CARROLLTON – Robert Lee "R.L." Acker, age 85, of Carrollton, Ala., died August 11, 2018, at Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle Hospice. A Memorial Service will be held at Dogwood Chapel Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Wes Jones officiating. A private graveside service will be held prior to the memorial service at the Pilgrim Rest Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will be immediately following the service at the chapel, 200 5th St. N.E., Aliceville, AL 35442.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Acker and Fronia Hicks Acker; his stepmother, Lottie Thrasher Acker; sisters, Fronia Ray Goodman, Sara Turnipseed Hemphill, Doris Sparks, Laurice Rotenberry and Beatrice Ward; his granddaughter, Madison Pratt; and two infant daughters.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years: Sandra McCool Acker of Carrollton, Ala.; daughter, Megan Pratt (Jack) of Carrollton, Ala.; sons, Michael Acker (Barbara) of Pullman, Washington and Mark Acker (Alinna) of Austin, Texas; sisters, Evelyn McDaniel of Carrollton, Ala. and Jean Crawford of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; sisters-in-law, Sheila McCool of Gordo, Ala. and Phyllis McCool of Leesburg, Va.; brother, David Acker (Virginia) of Brilliant, Ala.; brother-in-law, Dan Kelly of Northport, Ala.; grandchildren, Joel Pratt, Marianna Pratt, Devin Acker and Michelle Acker; and a host of nieces and nephews.
When he was just one month old, after his mother's death, R. L. was raised by his maternal grandmother Lydia Hicks and his aunt Posie Hicks, whom he loved dearly.
R. L. was the last surviving male member of the Carrollton High School Class of 1952. Like many of his generation, he entered the military following graduation and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a military policeman at Fairfield Air Force Station Travis Air Force Base in California during the Korean Conflict. His proudest moments were being selected to stand Honor Guard for Gen. Curtis LeMay and Albert Einstein when they visited the base.
After leaving the Air Force in 1956 he returned to Pickens County where he married his sweetheart, started his family and settled in Aliceville. He started a new job with the John Deere Tractor dealership and worked as parts manager until his retirement in 1997.
He loved helping farmers and did not hesitate to deliver a needed part to a farmer that was broken down in the field anytime day or night.
R. L. never met a stranger and loved talking with his many friends. He was proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed watching their school and sports activities.
He often joked about being "sprinkled" at Marvin Chapel Methodist Church and "baptized'' when he joined West End Baptist Church in Aliceville as an adult.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pickens Academy Class of 1977 Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Linda Kyles at WABT 305 2nd Ave. N.E., Fayette, AL 35555 or to Pilgrim Rest Cemetery Fund, c/o Lois Bruce 4100 Sapps Rd., Carrollton, AL 35447.