MARIETTA & MADISON COUNTY- Robert “Bob” Eberhardt, 79, passed on Thursday, June 11, 2015, following a short rehabilitation stay.
Bob was born April 9, 1936, in Athens, the only child of Robert, Jr. and Elizabeth Eberhardt. He grew up in Comer and was never far from his deep Madison County roots. Bob graduated from Comer High in 1954, one of 18 graduates that year. He remained close to his classmates until his death. After high school, he spent a year at Darlington Prep before attending the University of Georgia. Bob graduated from his beloved University of Georgia in 1960 with a BBA. He was a proud member of the SAE Fraternity while attending UGA.
After college, Bob started graduate studies and taught a couple of undergraduate business classes. Soon thereafter, Bob joined the business world where he worked in insurance and as an owner of several businesses. He also enlisted in and served as a Reservist in the U.S. Coast Guard.
During his lifetime, Bob was an avid outdoorsmen and hunter. Some of his best memories came from hunting and fishing trips with his close friends. Bob loved Georgia football and was a season ticketholder for as long as he was able to physically attend the games. Bob was a Freemason who followed the Masonic principles of charity, benevolence, and reverence for God. He loved his family greatly. He always supported their lives and would show up at unexpected, but important, moments to show his support.
Mr. Eberhardt was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Natalie, and both his parents.
Survivors include sons, Eric Eberhardt (Deena), Watkinsville, and Mark Eberhardt, Colbert; two grandchildren, Madison and Meaghan Elizabeth Eberhardt (daughters of Eric); a sister-in-law, Karen Back, Weyland, Mass.; an aunt, Dorothy Denny Barrow, Wrens; four cousins, Ann English, Panama City, Fla., Mary Carter Detts, Augusta, Denny Barrow, Louisville, and Tommy Barrow, Stapelton; and a special friend for the later years of his life, Charlotte Guest, Marietta.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 22, at Bridges Funeral Home. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Bridges Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, Mr. Eberhardt’s life may be remembered and embraced by memorials to State of Georgia Wildlife Fund, www.georgiawildlife.com.
Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
www.bridgesfuneral.com