FHS Reminiscing

FHS Reminiscing
[ FHS Reminiscing ]

Robert Mahaffey…

Posted by Kaye ‘63 on February 27, 2025, 5:39 pm

He had the sweetest smile. I’ll remember his good nature and pride in being a band member. He loved everybody.

Robert Lynn (Bob) Mahaffey, age 75, passed away on February 7, 2025 in Fletcher, NC. He wasraised in Forest, Mississippi by his parents Lynn & Myrtis Mahaffey. He had two sisters that preceded himin death.

He enjoyed playing trumpet in the school band. (He said the band had more trophies than the footballteam.) He loved electronics from an early age, and worked at a local television repair shop as a a teen.

In 1970 he received his BA from Belhaven College. He thoroughly enjoyed singing in the college choir. After graduation, he worked for Mississippi Educational Television until he entered Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS in 1976. He graduated with his MDiv in 1978.

One Sunday during Seminary, he returned to Belhaven for lunch in the cafeteria. Afterwards, he met Sue Grady, and her red bandana caught his attention. After a few dates, she asked him (after practicing for 2 weeks) how many watts his stereo gave out per channel. That sealed the deal. They were married in December 1976, and thus celebrated 48 years of marriage before his death.

Shortly after being married, Bob & Sue began their 27 years of work with Wycliffe Bible Translators where Bob found he could combine his passion for electronics and his love for the Word of God. Part of their training for Wycliffe was attending “Jungle Camp” in Mexico for three months. While the physical part wasn't Bob's forte, his stick-to-it attitude served him well. Bob was a computer hardware technician for Bible translators in Papua New Guinea for six years. The remaining 21 years of their time with Wycliffe was spent at the JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Radio Service) International Headquarters in North Carolina helping Bible translators around the world with their computer problems.

He had the honor of serving as a Ruling Elder in a couple of PCA (Presbyterian Church in America) churches. He had many opportunities to be involved in music (piano or vocal), teaching Sunday School, and preaching.

In 2005, Bob and Sue moved to the mountains of NC which they both loved. Bob worked for Mathis Electronics.

In 2016, Bob was granted Elder Emeritus status after Alzheimer's began to take its toll.

Bob had a smile that he will be remembered for. He'll also be remembered for the many imitations he did (Billy Graham, Julia Child, Kermit the Frog, Cookie Monster). While Alzheimer's affected him both physically and mentally, it never wreaked havoc on his funny bone! Nor on his kindness, which was a constant until the end.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Grady Mahaffey and two sons. Jonathan, born in 1980, was just two months old when Bob and Sue first arrived in PNG. Mark was born in 1982 in PNG. Mark's daughter, Fiona, was the apple of her grandaddy's eye. Bob shared so many interests with his sons – and, a daily love for Sue. His gentle spirit will be missed, but we rejoice in the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 on April 12, 2025 at Fairview Christian Fellowship in Fairview, NC.

In his memory, donations can be made to either Fairview Christian Fellowship, P.O. Box 456, Fairview, NC 28730 (where Bob was a member) -or- Four Seasons Foundation, 211 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 (for their amazing Palliative & Hospice

Re: Robert Mahaffey…

Posted by Steve 70 on March 1, 2025, 12:47 pm, in reply to "Robert Mahaffey…"

I remember Robert well. Mostly I remember that he and Alex Graham were close friends. Prayers for his family.

Re: Robert Mahaffey…

Posted by Harold Harris '67 on February 28, 2025, 10:17 am, in reply to "Robert Mahaffey…"

Robert was a great friend all through high school. I had dinner with Robert and Sue at their home in Fletcher, NC in October of 2018. Robert recognized me, and we reminisced of our friendship in Forest; he was having a great night of remembering good times. As I was leaving, he faded back into his own world. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Re: Robert Mahaffey…

Posted by Kaye ‘63 on February 28, 2025, 4:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Robert Mahaffey…"

Harold, I remember that photo. You kindly shared it with us shortly after that visit. I didn’t post his class year because I wasn’t sure. I’m assuming both of you were ‘67.

Re: Robert Mahaffey…

Posted by Jimmy Pryor ‘68 on February 28, 2025, 7:16 pm, in reply to "Re: Robert Mahaffey…"

Robert was one kind person. Prayers go out to his family. Mahaffey’s Another outstanding family from Forest.

Re: Robert Mahaffey…

Posted by Lynda Sue on March 5, 2025, 9:46 am, in reply to "Re: Robert Mahaffey…"

When I think of Robert, I think of his big smile and laugh. He always had a kind word for everyone. I’m sorry to hear of his passing. May his loved ones feel God’s comfort at this sad time.

Re: Robert Mahaffey…

Posted by LAR on March 5, 2025, 3:43 pm, in reply to "Re: Robert Mahaffey…"

My memory of Robert was his dedication to music. He and Harold studied with Myra Francis Hays and were both quite gifted pianists. I recall that he played the Chopin Polonaise in A-flat Major on recital probably his junior year. I was quite impressed. Every time I hear or play that piece I think of Robert. One more memory was probably his 8th grade year in band. We were invited to march at a MSU ballgame for pre-game I think. We marched in company fronts that year and were doing a step 2 drill. Robert marched beside me and was constantly having trouble stepping off at the right time. I remember that during that show he stepped off at the same time that I did (he was 2 steps late); so, I reached over and shoved him forward so that he was in the right place! Nothing was ever said but he got the message!

Re: Robert Mahaffey…

Posted by Meg ‘68 on March 6, 2025, 9:51 am, in reply to "Re: Robert Mahaffey…"

Robery was at Belhaven at the same time I was. It was a great school with a top notch chior! Robert and I and both sang in the chior! A very talented and nice person! So sorry for his loss.

Re: Robert Mahaffey…

Posted by Meg ‘68 on March 6, 2025, 11:20 am, in reply to "Re: Robert Mahaffey…"

Robert, excuse the error!

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