BYRNES, Robert F. "Bob," 89, passed away November 4, 2006. He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine; son, Bobby and two brothers, Jim and Bill. He is survived by his daughter, Margie Lee and husband, Richard; three grand-daughters, Robyn Mason and husband, Shane, Ronda Moon and husband, Aaron, and Rachel Castillo. Lovingly called "Ga-Ga," he is also survived by his five great-grandchildren, Zach and Zane Mason, Jordan Castillo, and Cheyenne and Savannah Moon; special nephews, Bernie Livingston and Steve Benke. He served on the U.S. Shaw from 1940-1943 and was a licensed stationary and marine engineer serving as the chief Navy inspector at the Tampa Shipbuilding Co. during World War II. He was employed as an interviewer with the Federal prison system and the U.S. Post Office while attending college. He graduated from the University of Tampa in 1953, and received his Masters degree from Western Kentucky University in 1967. In 1956, he ran for the State Legislature on the Republican ticket. He was instrumental in founding the Lake Magdalene-Forest Hills Civic Association; also past president of the Republican Club; past president of the Civitan Club; director of the MS Association; past chairman and five-year award recipient of the Red Cross; member of the NEA, American Legion, Disabled Veterans, Moose Club, and Kappa Sigma Kappa. He authored two books, Practical Book for Machinists-Engineers and the Life of Albert Schweitzer. From 1957-1967, he was a history school teacher and golf coach at Chamberlain High School, winning the state title in 1958, and two second places in 1964-1966. From 1967-1974, he was the coordinator of counselors and public relations at Tampa Bay Technical High School. In 1975, he was selected to coach the University of Tampa golf team. In addition to his teaching activities, he was a licensed private investigator d/b/a Byrnes Detective Agency and conducted a licensed marriage counseling business. He was a featured guest speaker at the University of South Florida on many occasions. He wished to acknowledge his longtime close friend, Rita Darling, for the many good times they shared and for witnessing his life; special thanks, love, and gratitude to Christine, Jessica, and Micheline who surrounded him with love, comfort, and special care. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, November 8, 2006, at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 3207 West Bearss Ave., Tampa. Private graveside service are at 11 a.m., Thursday, November 9, 2006, at Lake Carroll Cemetery . An online guestbook can be found at www.bloutcurry.com
BLOUNT & CURRY FUNERAL HOME
CARROLLWOOD CHAPEL
(813) 968-2231
www.blountcurry.com
OBITUARIES Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - November 7, 2006