Robert V. Townes III

Robert V. Townes III passed away on December 24, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert V. Townes, Jr., and Dorothy Clusker Townes; his beloved wife of 46 years, Barbara Parker Townes; and his sister, Linda Ann Townes Piteo.

He is survived by his daughter, Carrie Townes Cotney (Jeff); his son, Robert V. (Robby) Townes IV (Lauren); his grandchildren, Robert V. (Quinton) Townes V, Ellie Claire Townes, and Parker Ann Cotney; his siblings, Susan Townes Carter, Gary Townes (Debbie), Chris Townes (Sherrie), and Janice LeSueur (Steve); brother-in-law, Robert Piteo; along with numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Robert was a 1966 graduate of John Carroll High School and a graduate of Auburn University, where he received his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1970. He later earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Birmingham School of Law in 1976. Robert was also a Public Accountant licensed by the Alabama State Board of Public Accounting in 1973.

Robert devoted more than forty years to helping people through his work in accounting and law. He was a partner with the accounting firm of Parker & Townes, P.C., where he practiced alongside his father-in-law, Harry L. Parker, and his brother, Chris Townes.

He was also a founding partner, along with his cousin Larry T. Woods, of the law firm Townes & Woods, P.C.

Robert genuinely loved helping his clients and his community and was known for his patience, kindness, and steady presence. A faithful member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, he was steadfast in his Catholic faith. He was an Eagle Scout, a devoted Auburn fan, a lover of science fiction, and an avid watcher of old westerns.

Robert had a lifelong love of technology and was always on the cutting edge. In the 1990s, he wrote a computer program to assist with real estate closings-well ahead of its time. He enjoyed golf, fishing and had a deep love of music, which he passed on to his family and friends.

Above all else, Robert loved his family. He cherished nothing more than a large family gathering filled with his children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He welcomed everyone and treated all people with respect and dignity. He was truly the most patient and kind man.

The family would like to thank his sitter, Denise Barnett. Her love, care, and compassion for Robert and his family are something they will cherish forever and never forget.

Visitation will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 334 Main Street, Gardendale, Alabama 35071, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Oakwood Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Townes Family Foundation, 717 Kerr Drive, Gardendale, Alabama 35071, which provides scholarships for higher education. Education and lifelong learning were deeply important to Robert.