Robert L. Harriford, Sr. 82 years and 3 days old left this earthly life for eternal rest, 9:36 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah. He was born to the late Welbie Thomas Harriford and Uva Grace Grindstead Harriford on June 28, 1927 in Nobob, Kentucky. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Alene Jeanet Harriford LaPrade, and Wonda Virginia Harriford Williams; two brothers, Henry Haull Harriford, and Vester Void Harriford.

Mr. Harriford was a World War II veteran of the United States Army. He attended Miles Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and was a graduate of West Kentucky State Vocational and Technical School.

Mr. Harriford's honors and accomplishments during his lifetime were:

• Paducah City Board of Education In 1969, Robert Harriford became the first African American appointed to the Paducah Board of Education where he served for nineteen years. He served two terms as Board Chairman.

• Kentucky State School Board Robert Harriford was the first African American to serve on the Executive Board of the Kentucky State Board of Education as a director, serving for seven years. He served on the State Task Force for Adult Education.

• Chamber of Commerce Member Robert Harriford was a member of the Paducah Chamber of Commerce for seven years.

• "Duke" of Paducah Award Robert Harriford received the "Duke" of Paducah award, an honorary title bestowed upon individuals in recognition of their public service and contributions to the community.

• Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels In further recognition of his service to the state of Kentucky, Robert Harriford received an appointment by the governor to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.

• President, Harriford Reproductions Robert Harriford was president of Harriford Reproductions for twenty-eight years, specializing in printing, engraving, and copying.

• "Boss" of the year In 1980, the Duchess Chapter of the American Business Women's Association named Robert Harriford "Boss" of the Year.

• Board of Directors, Forest Hills Public Project Robert Harriford was a long time member of the Board of Directors for the Forest Hills Public Project, serving for 25 years.

• Board of Directors, Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club Robert Harriford served on the Board of Directors for the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club

• Board of Directors, Barkley State Boy's Camp Robert Harriford served as a member on the Board of Directors for the Barkley State Boy's Camp.

• Vice-President & Team Manager
• Khouri League Baseball Pop coached baseball for a number of years in the Khouri League at Noble park. He won league championships and served as Vice-President of the league.

• Member, Foster parent's Association Pop served as a member of the Foster Parent's Association having had eight foster sons and daughters.

Mr. Harriford was united in Holy Matrimony to Nora M. Carter Harriford for sixty years. He was the father of one daugther, six sons by birth, and seven children by choice.

Mr. Harriford enjoyed fishing. He was quite fond of sports and coaching baseball.

He leaves to cherish his memories:

Wife of 60 years: Nora M. Harriford, Paducah, KY

Daughter: Shannon K. Harriford, Murfreesboro, TN

Sons: Robert L. (Dorothy) Harriford, Jr., Lansing, KS; Don E. Harriford, Baker, LA; Richard Leon (Lynn) Harriford, Paducah, KY; Lonnie E. (Brenda) Harriford, Nashville, TN; Ben Thomas Harriford, Paducah, KY, William Keith (Susan) Harriford, Paducah, KY Ronnie Nance, Paducah, KY Fred Williams, Paducah, KY.

Aunt: Elma Moody, Paducah, KY

Sisters: Katherine Harriford Howard, Las Vegas, NV; Wilma Joyce (Reese) Harriford Pettigrew, Indianapolis, IN; Blanche Ruby Harriford Dade, Alexandria, VA

Brother: William Quinton (Mary) Harriford, Flint, MI

Sister-In-Laws: Elnora Harriford, Smiths Grove, KY; Mattie Harriford, Oakland, KY.

21 Grandchildren and 17 Great Grandchildren

A Host of nieces, nephews and cousins