Robert Nelson Epperson

Robert Nelson Epperson, Jr. was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the elder son of Bessie Tibbs Epperson and Robert N. Epperson, Sr. Bob, as he was affectionately known, grew up in Donora, Pennsylvania. He attended the Donora Public Schools and graduated in 1951 from Donora High School (now Ringgold High School). As a youngster in Donora, he was a very active and faithful member of the First Baptist Church, singing in the Junior Choir, attending Bible Study and serving on the Junior Usher Board. Bob was an enthusiastic Boy Scout. He achieved the rank of Life Scout, received the God and Country Award and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. Bob was also involved in sports and became an Amateur Boxer. In 1952, he enlisted in the United Sates Navy. He became the All-Navy Middleweight Boxing Champion. After serving in the military, he was awarded a scholarship to Michigan State University. While at MSU he became the NCAA Middleweight Boxing Champ. He graduated from MSU in 1960, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He also served on the MSU Alumni Board of Directors and was a Past President of the Baltimore Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association. Moving to Baltimore, he obtained employment with the Veterans Administration in Washington, DC as a Quality Control Specialist and Policy Analyst. He married Sarah F. Marshall on November 6, 1981, and was the stepfather of Karen M. Marshall and Monica C. Marshall. He was known by all of his friends as "Mr. Fantastic". He enjoyed reading, debating current affairs, and watching televised sports broadcasts. He was an active member of Toast Masters, as well as a member of the Williamsburg Community Association. He was an active member of Providence Baptist Church and belonged to numerous ministries such as Men's Fellowship, Senior Ushers, Boy Scouts, V. A. R., Scholarship Committee, Expansion Finance Committee, In Between Sunday School Class, Personnel Committee, Securities Foundation Committee, and was on the board of the Adult Day Care Center. Bob made numerous friends wherever he went and will be truly missed by all who knew him. He leaves to mourn: his wife, Sarah; two stepdaughters, Karen and Monica; one brother, David; sister-in-law, Cecilia; two nieces, Sharon and Lia; two nephews, Chris and Ben; one great nephew, Dylan; a loving godmother, Cathryn Stepney; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Robert Nelson Epperson

July 1, 1932 - March 27, 2005