Robert Payton Kight, Jr., passed away on October 5, 2023, at the age of 77. He was born on November 6, 1945, in Freer, Texas to the late Robert Payton Kight, Sr. and Florence Mae (Hayes) Kight.

Growing up in a small town, Robert developed a strong work ethic and passion for helping others. He graduated from Freer High School in 1964 and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Science from Southwest Texas University in 1968. He began his career teaching Math and Science at Alice ISD, then Freer ISD, and finally Poteet ISD before making the decision to leave education. Robert started working for ExxonMobil in Jourdanton, mainly offshore in Louisiana and Alabama, and in Midland before retiring after 16 years.

Despite a successful career, Robert found his true happiness and love of his life, Vivian Elaine Crocker. They met in 1966 at his uncle Clifford's gas station on Hwy 16 north of Poteet. They married on December 23, 1967, and were married almost 56 years. They had two children, Merriah (Wendy) Elaine and Robert Payton, III.

When Robert was not working, he enjoyed wood working, gardening, hunting, fishing, working on cars, and camping in Colorado but his favorite past time was watching ships at the jetties in Aransas Pass. Robert was very involved in his community, serving as a dedicated member of several organizations. He was a proud member of Poteet Lodge #1074 AF & AM, Cooper Chapter 101 Royal Arch Mason Of Texas and Cooper Council 62 Royal and Select Masters of Texas, Poteet Chapter #913, Grand Chapter of Texas Order of the Eastern Star, Past Member of Arlington Lodge #438 and Sweet Home Lodge #576, TMRC Daylight Chapter #1145, OES, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he encountered.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Florence (Hayes) Kight, Sr.

He leaves behind his wife of almost 56 years, Vivian Elaine (Crocker) Kight; daughter, Merriah (Rob) Liles; son, Robert (Cindy) Kight, III; sister, Darlene Gay; sister-in-law, Darlene Crocker; grandchildren, Andrew (Annalisa) Kight, Morgan Booth, Payton Kight-Stewart, Emily Ashworth, Baley Pond, Brian Pond, Fisher Pond; great-grandchildren, Zoey Bratton, Bryson Bratton, Ayron Mutz, Swayd Booth, Amy Kight, Rori Kight, Clara Kight and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Rutledge Cemetery, located at 1735 Rutledge Rd, Poteet, Texas 78065.

All flowers will need to go directly to the cemetery. Hurley Funeral Home is not involved in the services.