Robert Alan Nobles

Robert Alan Nobles, age 76, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, went to be with his Heavenly Father on December 24, 2025.

Born in Robeson County on January 28, 1949, and raised in Hope Mills, North Carolina, he was the son of the late C.L. and Margaret Nobles, and the grandson of the late Columbus and Elizabeth Nobles and the late Reginald and Julia Adkins. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Jean Pritchett and Joyce Hodges.

Alan graduated from Hope Mills High School in 1967, where he served as Senior Class President. He went on to attend Elon College, where he played football.

In 1969, Alan joined the Fayetteville Fire Department, rising through the ranks from Firefighter to Fire Marshal and Training Officer, and ultimately retiring as Assistant Chief in 2000 after 31 years of dedicated service. Following his retirement, he continued serving the community as Fire Chief of the Westarea Fire Department.

Alan also proudly served in the North Carolina Army National Guard, joining in 1970. During his 38-year military career, he performed a wide range of duties, from artillery service to training noncommissioned officers in map-reading skills. He retired in 2009 with the rank of Master Sergeant.

Throughout his professional life, Alan was wholly committed to serving his community, always putting the needs of others before his own.

In his personal life, Alan deeply loved his wife, Martha, and his grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He was a devoted father and shared a close bond with his sisters Judy, Jean, and Joyce.

Alan was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, where he was actively involved for many years as a Deacon and as chair of several committees, including the Buildings and Grounds Committee. He devoted countless hours working with others to maintain and beautify the church he loved.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Martha Nobles; his children, Jeffrey Nobles and wife Jennifer Nobles, and Sarah MacDonald and husband Paul MacDonald; his grandchildren, Maggie Nobles, Emma Nobles, Ethan Nobles, and Claire MacDonald; his sister, Julia (Judy) Faulkner of Hope Mills; his brothers-in-law, Michael Hodges of Clayton and Don Harris of Warsaw and sister-in-law, Jane Melvin of Fayetteville.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Pruitt Health Hospice, as well as caregivers Amanda Reed and Amy Kamara, for their exceptional care. They also thank everyone for the prayers, visits, phone calls, food, love, and support shared during the past weeks and months. Alan will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Firefighters Benevolent Fund. 632 Langdon St., Fayetteville, NC 28301, Paypal: FFDBenevolentFund@gmail.com.