Robert Lockwood Bleakley

Obituary of Robert Bleakley Robert Lockwood Bleakley passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 24, 2016. Bob was born on November 24, 1923 to Sallie Lockwood Bleakley and Ellis Frasier Bleakley in Augusta, SC, the middle of three boys. As a child in Columbia, SC, he was a swimming champion and took up golf which he played regularly into his late 70s. He met his future wife Lillian Doris McLeod Bleakley of Camden, SC, on a blind date. Bob graduated from the University of South Carolina with a business degree and an officer commission through ROTC. He served in the U.S. Navy in both World War II and the Korean Conflict as a navigator on the U.S.S. Mattaponi, which took him to the Middle East and around the world and sparked his interest in star gazing. After the wars, Bob worked for Sears Roebuck Department Store and moved around the South as he was promoted from hardware, to shoes, to personnel manager. He joined the Austin Tobacco Company out of Greenville, TN, which was diversifying its holdings to include tire stores. Bob opened a tire store for the company in Palatka, FL, and then Burlington, NC. He left the tobacco company to start his own company selling tires, batteries and service at City Tire in Leesburg and Crystal River Firestone. He talked both of his sons into joining him in the business, and was later joined by two of his grandsons. He taught them all to be fair and honest with the customers. His loving care for Doris through her lengthy illness in her later years was an inspiration to his family. He enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. In addition to golf, he liked to fish and watch the Carolina Gamecocks play football. After his sons joined his business, he and Doris loved to travel. Bob was the last surviving member of his generation in the Bleakley family. He is survived by his children, Robert, Jr. (Betty), Sarah (Christian Weiss) and McLeod (Paula); five grandchildren, Robert, III, Blake (Meredith), Justin (Veronica), Lillian Shettle (John), Nick, and Blaise (Jen) and six greatgrandchildren, Will, Gus, Maisie, Bleakley, Logan and Charlie McLeod. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris and his grandson Will Bleakley. Visitation and Service Visitation will be held at the Beyers Funeral Home, Leesburg on Thursday, October 27, 2016 from 3:00 - 4:00 pm. Services will follow at 4:00 pm. Memorial Donations For those who wish, donations may be made to Cornerstone Hospice, 2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778.

Robert Lockwood Bleakley

November 24, 1923 - October 24, 2016