Robert "Bob" Edsel Sawyer

Robert Edsel “Bob” Sawyer, 82, of Smiths Station, AL passed away, Sunday, November 8, 2015 in the comfort of his home.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 pm EST Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Philadelphia Baptist Church with Rev. John Rigby and Rev. Skip Speed officiating.  Interment with full Military Honors and Masonic Rites will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm EST at Vance Memorial Chapel in Phenix City.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the Bible Boomers Sunday School Class, The Phenix City Shriners and the Masons of Wilson Williams Masonic Lodge.

Mr. Sawyer was born November 25, 1932 in Hickory, VA to the late Walter Sawyer and Dessie V. Overton Sawyer.  Bob was the owner and operator of Sawyers Mobile Home Park in Smiths Station, he served our country during the Korean War, Germany, and served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War and retired as SFC (E-7) from the United States Army with 20 years of service.  He was a member of the Wilson Williams Masonic Lodge 351, a member of the Phenix City Shrine Club, (Alcazar Temple), Lifetime member of the VFW Post 5228, past patron of Wilson Williams Chapter #73 OE’s, Scottish Rite and York Rite Mason, a member of Smiths Station Ruritan Club, served as a past councilman for City of Smiths Station, served as a volunteer with the local voting poles, was a member of the Alabama Good Sam Club, East Alabama Good Timers Chapter, served as a Deacon, and was a longtime member of Philadelphia Baptist Church. He enjoyed singing in the Senior Brothers Love Choir, participated and supported all church activities; enjoyed traveling, the outdoors, and camping.  Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 54 years, Peggy A. Jefferson Sawyer, a son, Jeffrey R. Sawyer, three sisters, Learolean Brickhouse, Lillian Davis, and Marjorie Lee McPherson, and two brothers, Walter E. Sawyer, and William L. Sawyer.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ethel Marie Schaich Sawyer of Smiths Station, AL, daughter, Sherry L. Sawyer Lake and husband Dr. Michael Lake of Phenix City, AL, one sister, Audrey V. Hebert and husband Chuck of Chesapeake, VA, and four brothers, James L. Sawyer of Elizabeth, NC, Gilbert E. Sawyer of Concord, NC, Elton E. Sawyer and wife Judy of Shilow, NC, and Darrell C. Sawyer and wife Lucille of Hertford, NC; (5) grandchildren, Hayden Lake, Logan Lake, Noah Lake, Brandon Sawyer, and Samantha Sawyer, two very special friends, James Thomas, and David McConnell, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and many caring friends.

 The family would like to extend a special thankyou Dr. Gary Dillard for his compassion and care, and to his caregivers, Kim Gary, Wanda Jackson, Juditha Didonate, and Michelle Dimon.  In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to the Philadelphia Baptist Church Building Fund or to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Mr. Bob Sawyer.  Online condolences may be made at www.vancememorialchapel.net