Bob died Sept. 21, 2014, at the age of 81.
Bob was born in Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 12, 1932, to Anne Tucker and R.S. Towers. At Princeton, he majored in economics, and his senior thesis was titled “The Negro as an Economic Asset to the South.” A member of Tower Club, he roomed at 212 Cuyler Hall with R.D. Woolverton and J.C. Vickery.
After graduation, Bob received an MBA from Emory University and served seven years in the Army followed by seven years in the Navy. His business career began with the Towers Hardware Co., where he was president until 1979. He went on to become a business consultant, retiring in 1998.
Active in community affairs, Bob set the Jacksonville-area record for the most designations as “past president,” and was most proud of his senior active membership in the downtown Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. He enjoyed jogging, antique automobiles, and his affiliation with the Democratic Party. He was well read, thoughtful, and inspired by special causes.
Bob is survived by Catherine, his wife of 36 years; sister Anne; stepson Matt; sons Robby, Randy, and Charlie; 11 grandchildren; four daughters-in-law; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.