships, churches in foreign lands, and a purpose-filled life. Bobby had the ideas for the structures, Donna provided the scaffolding. Two daughters were born from the marriage, Laurie and Susie. Bobby always seemed to be outnumbered by women in his life. Because he travelled so much, the girls and their mom developed a special relationship with a "while the cat's away" mentality, creating a sisterhood. Both Laurie and Susie would attend Auburn and so would all of their children, creating a unique family legacy. After graduation, Bobby took a job at Northrop Laboratories, working on the guidance system of the Saturn V rocket that put the first man on the moon. But Bobby spent most of his career at Hoar Construction. He started as a laborer during school breaks and became the CEO. Bobby had many mentors in his life, but the most influential was Virgil Handy. Mr. Handy (as he will always be called) gave Bobby all the skills he would need to eventually lead the company. His years at Hoar offered opportunities he could have never dreamed of as a boy. He got his professional pilot's license, built many commercial structures, traveled, and met interesting people. While still working, Bobby was asked to be a part of the new City of Hoover School Board. His construction knowledge would help build many of the first schools and he eventually became Chairman. Later he was one of the founders of the "The Finley Committee". This group was formed after the death of Coach Bob Finley and has created a legacy of character education in the Hoover City Schools. After retiring, Bobby spent his time building churches in places like Brazil, Romania, Ukraine, and South Sudan. Donna was always alongside him as they traveled to poor communities and taught them about God's love. He developed a compassion for people of all nationalities. Bobby also spent time helping people in Birmingham. He served on Metro Changers for many years, helping repair and revitalize homes for people who could not afford to do it themselves. Bobby was always an active servant in church, first at Green Valley Baptist and then at Dawson Memorial. God used Bobby's gifts to affect change all over the world. He never declined an invitation to serve and he never stopped trying to make the process better than it was before. With the eye of a contractor, Bobby looked for errors and was bent on fixing them. Many were the recipients of his "we can do better" advice. As time passed, many people began to notice Bobby's distinctive contributions so he received many awards and accolades. He was inducted into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in 2016. He received the Distinguished Auburn Engineer award in 2019. He was a trustee for the Baptist Health System and served on the Civil Engineering Advisory Board at Auburn. Bobby had a great sense of humor and loved having a good time. He was never praised for his patience or his even temper. No one accused him of being "easy-going". He was a risk-taker and a rule-breaker, riding motorcycles all over the world, bicycling in all weather and road conditions, sleeping in a tent in South Sudan, and driving a Nascar at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He saw speed limits as suggestions and warning signs as a reason to investigate. He faced his fears, worked hard, thought more, and gave much. With God's guidance and his willingness he affected peoples' lives all over the world. But those most affected by him were his wife, Donna, his children, Laurie LeGrone (Stephen) and Susie Shanahan (Bobby) and his grandchildren, Keith LeGrone (Nicole), Jake LeGrone, Jack Shanahan, Maggie Bender (Dane), Lillie Kate Shanahan, two great granddaughters, Lily and Kay and his nephew, Mike Weeks. Bobby was also devoted to his bonus grandchildren, Sru, Sachi, Sara, Sama, H'Po, Luke, Santigo, Tula, Jensu, and little Romyn. So many will miss him, but none more than us. "And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Dawson Memorial Baptist Church or Discovery Clubs, 1449 Medical Park Dr., South, Birmingham, 35213. Arrangements through Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover. Private graveside service. Visitation at Dawson Memorial at 3pm on Monday, August 24th followed by a Celebration of Life at 4pm.