Master Sargeant (U.S. Airforce Ret.) Robert Matthew Covington entered eternal rest on Thursday, November 30, 2023 in the comfort of his residence surrounded by his loving family. "Cov" as he is affectionately known was born on September 1, 1964 in Jefferson County, Kentucky, fostered and adopted by his parents the late Joe and Anna Covington.

Robert, "Cov" graduated in 1982 from Shawnee High School, Louisville, KY and participated in JROTC. Attended Louisville Technical Institute receiving an Associate's degree in Mechanical Drafting in 1983. Upon graduation He enlisted in the United States Airforce, serving faithfully in the armed forces as a Jet Propulsion Engine Mechanic. His first duty station was Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. He came back to the United States and was sent to Dover AFB in Delaware where he met his loving wife who was also a jet engine mechanic in the Air Force. He volunteered for a special assignment taking them to Kelly AFB, San Antonio, TX, next was Shaw AFB, then he was deployed one year unaccompanied to Kunsan, Korea and lastly to Langley AFB, retiring in Hampton, Virginia where he and his family settled in 2004. During his 20 years of military service he served with special duties as First Sargeant and with the Honor Guard.

In addition to his Military service, he worked in Car sales and a Call Center for a short period of time. Then he and Deborah both became employed at Fort Eustis Army Base working for the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC). When the contract moved out of state, he launched his own business, for which he is well known for serving many in the community as Pictureman Productions, and later changed the name to "Studio Cov". He started working for Huntington Ingalls Mission Technology January 2014 as a dedicated and dependable Material Handler, then progressively advanced to Assistant Facility Security Officer (FSO), Company Mail Courier and his last position as a Facilities Manager in which he served tirelessly even through his illness.

Cov never met a stranger and was a people person who would help anyone unselfishly. His many talents include Auto Mechanic, Handyman, and Home Interior Decorator, but his passion was photography, videography and live capture of stage productions and special events.  He loved using these gifts to be a blessing to countless people and organizations. Among them was the television show Grown Folks Dancing, for which he did video production from 2011- 2018. He was always positive. He saw nothing but good in everyone. Being the best Christian, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, co-worker he could be. He loved turning a frown upside down with his sense of humor and making memories through his camera lens to create happy lasting memories forever. He loved children and children loved him.

Some of the things he always said were "Don't call me sir, I work for a living"; "There are no goodbyes, I'll see you later"; "Peace Out"; "I believe in reciprocity"; "There are no bad days, only good days, and better days"; "Later...."; "It's all Good."

Cov is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Aline Lafaine Green; and brothers-in-law, Ronald Baker and Larry Jackson.  He leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted and loving wife of 35 years, Deborah; sons, Matthew (Marrissa), and Michael; grandsons, Malakai- Elijah-Riley and Julian Michael; his siblings, Janet Baker, Carmelita Jackson, Jeannie Covington, Jeffrey Covington, Westley Covington (Robbienai), Faith Pridgen (Charles), Rickie Covington, and Kelly Brown (Steven); surviving aunts, Sue Ellis, Mintie Thompson, and Fannie Covington; 18 nieces and nephews, 34 great nieces & nephews, 5 great great nieces & nephews. In New Jersey, his father-in-law, Robert Green (Betty); sisters-in-law, Robin Green-Mims; James Mims (nephew) and Sandra Green; and special like a mother and father from South Carolina, Frankie and Frederick Brown; dear friend and sister in Christ, Michelle Charity; and a host of other family, friends, clients and co-workers who loved him dearly.

Special Thanks to the doctors and nursing staff of Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, Virginia Oncology Associates, Sentara Radiology, and Personal-Touch Hospice Care. Thank you to Pastors John Young and Rene Manago and the entire Empowered Believers family for covering our family in their continuous prayers and encouragement.

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday, December 15, 2023 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.  A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.