Robert A. Rees

Robert A. Rees, 77, of Savannah and husband of Faye Rees, died, Tuesday at Hospice Savannah.

Bob Rees was one of five boys that grew up in rural West Newton, PA. In his teenage years, his family moved to Apopka, FL, where he graduated from high school. He attended Orlando Junior College in Florida and earned an Associate's Degree. He joined the Air Force Reserve and served our country well as a Radio Radar Technician. One of his final stations was at Donaldson Air Force Base in Greenville, SC. It was there that he was introduced to his wife, Faye. He retired from the Air Force, and soon after they married. They started their family with the birth of their eldest daughter, Robin. Bob transferred to the University of Georgia where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Forestry and then his Masters in Science with a focus on Fisheries. During their time living in Athens, another daughter (Diana) was born.
Upon completion of his schooling, he graduated at the top of his class and was immediately offered a position working for the State of Georgia. The family relocated to Savannah, GA where he worked for the Department of Natural Resources: Fisheries Division as a Senior Wildlife Biologist. He helped build the Fisheries program and Hatchery in Richmond Hill, GA where he spent countless hours mastering the art of replenishing Georgia rivers with Striped and Hybrid Bass. During their time in Savannah, their twins (Bobby and Jennifer) were born.
Bob worked tirelessly at the Fish Hatchery, especially during the yearly Striped Bass Season. Although he retired in 2001, his coworkers continue to contact him to share in his priceless knowledge and undeniable fun loving wit.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who jumped at the chance to build amazing woodworking creations for his grandkids such as playhouses, stages for church performances, shadow boxes and Boy Scout memorabilia boxes.
He spent countless volunteer hours with the Boys Scouts, his church and the YMCA. He utilized his expert carpentry knowledge to head the building committee for the new education building at White Bluff Presbyterian Church. He helped lead countless outdoor merit badges for Scouts, he lead amazingly detailed hikes in which he could identify countless flora and fauna due to his years in forestry school.
Bob volunteered on the board with the local YMCA. He loved dressing up as Santa each year and visiting children and the elderly to bring them gifts and good cheer. Due to a genetic liver disease, he received a liver transplant in 2005 at Emory in Atlanta. Following his transplant, he returned every year to the transplant floor at Emory. He played Santa in order to share some joy with the patients and family members currently receiving care.
His family and God were his most constants in life. His love and admiration for his wife, Faye, was unquantifiable. Throughout his life, his faith and service grew exponentially....as well as his affinity for telling a "funny" joke. Bob loved to cut up with friends, family and strangers. His humor brought joy to countless people.
Bob's legacy will live on through the lessons and character he has helped instill in his children and his four grandchildren: Kylee, Rees, Haley & Dora. We know he has pleased the Lord and is rejoicing with him now with a new unburdened body in heaven.

The family will receive friends from 5 pm until 7 pm, Friday, November 11, at Baker McCullough Funeral Home - Hubert C. Baker Chapel, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 am, Saturday, November 12, at White Bluff Presbyterian Church, 10710 White Bluff Road, Savannah, conducted by the Reverend Eric Beene.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:Georgia Transplant Foundation
or White Bluff Presbyterian Church
or Hospice Savannah