(03/07/41 - 10/13/11)

     Robert R. Hitchens, Sr., 70 of Chillicothe died 4:36pm Thursday October 13, 2011 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.

     He was born March 7, 1941 in Jackson, Ohio to the late Roy and Emma Davis Hitchens.  On June 4, 1994 he married the former Cheryl A. Wingo, who survives.  Also surviving are his children Myia Hambrick, Columbus; Tamra (Wendell) Lowe, Chillicothe; Gregg Adams, Chillicothe; Troy (Kimberly) Woodruff, Columbus; Jackson Hambrick, Chillicothe; Rev. Robert (Monica) Hitchens, Jr., Chillicothe; Rev. F. Todd (Diane) Gray, Glen Allen, VA; Rev. J. Troy (Sue) Gray, Chillicothe; and Marcel Hoosier, Columbus; 26 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marcella Hitchens, Chillicothe and Virginia Harbin, Charleston, W. Va.; three brothers, Wayne and Kenneth Hitchens, Chillicothe and Benjamin "Larry" (Myra) Hitchens, Tampa, FL; and a host of nieces; nephews; and special friends.

     He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ethel Mae Pettiford and Arilene Thomas; a brother, Roy "Farmer" Burrell; and a special nephew, Craig Hitchens.

     Mr. Hitchens was a U.S. Air Force Veteran and a member of Zion Baptist Church.  He retired from PPG after 38 years of service, and more recently worked for AutoZone.  He was a member of the VFW Post 2832; American Legion Post 62; and AMVETS Post 4.  He was well known for his BBQ ribs and he enjoyed cooking, bowling, and working on automobiles.

     Funeral services will be held 7:00pm Sunday at the Zion Baptist Church, with his sons, Rev. Robert Hitchens, Jr., Rev. Todd Gray, and Rev. J. Troy Gray officiating.  Friends may call 4-7 pm Sunday at the Zion Baptist Church.  Military graveside services, conducted by the Ross Co. Veterans Honor Guard, will be held 10:00am Monday in Greenlawn Cemetery.

     Memorial contributions may be made to the Adena Health Foundation, Friends of Hospice, 111 W. Water Street - Chillicothe, OH 45601, as the family is very appreciative of the care given by Angie Taylor and the hospice team.

     His memorial register is available at www.HallerFuneralHome.com