Robert Chatham

“It’s my birthday!”

Pictured is a very happy man with a “It’s my birthday!” button on his shirt! The big grin belongs to a long-time Seadrift resident whose birthday brings him up to the BIG 80!

Family and friends came to a local Seadrift restaurant to celebrate Robert Chatham’s big day! Robert was born April 30, 1944, in El Paso and came with his family to Seadrift when he was in the 4th grade. For 44 years he ran offshore crew and supply boats to drilling rigs. He became a licensed caregiver and cared for his wife Margaret for five years before she passed. Margaret, whose maiden name was DeHart, was from Morgan City, Louisiana. Robert and Margaret met while they were both working for the Red Cross after Hurricane Hilda. Margaret later served as Seadrift’s Municipal Judge/Justice of the Peace for fourteen years. Robert and Margaret had been married for 49 years.

Robert cared for Jack Mayfield for nine years before he passed a year ago. Currently he works for the Mayfield family.

Robert entered the legendary Water Safari canoe race four times. Twice he finished second place. Once he was unable to finish the race due to his canoe breaking in half! In 1976 Robert and Butch Hodges finished first, breaking a record with a time of 37 hours and 18 minutes!

By the way, this year’s Water Safari starts on the 8th of June and finishes on Wednesday the 12th.
Robert commented about his life by saying, “The reason I’m still here and still working is by the grace of God! I’m so happy that I’m part of God’s family and it’s all because of Him.”

Robert and Margaret had four children: Glenda (Paul) Gonzales, Bubba (Cathy) Chatham, Missy (Dennis) Wiles, and Robbie Chatham. They have 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

We wish Robert God’s Best as he enjoys his 80th year of living!