Robert "Bob" Gerald Gomillion

Robert “Bob” Gerald Gomillion, 96, of Watkinsville, GA, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Born on February 19, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan, he was the son of the late Clydie Mae Cross Gomillion and Bascal Bleet Gomillion. As a young child, the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where Bob met the love of his life, Janis Scherer, at West Technical High School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 and served in Germany during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge and return to the United States, he and Janis were married on June 27, 1953. Together they raised two daughters in Garfield Heights, Ohio. Bob had started working for Lester Industries, an aluminum die casting company, as a floor sweeper while in high school and returned to work there after he was discharged. He operated the furnaces and completed an apprenticeship to become a tool and die maker/die cast engineer. When the company expanded their operations, Bob became the plant manager of the new facility in Rome, GA. After their daughters completed school, were married, and starting their new lives, Bob and Jan started a new chapter of their own that included European travel. Bob retired in 1995, and they moved to Watkinsville, GA. Traveling, gardening with Janis, and playing golf with his buddies were big parts of his retirement. He also enjoyed the role of being a grandfather, passing along knowledge to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren such as a proper handshake, riding a bike, and the art of gin rummy. After Janis was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Bob dedicated his life to being her primary caregiver for 12 years, up until the last 3 months of her life. Two years later he moved to Highland Hills Village where he made new friends and continued to enjoy living while participating in regular exercise classes, Bingo, Bunco, Cornhole, and sitting outside in the sunshine. In addition to his parents and beloved wife of 68 years, Bob was preceded in death by his brother Bascal G. Gomillion. Survivors include daughters, Roberta Bacastow (David), Gail Chasteen (Tom); two granddaughters and one grandson; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 2535 Jefferson RD, Athens, GA 30607. A private interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a veteran’s charity of one’s choosing.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com