Robert "Bob" Stewart Willoughby

Robert (Bob) Stewart Willoughby of Athens, Georgia died on September 1, 2024 after a valiant battle with dementia and aphasia. He was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on October 29, 1935 to Robert Stewart and Margaret Baird Adams Willoughby. His parents preceded him in death along with his sister, Edna. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of 65 years along with sons, Stephen (Laura) of Allen, Texas, John (Todd) of San Francisco, California, and Ian (Tracy) of Atlanta, Georgia along with grandchildren, Colin (Katherine), Knox, Grace, and Katherine.

Bob attended Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada where he received a degree in Chemical Engineering and later returned to Queen’s and received a Master in Business Administration.

Bob’s career started in Montreal, Quebec and it took him to various places in the U.S. and Canada including Ontario, Quebec, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Ohio. Bob’s last assignment was in the United Kingdom. Bob traveled throughout the world for his career as well as with Shirley for enjoyment. Bob and Shirley made their home in Georgia for the past twenty years where he pursued his passion for golf living at the Georgia Club. 

Bob was an active volunteer with the Barrow County Cooperative Benevolence Ministry’s monthly food distribution program. This program was designed to help get food to needy families in Barrow County. Bob served on the BCCBM’s Board of Directors for nine years and for 10 years Bob was the person who regularly collected food times from various collection sites throughout the country and delivered them to the food pantry. 

A Requiem Eucharist to celebrate Bob’s life will be held Tuesday, September 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Emanuel Episcopal Church 498 Prince Avenue Athens, GA with a reception following at the church. Bob had a strong passion for sports, especially golf. To honor Bob, please feel free to wear your favorite collared golf or college game day shirt. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church 498 Prince Avenue Athens, GA 30601 or Barrow Country Food Pantry (BCCBM) 201 W. Athens Street Suite A-1 Winder, GA 30680.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.