Robert Charles Gravolet's Obituary
Robert Gravolet lost his battle with ALS on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at the age of 55. Beloved husband and soulmate of Rhonda Smitherman-Hickman. Loving father of Robert C. Gravolet II and Reed C. Gravolet. Step-Father of Ryan C. Hickman (Chelsea) and Rhett C. Hickman (Karley). Son of Karon Warren Decker and the late Robert Henry Gravolet. Son-in-Law of E.D. and Joan Smitherman. Nephew of Sharon and George Davis. Brother-in-law of Shelley Smitherman Taylor. Brother of Ryan Charles Gravolet. Uncle of Renee Jaunet Hayes, Ryan Gravolet, Nicholas Gravolet, Meagan Taylor Canville, Peyton Taylor and Anthony Taylor. God-Father of Bella LaBruzzo.
Words could never describe Rob Gravolet! He was truly one of a kind. Rob impacted so many people’s lives and left behind so many awesome friends and everlasting memories. His love for life and others was genuine, sincere, pure and Godly. He will always be remembered for his beautiful smile and his talented athletic ability. Rob was very competitive and always gave 100% -- even in his fight with ALS. Rob optimism and faith in God was amazing. Rob attended Holy Cross High School and was an incredibly gifted athlete. Rob was a Holy Cross Tiger Football Running Back #29. He was a member of the Track Team and played on the Holy Cross Baseball Team. He was inducted into the Holy Cross Sports Hall of Fame in 2017– Class of 1983. Rob attended Louisiana Tech on a Football Scholarship, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Rob played for the Bulldogs as a Defensive Back #20 from 1983-1988. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Louisiana Tech. Rob began his Career with Lockheed Martin in 1990 at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans East. He worked with Lockheed for 18 years on the NASA Shuttle External Tank program before accepting a position with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the same facility. At NASA, Rob was an Engineering Lead over a variety of different NASA programs. Rob loved football, duck hunting, fishing, cruises, and spending time with his friends. Rob was blessed to have a yearly Fundraiser to help with medical expenses accrued given by his Friends at Desi Vega’s Steak House. He enjoyed the yearly Cast and Blast Tournament in Pointe a la Hache. Rob received encouragement, knowledge, and love from the local St. Tammany ALS Support Group. He confirmed his faith and strength in the Word of God from New Beginnings Church in Covington.
Rob is no longer in pain and is now at peace in his Eternal Heavenly Home. He will be greatly missed but NEVER FORGOTTEN!!
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Robert’s life at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 on Monday, December 2, 2019 at 3:00 PM with visitation on Monday beginning at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Robert to be made to Holy Cross Athletic Association in honor of Robert C. Gravolet #29.
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