Barbourville, Ky. – Robert Ernest McCarthy, 78, passed away peacefully October 14, 2020. Robert was the son of Edna Elaine Lillard, joyfully born to her on April 15, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan.
Robert was raised in Detroit and lived there throughout his young adult years. As fate would have it, Robert was fortunate to be invited to Kentucky by friends, the sister and brother-in-law, of his future wife. Upon arriving in Kentucky and meeting Billie Perkins, it was love at first site and he purposed the day her met her. Robert and Billie were inseparable after meeting and were happily married for 57 years.
Robert and Billie settled down together in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Together they made a loving home where they raised three sons – Curtis, Harold, and Robert. Robert loved his family fiercely. Robert had a strong work ethic throughout his life. He worked as a plumber for 18 years before taking a job on an assembly line for Ford. He retired from Ford after 15 years of service. Robert always took pride in his work and in providing for his family. He made sure his family had everything they needed and much of what they wanted. Robert’s sons recall him instilling in them a strong sense of right and wrong. They remember that when a mistake was made, their dad was careful not to shame them, but to love them unconditionally and teach them to learn from their mistakes.
Upon Robert’s retirement, Robert and Billie returned to Gray, Kentucky to live. Robert was a member of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Emanual Holler, Ky. In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking for his family, especially during the Holidays, coon hunting, and watching wrestling. Robert will forever be remembered as a man of devotion. He was devoted to his family, to his friends, and to God. If Robert knew you, you were one of his “own”. This was especially true of his daughter-in-law, Rene (Curtis’s wife) who he developed an extremely close relationship with during his life. Robert cherished his relationship with Rene and loved her like a daughter.
In addition to his mother, Edna Elaine Lillard, Robert was proceeded in death by a grandson, Curtis Reed and by and three brothers-in-law: Everett Simpson, Augustine Augustos Perez, and Ronnie McFadden.
Left behind to mourn his passing is his beloved wife Billie Perkins McCarthy and their three sons: Robert McCarthy (Misty), Harold Reed, and Curtis Reed (Rene). Three sisters’ will also miss Robert dearly: Carol Simpson, Donna Perez, and Shirley McFadden. Five grandchildren: Thomas Reed, Jerimiah Reed (Valerie), Sarah Reed (partner Kevin Patterson), Lucas McCarthy; 5 great-grandchildren: Brandon Reed, Emily Reed, Jillian Reed, Curtis Reed, and Jett Patterson. A special nephew, David McFadden will also miss Robert dearly, as will a host of dear friends.
Robert’s family will receive friends at the Hopper Funeral Home Chapel, Thursday, October 22, 2020, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM. A Memorial Service will immediately follow the visitation.
The Hopper Family, Victoria and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, Inc. express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Robert Ernest McCarthy.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Robert Ernest McCarthy.
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