Robert "Bobby" Lightfoot

Robert Irving Lightfoot, affectionately known to everyone as Bobby, "Foots", or "Bob-Bob", passed away on September 23, 2026. Born on August 26, 1940, to Allen and Lillian Lightfoot, Bobby lived a life defined by hard work, deep relationships, quiet selflessness, and an enduring faith.

Bobby was a one-of-a-kind man who would truly give you the shirt off his back. Never one to complain, he was a dedicated worker throughout his life, holding various jobs—including logging—and owning and running the beloved Lightfoot Cafe. He became famous for his legendary Lightfoot BBQ and his remarkable talent for cooking just about anything, forging lifelong friendships along the way.

An avid outdoorsman, Bobby loved to hunt and fish, and was a proud member of the Buck Hunting Club, where he built relationships that felt like family. He also cherished his routine of riding around with his brother Gerald, exploring and trying out different places to eat, and relaxing with classic westerns and country music variety shows or watching Wheel of Fortune with good friend, Roland Womack.

Above all, Bobby treasured his family. He faced immense heartbreak in his lifetime, enduring the loss of the love of his life, Sharon Lightfoot, his daughter Sherri Lynn Lightfoot, his son Ronnie Lightfoot, and his grandson Coby Lightfoot, as well as his two brothers, Jimmy Lightfoot and Johnny Lightfoot. Though he faced more loss than any human should ever have to bear, his trials only strengthened his faith, and he was a proud, devoted member of Hopeville Assembly of God.

Bobby’s home and camper were always a bustling haven for friends, particularly during the summers when he welcomed Ronnie and Sherri Lynn’s friends with open arms. Without a single complaint about the cost or chaos, he spent his days feeding kids and driving the boat so everyone could spend their summers waterskiing at the lake. Because of this, he earned a massive circle of adopted children and grandchildren who spent summers at the lake or enjoyed his pool with him and Sharon Gail. He was a father figure to many.

Bobby is survived by his grandson, Jesse Lightfoot, and his wife Hannah, of Hopeville, and the absolute loves of his life—his great-grandchildren, Lily and Jay Lightfoot of Hopeville—whom he was endlessly proud of and spoke about at every given opportunity, as well as his brother Gerald, nephew John Lightfoot and his wife Cindy, niece Becky Smith as well as their children and his wonderful host of adopted children and grandchildren.

Bobby loved his family and friends fiercely, and was loved hard in return by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday September 25, 2026 at Bethel Cemetery. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.