Robert Oleece Delley was born on December 20, 1947, in Hearne, Texas, to the late Robert Lee and Marjorie P. Delley. Raised on the Sadberry farm in Benchley, Texas, Robert attended local schools and embraced his faith early in life, accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. His maternal grandmother, Lillie Sadberry, with whom he lived, recognized his spiritual calling from a young age.

After graduating from Blackshear High School in Hearne, Texas, in 1965, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served honorably. Following his military service, he built a career in air traffic control and worked in information technology at several computer companies.

Robert's sense of duty led him back to the military, where he joined the Army National Guard as a paratrooper. He later transitioned to the Army Reserve, commanding the 808th Engineering Company (pipeline - construction support) during the Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm). He retired with the rank of Major, a testament to his dedication and leadership.

Robert first married Linda Flowers, and together they welcomed their son, Derek, whom he loved and adored. In 1982, he married Nadean Jackson, becoming a loving father to her three children: Tongela, Marcus, and Adilisha. Together, Robert and Nadean were blessed with their daughter, Tabitha.

While stationed at Fort Belvoir Army Base in Virginia in 1982, Robert accepted his calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He pursued seminary studies at Houston Bible Institute and was ordained by the late Pastor Will Simon Jr. In 1993, he was installed as Assistant Pastor at Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where he faithfully served under Pastor Simon's mentorship.

Having a love for computers and gadgets, he enrolled at the Microcomputer Technology Institute, in Friendswood, TX where he earned an Associate Degree in Computer Systems Technology in 1994.

After the passing of Pastor Will Simon Jr., Robert was elected and installed as Pastor of Faith Missionary Baptist Church on October 29, 2000. For nearly 24 years, he led the congregation with grace, dedication, and an unwavering passion for service.

On October 1, 2024, Robert answered the call of God and entered into eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of faith and service. He was preceded in death by his parents, many beloved aunts and uncles, his grandson Christian Keaton, and his great-grandchild Shiloh Gray.

Robert leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 42 years, Nadean; his five children: Tongela (Derrick), Derek, Marcus, Adilisha (Max), and Tabitha; his grandchildren: Dante' (Jasmine), Marcus, Ariana, Akira, Anaya, Amariah, and Alijah; and his beloved great-grandchildren: Sean and Shai. He is also survived by his aunt, Ella Mae Nunn, his uncle, Heslip Riley Sadberry, sisters in law: Patricia Jackson, Theresa Stewart (George), Janice Jones, and Cheryl Jones,  brothers in law: Oliver Jones (Evelyn) and Ted Jones (Ola); along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, God children, and dear friends.

Pastor Robert Oleece Delley lived a life of profound service, faith, and love. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those fortunate to know him. He will be deeply missed.

Psalm 116:15: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."