Robert Thurman

Mooney

Robert Thurman Mooney

July 21, 1941 – November 6, 2026

Robert Thurman Mooney, affectionately known throughout his life as Dad, Daddy, Paw, Grandpa, BoB, Bobert, and Uncle Bobby, was born on July 21, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a man whose life revolved around faith, family, hard work, laughter, and making sure the people he loved were taken care of.

One of the greatest blessings of Robert's life was marrying Sandra, the love of his life. He loved telling the story of how they met. While hitchhiking home from his Army base in North Carolina, he was picked up by Sandra, her sister and her husband David. He always talked about how beautiful she was and how he knew she had been sent to him by God. That chance encounter led to a lifetime of love, commitment, and building a family together. Robert and Sandra were married for 64 years and 8 months, sharing a lifetime of memories, raising their children, and watching their family grow. Sandra was the woman he chose to spend his life with, and together they built the family that meant more to him than anything in this world.

Robert was a proud father to three children: Sundra O'Shea (Barry O'Shea), Shane Mooney (Rachel Mooney), and Clint Mooney (Michele Mooney). His greatest pride and joy were his six grandchildren: Riley Paul, Maddie Paul, Olivia Hudgins, Lola Mooney, Carson Mooney, and EmilyRuth O'Shea.

If there was one thing Robert believed in, it was FAMILY. He was one of 12 children himself, and family was always at the center of everything he did. He leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones, along with his surviving siblings, Faye Cochran and Jerry and Julia Mooney.

But Robert's definition of family extended far beyond those related by blood. He took tremendous pride in being a second dad to his children's friends and practically the entire neighborhood. There were countless kids who lovingly called him "Paw" or "Dad." He welcomed them into his home, loved them as his own, and made sure nobody went hungry. He often joked about how he spent all his money feeding the neighborhood kids. If you needed something, he was there. If you needed help, he showed up. That's just who he was.

Robert could be stubborn and strict, and anyone who knew him well would probably agree! But underneath that tough exterior was a man who wanted the people around him to be better, stronger, and successful in life. He believed in doing things the right way, standing your ground, and always being there for family. He would do just about anything for the people he loved.

He was also quite the character. A natural joker, Robert was always looking for an opportunity to make someone laugh. He was an excellent pool player, a skilled mechanic with an incredible mind, and someone who took great pride in his beloved 1968 GTO. He loved being outdoors, whether he was cutting the grass, planting flowers, or feeding his birds. He found joy in those simple everyday things and took pride in caring for his home and surroundings. Whether he was working on a car, shooting pool, tending to his yard, telling jokes, or spending time with family, he did things his own way.

Robert proudly served his country in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division from 1958 to 1964. His intelligence, determination, and strong work ethic were qualities that carried throughout his life.

Above all, Robert loved Jesus. His faith was not something he kept to himself. He wanted everyone to know about Jesus and never missed an opportunity to share his faith with those around him. Even during this season of his life, he continued talking to everyone who came to visit about Jesus and the importance of knowing Him. His faith remained at the center of his heart, and he often spoke about how much he looked forward to the day he would be reunited with his beloved brother Butch in Heaven.

For Robert, family was everything, but his love for Jesus was the foundation on which he built his life. His greatest hope was that the people he loved would share in the promise of eternal life.

And although he doesn't have great-grandchildren just yet, he certainly had plans for them! He made it very clear to each of his grandchildren that he expected at least six great-grandchildren from each of them. It was one of his many ongoing family conversations, and we can only imagine he would have continued reminding them until he got his wish!

Robert's legacy is not just in the family he raised, but in the countless lives he touched along the way. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and a second dad to so many. He didn't just build a family; he made room for everyone else's family, too.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. His family, his faith, his laughter, and the lessons he passed down will live on for generations.

His family was his greatest earthly blessing, and his faith in Jesus was his greatest hope.