Robert Covington

Robert Earl Covington, 78, of Biloxi, MS, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home on December 30, 2017.
Robert was born in Utica MS to Robert Charlie Covington and Grace Ainsworth Stribling on August 1, 1939. He attended Utica High School in Utica, MS.  Robert came to Gulfport in 1958 and found work as a bellhop at the Edgewater Gulf Hotel.  From there he went to work for Lance Cookie Co. and in 1963 became employed by the Coca Cola Bottling Co. in Gulfport.  Around 1968 he left the Coca Cola Co. and went to work for Clarence Johnson at Johnson Pipe Co.  That is where he found his niche, underground utility construction, and he was darn good at it too. In 1975 he began  Covington Construction Company that he owned and operated for over 40 years. Working was his main hobby, but he also enjoyed fishing, hunting, horse racing, and grilling. His specialty was grilled chicken breast and no one cook them better than him. His second love behind working was photography.  He was often asked by friends and relatives to take pictures at important functions because he had such a good eye with the camera.  Because of his chosen profession he was a member of the Home Builders Association of the Mississippi Coast and Associated General Contractors of America.   He was also a lifetime member of the Mississippi Wildlife Federation.
Robert is survived by his wife of 35 years Lynn, daughters: Rhonda Schlicher (James) of Batavia IL, Karen Buley (Donny) of Gulfport MS, Deidra Malley (Bryan) of Gulfport  MS, Robin Fithian Spiers of Gulfport  MS, sisters: Miriam "Louise" Floyd of Conroe TX, Carolyn Payne of Florence MS, Deborah Poling of Greensburg PA, brother: Larry Callicutt (Eva) of Nampa ID, Grandchildren: Amanda Crosby, Lindsey Buley, Robert "Austin" Buley, Cynthia Eubanks, Samuel Schlicher, Michael Fithian, Jason Schlicher, Blake Fithian, and Trevor Malley. Great grandchildren Landon Beasley, Carter Eubanks and  Azariah Watson.
He was preceded in death by his father Robert Charlie Covington, mother Grace Ainsworth Stribling, sisters Jo Mathis, Linda Hankins, Charlene Covington, and brother Jimmy Covington.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd., West Jackson County, with a visitation for family and friends beginning at 12:00p.m. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.
Memories may be shared with the family at www.riemannfamily.com.