Light
Robert “Bobby” Light was an avid sportsman with a deep love for fishing, hunting, barbecuing, farming and loving his family and friends dearly each and every day.
He passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.
Known for his warm, welcoming spirit, Bobby never met a stranger and was a friend to all who crossed his path. His infectious enthusiasm for life and the great outdoors touched the hearts of many, leaving behind cherished memories of his kindness, generosity and unwavering friendship.
In recent years, Bobby discovered a new passion for raising chickens and quail, right within the city limits of Rockdale. True to his generous nature, he eagerly shared the bounty of his harvest with family and friends, continuing to touch the lives of those around him with kindness and love for the simple joys of life.
Bobby was a highly-skilled and respected professional welder with a remarkable career spanning several decades in the welding field. Known for his unparalleled expertise in welding various metals and alloys, he was often called upon for some of the largest and most challenging dragline projects in the United States.
Among his many accomplishments, Bobby contributed his exceptional welding skills for the “Big Muskie” which was the largest dragline project in the world at the time. His work also took him to gold mines across California, Nevada and Arizona, where his craftsmanship was integral to the success of numerous projects.
Bobby’s dedication to his trade and ability to handle complex welding tasks earned him a reputation as a go-to expert.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, William Doyle “Bill” Light and Dorothy Light Wooten; stepfather Winifred Wooten; brother William G. “Bud” Light; nephews William Michael Hutchinson, William Eric Dean; niece Stephanie Hutchinson Barton.
Bobby is survived by son Brian Light, MKCS Coast Guard (Regina) of Grand Haven, Michigan; sisters Cheryl (Robert) Allgood of Arlington, Linda (Michael) Corvin of Longview; grandchildren Adam Light of San Antonio, Emily (Shane) Popieluch of Galveston, Lynsey Light of Grand Haven, Michigan; special family members, Coleen Yoakum Tedder of Rockdale and daughters Hannah Yoakum of Rockdale and Chloe Yoakum Hollingsworth, SGT US Army, (Shane) of San Antonio; nieces Amy (Brian) Gorum of Vernal, Utah, Elizabeth “Liz” (Randy) Couch of Longview, Emma Light of Austin; and nephew Ryan Light of Austin.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the doctors and staff at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple and for the love and support received from family and friends.
In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests donations to Sandy Creek Cemetery, 256 CR 360, Milano, TX 76556, Attn: Travis Yoakum, or to the Sandy Creek Cemetery, c/o Citizens National Bank, Rockdale, TX 76567.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home with interment to follow at Sandy Creek Cemetery in Rockdale.