Robert Stewart Harpe

Robert S. Harpe, 78, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend and mentor to many, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 17, 2024, after battling serious health issues with the same faith, kindness, and gentle humor that characterized his life.

Robert, or Bob as many of his friends knew him, was born in Milledgeville, Georgia to Robert and Mary Lane Harpe. He was raised a country boy, and later, while a student at Georgia Military College, he met Phyllis, the love of his life. After a (very) short courtship, they married on January 8, 1966 and spent 54 ½ faithful years together following through on their vows to love and honor each other in the good times and bad, for richer or poorer, thru long-term sickness and in health. Together they raised three children (Emily, Daniel, and Carol) and helped raise three grandchildren (Quinn, Tyler, and Rose) bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. They played an extra special role in helping to raise their grandson Quinn and, in turn, it was Quinn’s greatest pleasure to look after them as they got older and the roles were reversed. Robert was a great father and daddy who led by example and worked hard to provide not only for his children’s needs but for their wants as well. Robert worked for Southern Bell as a cable repairman for 34 ½ years and was a legend in his own time. He was known for his rock-solid work ethic and his ability to repair the biggest of troubles to keep Savannah phone lines open before the dawn of mobile phones. After retiring, he devoted more time to his hobbies. He enjoyed riding his antique John Deere tractor in local parades, but his passion and his artistry was shown through his love of model trains. He was a master at his craft and a giant in the model railroad community. He was highly regarded as one of the best, if not the best, model railroader in the country. He was also a friend and mentor to many and was known by everyone as a man with integrity and the epitome of a true southern gentleman. Above all, his love and reverence for the Lord was a constant theme in his life and his walk served as a testimony to his family and his friends. Aside from his hobbies, he was affectionately known as the lawn ranger and maintained the grounds at Hope Baptist Church for nearly two decades, along with his grandson, and best buddy, Quinn and his friend Reuben Jenkins. Together, they worked hard to keep the grounds in tip-top shape and a beautiful site to see for all who passed by. He was also a faithful church member, a deacon, and the church treasurer.

Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife Phyllis and leaves behind his children, grandchildren, extended family, and countless friends to cherish his memory until they are reunited again.

Visitation will be at 10am, on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Hodgson Memorial Chapel in Savanah, Georgia with the funeral service to follow at 11am. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in the appropriately named Garden of Faith section. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on the Hope Baptist Church website: https://www.facebook.com/hopebaptist.savannah

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial gifts be sent to Hope Baptist Church 11100 White Bluff Road, Savannah, GA 31419.