Obituary of Robert Nicholson DeFord

Mr. Robert Nicholson DeFord IV, 86, of Sun City Center passed away peacefully on November 25, 2023, at Memory Lane Cottage in Tampa, Florida.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Billie Jeanette DeFord who passed in 2013; 2nd wife Shirley Green Rigsby who passed in 2016, and grandson Aaron Lynn Blalock who passed in 2022.

Robert was born in Burlington, North Carolina on March 11, 1937, to Robert Nicholson and Rita Maxine DeFord. He honorably served in the United States Navy Reserve and worked as a licensed surveyor/contractor for many years. He was of the Methodist faith.

Robert is survived by his three children; Debra Blalock, Robert N. DeFord V, and Julie Chawner; a sister, Elizabeth DeFord; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life was held on November 30, 2023.