Robert Fred Foster, 90, of Cleveland, N.C., died on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Rosewood Assisted Living in Harmony, N.C. A native of Rowan County, he was the son of the late Robert Reid Foster and Artie Norine Snider Foster.

He was a member of South River Church in Woodleaf and retired from Kosa (Fiber Industries). He was a farmer and helped his brother with farming duties around the farm after he got off from work. He also was an avid hunter, particularly when it came to birds. He loved to hunt pheasant, quail and dove and also loved training bird dogs.

He was a family man and was devoted to his wife, Mary Jeanette Smoot Foster, whom he married on July 2, 1955. She preceded him in death on April 17, 2013. He was also devoted to his daughter, Debbie Lentz.

In addition to his parents and wife, Fred was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald “Buddy” Foster; his sister and brother-in-law, Frances and James Cline Gaither; and his son-in-law, David Lentz.

He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Lentz of Cleveland; a sister-in-law, Shelbia Jean Cartner Foster of Cleveland; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 6 until 7:30 p.m. at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville. A funeral service celebrating Fred’s life will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at South River Church in Woodleaf. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the South River Church Cemetery Fund, 2880 South River Church Road in Woodleaf, NC 27054.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home of Statesville is honored to be entrusted with the care of Robert Fred Foster and his family.