Robert L. "Bob" Nifong

Robert Lee Nifong, also known as Bob, passed away on November 24, 2023, at the age of 92 in Girard, Illinois. Born on May 18, 1931, in Springfield, Illinois, Bob was a long-standing member and respected figure in his community.

Bob had a strong personality and loved engaging in conversations with people. He had a passion for storytelling, especially when he delivered fuel to his cherished customers.

In his career, Bob was actively involved in the transportation and sales industries for the railroad and trucking sectors for 20 years. In 1975, he purchased Nifong Fuel and Supply, serving the rural area by delivering to gas stations and local farmers.  Bob also worked as a building manager for the state of Illinois.  He worked both jobs keeping the fuel business going in the lean years. Bob took early retirement from the State and continued working at Nifong Fuel and Supply until his retirement in 2004.  After his retirement, he was able to enjoy living in Florida for several months of the year, taking trips, and meeting the people of his community.

Bob's interests extended beyond his professional life. He actively participated in numerous clubs and groups, holding various offices throughout the years. He was a member of the Advanced Traffic Club in Chicago, the Chicago International Trade Club, and the Foreign Freight Agents. Bob was also involved in various Traffic Clubs in Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. In Indianapolis, he served on the Junior Chamber of Commerce, was the President of the Neighborhood Association, and acted as a leader for the Boy Scouts. Furthermore, he coached football and little league and was a president of the Palmyra Business Association, and member of the Lions Club. Bob was a member of the Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity and the Kappa Sigma National Fraternity.

Bob's educational background included graduating from Greenfield High School in 1949 and obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Business from Murray State in 1954.

Bob is survived by his five children: Nancy (Chris) Schroeder of Edwardsville, Chris (Heather) Nifong of Springfield, Tricia (Dan Toner) Tilton of Naperville, Valerie Patterson of Williamsville, and Vicky Jackson of Palmyra. 13 Grandchildren, and 1 Great grandchild with one on the way. Multiple nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Kenneth L. Nifong, his mother Vera Hicks Nifong Hall, Virginia (Ruth) Thornton, sister Wanda Kay, and brother Melvin.

Family and friends are invited to attend the services in memory of Bob at the Stults-Neece Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, Illinois, on December 2, 2023. Visitation will be held from 9-11am, followed by the service at 11am. Burial will take place at Oakhill Cemetery in Palmyra.

The Shields-Bishop funeral home in Greenfield, Illinois, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Bob will be dearly missed by all who knew him, and his legacy will be remembered through his dedication to his children, his one-of-a-kind personality, and his numerous accomplishments throughout his life.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude for the dedication of his caregivers in helping him stay at home for as long as he was able. We would also like to thank Pleasant Dale Place for their dedication and care for Dad for the last six months. Their care was irreplaceable.

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