Robert Lowrey (Bob) Haynie's Obituary
Robert Lowrey (Bob) Haynie passed away on July 9, 2023, at the age of 83. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee on December 15, 1939, to H. Lowrey and Willise Haynie. He spent his formative years in Jackson, Tennessee graduating from Jackson High School in 1957. Playing clarinet in the band, alongside his brother who played the French horn, was a favorite activity. His high school class remained close and Bob enjoyed returning to Jackson regularly for reunions and gatherings. Bob went on to complete degrees at both Union University and Mississippi State University. He built a career as a Civil Engineer and enjoyed his work for close to six decades. He served in the National Guard and put his engineering skills to work in combat logistics training. He married his high school sweetheart, Becky Maness Haynie, and they raised two children, Vivian and Mark. Every summer included a trip to the beach with the McLeod family, and Bob could always be found standing at the shore soaking in the beauty of the majestic ocean. In his free time, Bob enjoyed competing in triathlons. He was always up for a challenge. One summer after Vivian had completed a lifeguard certification class and was lamenting the difficulty of the course, Bob decided that he too would take that course. Clearly the oldest in class full of teenagers, he was quite proud of himself upon completion.
After the death of his son, Bob began writing poetry as a way to process his grief. He was prolific in his writing and used his poetry over the years to encourage others. After Becky passed away, Bob was determined to find joy and fulfillment as a widower. He continued writing poetry and pursued new interests as well. He became very active in the ballroom dancing community and also enjoyed tai chi. A little rusty on the clarinet, he ordered a didgeridoo online and had fun learning and playing a simpler wind instrument. Bob adored his two grandchildren Caroline and Marshall. He had a front row seat to every elementary school musical, spelling bee, and awards ceremony. He could also be found on the sidelines of every soccer game, basketball game, and track meet. He found no better way to spend his time than loving and supporting his family. Bob had the gift of encouragement. Over the years, countless lives were touched by his phone calls, handwritten letters, birthday cards, hospital visits and prayers.
Bob had an unwavering faith. In the face of difficulty and suffering, he always found solace in prayer, hymns, and scripture reading. He began using his mother's well-worn Bible after her passing. As the years went by, the binding was worn and the pages were falling out, but he still sought refuge in the beloved verses contained in those worn pages. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. Over the course of his life, he served the Church in numerous leadership roles and loved singing in the choir.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his adored wife, and his beloved son. He is survived by his daughter, Vivian Jones and her husband Ken, his precious grandchildren, Caroline and Marshall Jones, and his brother Jerry Haynie and Jerry's wife Connie. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews as well as an extended family full of cousins with whom he was very close.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Trinity Baptist Church, 8899 Trinity Road, Cordova, TN starting at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, MIFA, Union University, or a charity of the donor's choosing.
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