Robert Earl "Bob" Lynch passed from this earth 24 November 2023 at the age of 96. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Bob had called St Simons Island, Georgia home for the past 31 years. One of the 'greatest generation', Bob joined the Navy at 17 training as a bombardier to be a part of the World War II defense of our nation. With assistance from the VA bill to achieve his dream of a college education he chose Auburn University, then known as Alabama Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 1949 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Bob's career began in a rural part of Tennessee with the Tennessee Copper Company. Employed by the engineering department, his life long interest in trains and transportation of goods began. While with the TCC he was involved in writing National safety standards for the nations tank car industry.

Bob met his lifelong partner while at Auburn and married Annie Laura Smoke in 1951. A marriage that lasted 69 years. They had their three children while living in

Copperhill, TN, Melanie, Bob Jr and Sean.

Bob made a career change in 1966 and took a job with United Tank Car (UTLX). This began his career in tank car sales and manufacturing which took him from

Copperhill, TN to Houston, TX to Naperville, IL where he finished his career as Vice President of Sales for General American Tank Car (GATX) headquartered in Chicago. A self made man who lived the American dream, Bob achieved his goals through hard work and dedication to the tasks at hand.

An entertainer at heart Bob could always be found telling his "stories", commenting on the state of affairs locally and nationally, supporting local businesses, charities, artistic productions and of course playing golf. An avid golfer, Bob traveled the world in pursuit of his game making a myriad friends along the way. A meticulous keeper of records, Bob recorded that he had scored his age over 500 times. Bob loved living on St Simons Island and enjoyed close relationships in all walks of life, often commenting on the blessing of the friends he had made. .

Bob who dearly loved his family was preceded in death by his Mother Athol Hardigree Lynch, father Joseph Emery Lynch and his wife Annie Smoke Lynch. He leaves behind his three children Melanie Lynch Alexander (Don), Bob Lynch Jr (Anne), Sean Kevin Lynch (Chris), grandchildren Stacey Alexander Downs (Todd), Don Alexander Jr (Callie), Gregory Ryan Lynch, Matthew Thomas Lynch, Kevin Matthew Lynch and Kaitlin Rose Lynch. Great grandchildren (who called Bob 'Old Grandaddy' are Emmaline Ann Downs, Thomas Emory Downs, Rowen Wayne Alexander, Georgia June Alexander and special friend Janice Matte.

A celebration of life will be held on St Simons early in 2024 as in his words "Gather up eat drink and be merry and tell lies about old Bob."

Memorials can be made to Hospice or the Land Trust of Golden Isles.

Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.