Mr. Robert Lee “Bud” Love, known by most as “Papa,” and in later years, “Big Papa,” died Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at his residence.

Papa was born September 13, 1929, in Cherokee County, AL, to the late Robert “Bob”  Love and Mary Poovey Love Noles.  He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.  After returning home, he farmed for several years, then went to work at Mount Vernon Mills (Riegel) where he worked for 34 years.

Papa was known for his love for the Lord, his family, and his gardening.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wives, Bonnie Carol Calaway Love, the mother of his children, and Annie Ruth Millican Evett Love, the mother of his bonus daughter; and 11 sisters and brothers, Grady Love, Margie Love, Mozelle Taylor, Estelle Powell, Belle Powell, Robbie Love, Lloyd Noles, Billy Noles, Junior Noles, Dean Noles, and Mary Faye Denney.

Papa leaves to cherish his memory, daughters, Phyllis (Wayne) Lee, Tammy (Curtis) Cleveland; a son, Phillip (Becca) Love; grandchildren, Sonja Ezell Price, Zach (Kaitlyn) Wingold, Alex (Jesse) Puryear, Josh (Shannen) Wingold, Josh Love, Zane (Kara) Wingold, Brandon (Megan) Seymore, Matthew Arrington, Sarah Arrington, and Mackenzie Love; great-grandchildren, Ryan Price, Lane Brown, Tucker Seymore, Dawson Seymore, Peter Puryear, Carson Wingold, Nolan Puryear, and Parker Wingold.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. (EST) Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Mount Zion Independent Church with Rev. Jim VanPelt and Rev. John Dow VanPelt officiating.  Interment will follow in Mount Zion Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Ryan Price, Lane Brown, Tom Vickery, Ross VanPelt, Paul VanPelt, and Colton Johnson.

Mr. Love will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. (EST) on Friday, June 28, 2024.