Birkhead, Robert Norman Jr.,79, passed away in Louisville surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 6 p.m. He was born on August 30, 1937 in Louisville, Kentucky to Robert Norman, Sr. and Annie Mae (Meadows) Birkhead. He graduated from Louisville Male High School in 1955 and went to college at Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky where he played basketball and made lifelong friends.On January 1, 1960, he married Mary Helen Sharber. They had one son and three daughters. Bob began his career working with his father at Birkhead Heating and Air, and later owned and operated the business until he retired. He also was a respected residential homebuilder for many years. Anybody who knows Bob knows his love for golf, hunting and basketball, but mostly golf. Bob was a member of South Park Country Club and he and Mary spent much of their spare time in recent years at their golf resort home in The Villages in central Florida. Most of all, Bob was known for his affable personality and keen sense of humor. He was a fun and encouraging friend and a loving grandfather who enjoyed attending the activities of his nine grand children—whether it was a high school or University of Louisville basketball game, a school play, or grandparents day, he was always there. He is survived by his extraordinary wife of 57 years, Mary; son, Robert Norman, III, daughters, Rhonda (David) Levitch, Tonya, (Matthew) Chalfant; nine grandchildren, Robert Norman Birkhead, IV (Jordan), Daniel Birkhead, Camille Birkhead, David Levitch, Jax Levitch, Conner Chalfant, Brooklyn Chalfant, Gazelle Chalfant, Chinara Chalfant; sisters, Mary Ruark, Judy Birkhead, Sherry Toledo. His daughter Sheila preceded him in death in 1990. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 26 at 11 a.m. at Southeast Christian Church, 920 Blankenbaker Parkway, Louisville, with the Rev. Bob Russell officiating. The family will greet friends today, Tuesday April 25, from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home at 7410 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40222.If you needed encouragement, a golf tip, a game score or a good laugh, you could always count on Bob Birkhead. Please visit www.archlheadywestport.com to leave a condolence for the family