Robert Leon Foster

Robert Leon Foster was born in East Point, Georgia to the late John Thomas Foster and the late Lillian Shannon Foster. He was blessed with one brother, the late Harold Foster and one stepbrother, Johnny Ross. Robert, affectionately known as Puddin, Foster, Bob, Bobby, Pops, and Unc, received his high school diploma from South Fulton High School. He subsequently enrolled at Morris Brown College and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and History in 1961. After college, Robert enlisted into the United States Army, where he served before his honorable discharge. While attending Morris Brown College, Robert played football, pledged Phi Beta Sigma (Zeta Chapter) and met the love of his life, Ethel Doris Bolden. He later married her in 1962, and they shared an outstanding union for over 60 years. In addition to being a devoted husband, he was the loving father to his only child, Kimberly Robeth Foster – the apple of his eye. Robert worked for Centers for Disease Control (CDC) where he retired in 1994. His time with CDC included living in various places with his family including California, Long Island, New York, Maryland and Georgia. Robert was a humble man and was always involved in civic activities. His love for Morris Brown included active participation with the alumni association, traveling and tailgating to all the football games, and subsequently being inducted into the Morris Brown College Football Hall of Fame in 1978. Robert’s commitment to civic duty and giving also earned him several awards and recognition including being named as an Advisory Council Member for the Salvation Army, Robert also loved to cruise at least twice a year with his wife and family cruise partners, Lamar & Bettye Barnett. Foster deeply loved his friends including the Happy Bunch from Bigelow’s and Fletcher’s Place. You could always find him at his places on the designated nights. On February 27, 2026, Robert departed this world after leaving his mark. He fought to the end and wanted to make sure his dear Ethel would be ok. He leaves behind a rich legacy of love through which he built genuine friendships. To cherish his memories, he leaves behind his wife, Ethel B Foster; daughter, Kimberly R Foster (Aaron); brothers and sister from another mother; Bill Barnett (Carolyn), Lamar Barnett (Bettye), and Rosemary Green; the Bainbridge Georgia Crew, Meridith Hutley, Tommy Hutley (Rosetta), Kenneth Hutley and Leslie Hutley Kendrick and Malcolm; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Robert Leon Foster

March 11, 1939 - February 27, 2026