Robert Elliott Hubbard, 91, was born in Natural Bridge, Va., on September 28, 1918.

He was the son of the late Robert Morton Hubbard and Annie Bowles Hubbard.

He was educated in the public schools of Rockbridge County and completed his high school equivalency during his service in the United States Navy.

After completing his service with the Navy during World War II, he enrolled in the Williamsport Institute of Technology in Williamsport, Pa., where he specialized in diesel mechanics. He graduated from that institution in 1947, with a 4.0 grade point average.

Robert joined the First Baptist Church of Natural Bridge as a young child. He was a member of almost every organization in the church, holding numerous offices and serving his church in any way that he was needed. He was an active leader and was always willing to share his advice and his admonition wherever he saw the need.

Over his lifetime, he served his church as a Deacon, Trustee, Teacher, Choir Director, Youth Leader, and Treasurer. He was a life-long student of the Bible and enjoyed teaching the Sunday School and Bible classes at his church until he lost his vision two years ago. He especially enjoyed music and singing. His deep voice could be heard throughout the church, singing all of the words to every song. He was a proud member of the Glasgow/Natural Bridge Men's Prayer Group and attended their weekly breakfast meetings until his health would no longer allow him to do so. He loved their fellowship and the opportunities to share his love of the Bible with his brothers from across his community.

Robert was married to his beloved Nadine for 64 years. They were married in Williamsport, Pa., on April 13, 1946.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Robert I. Hubbard (Juanita), of Edgewood, Md., Reginald A. Hubbard (Cynthia Fassler), of Glen Burnie, Md., Rodney C. Hubbard (Deborah), of Natural Bridge, Va., and Rita N. Hubbard (Michael Jones, deceased), of Upper Marlboro, Md.; 13 grandsons (Juan, Scott, Reggie, Jamie, Korey, Rob, Erik, CJ, Aaron, Ryan, Chick, Elliott, and Chris); and three granddaughters (Dani, Helene, and Ashley); 18 great grandchildren; two greatgreatgrandchildren; one aunt, Marian Dukes, of Charlottesville, Va.; nieces, Ann Cook, Mercedes Tyree, and Marguerite Terrell; nephews, Guy Hunt, Paul Hunt, Michael Hunt, James Hubbard, and Charles Hubbard; special children, Beatrice Johnson, Mary Alice Early, Melvin Watts, Marvin Watts, and Marjorie Valentine.

Robert was a friend, counselor, mentor and advisor to everyone. He was the consummate model of Christian manhood and provided a shining example for his family, his community, and his church.

Funeral services will be conducted 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at First Baptist Church in Natural Bridge, Va., with the Rev. Mark McCoy officiating. Burial will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church Building Fund or the Glasgow/ Natural Bridge Men's Prayer Group. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 21, 2010, at Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va.