Robert A. Runderson

Mr. Robert A " Dooley" Runderson, a native and lifelong resident of Mobile, Al. transitioned from this life on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at William F. Green Veterans Home, Bay Minette, AL.
He was born to the union of the late Lea Deal Runderson and Irma Laurendine Runderson on June 23, 1924. He was preceded in death by five brothers; Lea Deal "Jack" Runderson, Jr., Marshall Runderson, Carl Runderson, James "Deedy Boy" Runderson, and George "Teedy" Runderson; two sisters; Rosanna Nettles Jackson and Beverly Randolph Norworthy; and grandson John Runderson.
"Dooley", as he was affectionately known by his family and friends, attended Williamson School and Dunbar Annex. After leaving school he became an apprentice at his father's business, Deal Shoe Repair Shop. Robert continued working in the family business until he joined the Navy in 1941. He received training in Birmingham, AL and Norfolk, VA; was later stationed at Submarine Base in Hawaii during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. While there he was acquainted with Doris Miller, the first black to receive the Navy Cross for his bravery in the Pearl Harbor attack.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he joined the Merchant Marines from 1945-1951. Robert worked at Brookley Air Force Base as a Mail Messenger and Material Dispatcher until its closure in 1968. Robert transferred his work career to the Army Corps of Engineers where he was the EEOC officer and mail clerk, he retired in December of 1980.
Robert was a man of great pride. He gave his all in everything that he was involved in including being a faithful member of Big Zion A.M.E. Zion Church. Dooley enjoyed being a third baseman on the Oche Baseball Team. In retirement, his senior days included advising, building, and coordinating on regular and commercial projects with Aubrey Coates, Vernell Davis, Kenny Nodd, Walter "Bay Bay" Rogers, and Francis Thomas. He was a member of the Maysville Flats, a social organization to promote and help the citizens of the Maysville Community. Robert was known as a master 18 piece checker player. He received many awards for his community and church service. Some of these awards include Williamson 100th Year School Committee; as a student of 1932 and an award from Big Zion A.M.E. Zion 176 Anniversary Committee.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 65 years, Sybil Howard Runderson, two sons; Granville (Martha) Runderson and Robert "Robbie" Runderson, one sister Chloe (Carl) Dockery Jr.,four sister in laws; Geneva Runderson, Mary Runderson, Cecelia Runderson, and Imgene Howard and brother in law William "Bill" Norworthy; one grandson, Granville Runderson Jr., twelve great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Robert " Dooley" Runderson Memorial Service will be At Big Zion AME Zion Church 112 S. Bayou Street; Mobile, Alabama 36603 begin at 10 am,on October 13th, the repast will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Church 609 Donald St. Mobile, AL 36617. In lieu of Flowers Donation can be made to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 7 PO Box 6872 Mobile, AL 36606 or the Alzheimer's Association Alabama Chapter In memory of Robert A. Runderson.