Robert Raymond Covington Jr.

IN LOVING MEMORY, on 21 September 2025 after a long illness, Dr. (COL ret.) Robert R. Covington Jr passed away at his Kingwood, Texas home surrounded by loved ones. Bob (Bobby) Covington Jr. was the son of Robert R. Covington and Audrey Covington, born on 19 SEP 1936 in Athens, Alabama. He spent most of his youth in Columbus, Mississippi before he attended Bethel College in Tennessee, where he decided to enter the ministry. He met his future wife in Tennessee, Mamie L. Covington, and they married on 22 July 1956. His first years of ministry led him to small churches in the South and Texas, and was followed by a decision to join the military as a U.S. Army Chaplain in 1966. A Vietnam veteran, who also served in South Korea and Germany (on 2 occasions), his military career was highlighted by his assignment as the Cadet Chaplain at West Point Academy, and Division Chaplain with the 101st Division. He earned his Doctorate in Religion at Princeton University, and retired at the rank of Colonel, and was soon called to continue his life of ministry at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Kingwood, Texas. This ministry in Kingwood continued for over 15 years, retiring to his home in Kingwood where he continued to serve and support a variety of charities and humanitarian efforts. Over the course of his 89 years, Dr. Covington served his community and his country with honor, and helped people across many different countries – from poverty-stricken areas in the US to leper villages in South Korea to children in Peru – to live a better life and follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mamie L. Covington, his children Stephen R. Covington, Robert Andrew Covington, and Amye L. Martin, 9 grandchildren, and his twin siters, Brenda Spencer and Glenda Keenan.
Dr. Covington's Memorial Service will be held at the 1st Presbyterian Church of Kingwood on 11 November at 11am. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The family thanks everyone for their care and prayers, and requests donations to charities in his memory in lieu of flowers.