Robert (Bob) Edward Heape, Jr.

Robert (Bob) Edward Heape Jr, 81, of Savannah, Georgia passed away in the comfort of his own home on Monday, February 10, 2020. He is now reunited in Heaven with his parents Robert Edward Heape Sr. and Marie Heape.

Bob was born on October 10, 1938 in Walterboro, South Carolina. He lived most of his childhood on Brays Island Plantation in Yemassee, South Carolina. After graduating high school, he attended Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina (later renamed Clemson University). He was a proud member of the ROTC and Company C-4 Pershing Rifles. He graduated on June 5, 1960 with his Civil Engineering degree. While attending Clemson he met the love of his life, Dot, and they were married on June 19, 1960. Bob then honorably served in the United States Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for two years. He achieved the rank of First Lieutenant in the 921st Engineer Group. In addition, he later reached the rank of Captain in the United States Army Reserves. After discharge from active duty, he worked for a few years as an engineer in research and development at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In 1965, Bob and Dot moved to Savannah, Georgia and he began his lifetime career with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. After many years of service, he retired from the Corps in 1994 as the Chief of the Flood Plain Management Division.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved spending time with Dot more than anything else. As a man of great faith, Bob served Christ Jesus, his Lord and Savior, in many capacities as a dedicated member of Windsor Forest Baptist Church. His greatest ministry was using his tenor voice. Throughout his life, he shared God’s message through his singing. As an engineer, Bob enjoyed building and repairing things. There was nothing he could not make new. His favorite hobby was woodworking and furniture repair. Another treasured pass time was traveling and camping with his extended family. Bob also enjoyed attending and watching the Clemson Tigers play football.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Dorothy (Dot) Byrd Heape; children, David Edward Heape, MD and his wife Lisa, Mark Anthony Heape and his wife Beth (PharmD), Karen Leann Heape, and Stephen Earl Heape, PharmD and his wife Kerry; brother, Charles Heape and his wife Pat; sister Alice Wyatt; and grandchildren, Rachael Heape and her fiancé Neal Sopcic (daughter of Mark and Beth), Brian Heape and Kristin Heape (children of David and Lisa), and Mallory Heape, Brenna Heape, and Natalie Heape (daughters of Stephen and Kerry).

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Hubert C. Baker Chapel (7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31406, 912-927-1999). Family will greet friends from 11:00 am until the time of the Memorial Service at 1:00 pm. Burial with military honors will be on Friday, February 14, 2020 at 12:00 pm at Beaufort National Cemetery on U.S. Highway 21 South (Boundary Street) in Beaufort, South Carolina. Dr. Jim Staubes will officiate the funeral service and Chaplain Charlie Tyler will officiate the burial service.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation ( www.parkinson.org ), 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, Florida 33131.