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In Memory Of Our Poets

Robert "Bob" Martin Cheney (1928-2013) - Class Of 1947

Robert (Bob) Martin Cheney, born 15 August 1928 in Montgomery, Alabama, died August 8, 2013 after a short battle with cancer. Visitation will be Friday, August 9th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Whitfield Memorial United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 10th at 9:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Bob is survived by his wife, Margaret Ann Hatchett Cheney and three children, Robert Martin Cheney, Jr. (Karen Singletary), Elizabeth Cheney Sewell (William Hulsey, Jr.) and John Franklin Cheney (Debbie White). He is also survived by four grandchildren, Shannon Cheney Phillips (Chris), Benjamin Garrett Cheney (Jordy Allen), Garrett Franklin Cheney (Christine Callahan), and Paige Cheney Clement (Neil) and his sister, Margaret Cheney Collier.

Bob graduated from the Mount Berry School for Boys in Rome, GA. In July 1946 during World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served three years. He re-enlisted in 1951 and served during the Korean conflict until 1952, attaining the rank of Sergeant. His squadron VMF223 was attached to USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, USS Tarawa, and USS Midway. He graduated from Auburn University in Business Administration in 1954 and was employed by Alabama Farm Bureau Insurance Company, which later became Alfa Insurance Companies. He retired as vice president after 41 years.

Bob was active in many historical and genealogy organizations. He was State President of Sons of the American Revolution and Governor of the Alabama Company of the Jamestowne Society. He was also President of the Richard Montgomery Chapter SAR, the Montgomery Genealogy Society, and the Old South Historical Society. Additionally, Bob was a member of the Sons of the American Colonists, Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, Somerset Chapter Magna Charta Barons, Huguenot Society, Order of the Crown (Charlemagne Descendants), National Society Sons of the War of 1812, Merovingian Dynasty, Sons of Spanish American War Veterans, Society of Descendants of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Military Order of the Crusades, Society of Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge, and Sons of the Colonial Wars.

Bob was also involved in various civic activities. After serving over 35 years ago for two consecutive terms as the District Governor of Civitan International Alabama - West Florida District, in 2011 Bob again served as president of the Montgomery Civitan Club. He was active in this club for over 50 years Bob was also Commandant of the Townsend Chapter of the Marine Corps League, and President of Montgomery Knife and Fork Club. A member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, he served for 22 years as chapter counselor for the Alabama Epsilon Chapter at Auburn University Montgomery and was awarded the Order of the Golden Heart, the highest national award for volunteer service to Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

Involved with his children's activities, he served as PTA president of and officer in Little League Baseball and participated in Boy Scouts of America for 25 years as Cub Master, Scout Master, and District Commissioner. Formerly an active member of the Capitol Heights United Methodist Church where he was a lay leader, in 2011 Bob joined Whitfield Memorial United Methodist Church, where he was a Sunday School teacher and on the Board of Trustees.

After retirement, Bob worked as a volunteer at Baptist South for over 16 years and served many years as a volunteer on the Pre-Trial Diversion Committee. Additionally, Bob and Ann were Goodwill Ambassadors for 50 classes of International Officers in the IOS Program at Maxwell AFB.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions be made to The Robert Cheney Memorial Fund Whitfield Memorial United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.

Published in the Montgomery Advertiser on August 9, 2013