Robert Leroy Propst

Robert Leroy Propst July 26, 1926 - October 19, 2009 SMITHS STATION, AL— Robert Leroy Propst, 83 of Smiths Station, Alabama, died Monday, October 19, 2009 at the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, AL. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. EST Thursday at the Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Phenix City Chapel with the Reverend Dexter James officiating. Interment with Masonic Rites will be in Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Propst was born July 26, 1926 in Phenix City, Alabama son of the late Noel P. Propst and Sara Hall Propst. He was a Master Mason (32nd degree) and a member of the Wilson- Williams Masonic Lodge in Phenix City, the Phenix City Shrine Club, The Scottish Rite Alcazar Temple in Montgomery, AL, and Central High School Red Devil Breakfast Club. He retired from the Meade Corporation after more than 20 years of service and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and served his country honorably in the U.S. Merchant Marines during World War II, serving in the South Pacific. Mr. Propst was a member of the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame and was the recipient of numerous honors and sports awards having set numerous records at Central High School. Mr. Propst was a "shy man" and according to at least sports writer never accepted the fact that "He was the greatest football player in the history of Central High School." Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Johnnie William Propst and son-in-law, Robert A. Bell. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife and "Best Friend" of 61 years, Mary Frances Propst of Smiths Station, AL. He was a caring and dedicated father and is survived by his children, Robert "Bob" Propst and wife, Diane of Columbus, GA, Polly Bell of Smiths Station, AL, William "Ben" Propst and wife, Janice of Smiths Station, AL, Joe Propst of Chicago, IL, Jeff and wife Tracy Propst of Columbus, GA; ten grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and numerous lifelong friends. To sign the online guest registry, please visit www.striffler-hamby.com.