Mr. Robert Leroy Mountain Sr. died Feb 2, 2010 at the VA Medical Center in Augusta. His funeral was held Feb. 7, 2010 at Zion Baptist Church, Millen, with the Rev. P.M. Broomfield officiating.

He was born to the late Mr. Robert Mountain and Mrs. Clifford Thorne Mountain (Howard), Nov, 12, 1949. He was nurtured in the home of his mother and the late George Howard.

At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He united in Christian fellowship with the Zion Baptist Church, where he was active in the youth department. Throughout the years, Zion remained dear to his heart. He was blessed to spend the last years of life in service at Zion, where he shared his extraordinary gift of oratory, and his inspiring insights as a Sunday School teacher.

In 1967, Robert graduated from Burgess Landrum High School. He attended Savannah State University; however, his matriculation was interrupted when he answered the call to serve in the United States Army. Wounded in Vietnam, Robert received two purple hearts, along with numerous other commendations. Following the war, Robert resumed his education at Savannah State, receiving his BS degree in 1977. He was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Robert’s journey led him to Virginia. He furthered his education at Averett University -Richmond, Virginia, where he received his MBA. The MA degree was conferred upon him from Union Theological Seminary & School of Christian Education- Danville, Virginia. He served as Chief of Prosthetics in Richmond, VA and Chicago, IL. While in Richmond, he founded the TV ministry and was responsible for enhancing the growth of St. Paul’s Baptist Church to approximately 30,000 members.

Robert received numerous outstanding awards. Among most cherished was the Key to the City of Millen, bestowed him by the late Mayor Robert Fries. Robert did not allow disability to become a liability. In 1984, his determination and perseverance enabled him to capture the title as Fastest Man in the World. He also served as captain of the United States ParaOlympics Track Team. Robert was honored as Outstanding Disabled American Veteran of the Year in Virginia. He was profiled by author Wallace Terry in the book Bloods. He also had occasion to appear on the Good Morning America show.

On Jan. 6, 1971, Robert united in holy matrimony to the late Edytha M. Baggs. This union produced three beautiful children: Jaquet Robert, Marcus, and Rakael. On August 16, 1986, he married the former Beverly Satchell. Their union was blessed with Robert L. Mountain Jr. and Benita S Mountain.

Robert leaves to cherish his loving memories a wife, Beverly S. Mountain, Chesterfield, VA; a loving mother, Mrs. Clifford, Howard, Millen, GA; three sons, Jacquet Mountain (Reshema) Fayetteville, GA; Marcus Mountain, Riceboro, GA; and Robert Leroy Mountain Jr., Chesterfield, VA; two daughters, Rakael M. Brown (Lamont), Riceboro, GA and Benita Mountain, Chesterfield, VA; three grandchildren, Dae, Tye and Eric; one brother, Bobby Smith (Brenda); Wappingers Falls, NY; father and motherin law, Mr. and Mrs. James Satchell Jr., Richmond, VA; one sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia Patron and James E. Satchell III, both of VA; two aunts: Lillie Ruth Mendheim, Augusta, GA, and Urlean Crosby, Peekskill, NY; three uncles, Willie Lee Jones, Waynesboro, GA; Charlie James Davis (Viola),Millen. GA; and Edward Sapp, Augusta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and very devoted cousins and friends.

Active pallbearers were Prince Davis, John Edwards, Lee Lassiter, James Prescott, Edward Sapp, Tracy Tarver and Charles Sapp.

Honorary pallbearers were members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Flower bearers were members of the Class of 1967.