Robert Errol Rivers

1928 - 2013

Robert Errol Rivers obituary, 1928-2013, Longwood, FL

BORN

1928

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home

1350 West Fairbanks Ave

Winter Park, Florida

Robert Rivers Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 9, 2013.

Robert "Bob" Errol Rivers, 85, affectionately known as "BaBa", passed away from liver and lung cancer related to melanoma on Tuesday, October 08, 2013. Born in Atlanta, GA on June 28, 1928 and moved to Orlando in 1937. He attended Delaney Elementary, Cherokee Junior High and Orlando High School (OHS), where he was a member of the "O" Club. He played basketball and football, earning his letter in football. He was a member of the class of 1946. After his senior year, he enlisted in the Army and served for 15 months. He was a member of the 11th Airborne Division during their duty in the Japanese occupation on the Island of Honshu. Upon honorable discharge, he entered the University of Florida in Gainesville in 1948. He was a member of the ATO fraternity and advanced ROTC. In August 1948, he married Sally Peardon of Daytona Beach. The following year their 1st child, son Cary Rivers, was born during the opening game against Citadel. The doctor went to the game, but Bob didn't get to go. Mr. Rivers graduated in 1951 with a BSBA with a major in accounting and a commission as 2nd Lt in the Army Transportation Corp. He was employed by Minute Maid Concentrate Company in Plymouth, FL for a short time before being called to active duty to serve in the "Korean Police Action" as a "truck officer". After the required time in the combat area, he transferred to Yokohama, Japan. It was there that daughter Pamela was born. Three months later, the family moved back to Orlando, where the children were raised in College Park. Mr. Rivers' professional career spanned over 40 years, including stints with Minute Maid, Lockheed Martin and 10 years with the Institute of Internal Auditors at their International Headquarters in Altamonte Springs. He was the Director of the Certified Internal Auditor Program overseeing examinations worldwide for the designation of "Certified Internal Auditor". He completed his career back with Lockheed Martin, where he retired in 1991 with 20 years total service. In addition to his civilian pursuits he remained in the active Army Reserve and achieved the rank of Colonel and was retired with 28 years of service. His highest position was Chief of Staff of the 143rd Transportation Brigade here in Central Florida. His highest award was the Meritorious Service Medal, which he received in 1980. Mr. Rivers held life memberships in Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), National Association of Accountants (NAA), Reserve Officers Association (ROA) and held many local offices, including ROA Treasurer for the State of Florida. One of his most prized memberships was the Ole Timers Club of Central Florida since 1997.

Bob and Sally loved to travel and did so extensively for 20 years, visiting places in Europe and North America, east to Turkey and west to Tahiti and almost all of the Islands in the Caribbean. They enjoyed many cruises and BaBa loved sharing stories of those times with his children and grandchildren.

Mr. Rivers was a Christian and attended College Park Methodist Church since returning from the service in 1954. He is predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Sara (Sally) and grandson, Elliott E. H. Rivers. He is survived by daughter, Pam (David) McComb, Orlando; son, Cary (Madeline) Rivers, Augusta, GA; 6 grandchildren, Colby and Dyar (Emily) McComb, Orlando, Christopher (Rachel) Rivers, Anderson, SC, Todd (Jennifer) Rivers, Athens, GA, Charles A. H. Rivers, Oliver I. H. Rivers, Jesse A. H. Rivers, Augusta, GA, and 8 great-grandchildren, Carter and Chase McComb, Orlando; Riley, Finn and Blythe Rivers, Anderson, SC; Isabel, Hodge and Leary Rivers, Athens, GA.

Visitation will be 6:00 – 7:30 pm, Friday, October 11, at Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home, 1350 Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park. Memorial service, led by Kent Sterchi, at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 12th, in the Reformation Chapel at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, 106 E. Church St., Orlando. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Brede/Wilkins Scholarship Fund at Village on the Green, 500 Village Place, Longwood, FL 32779 or to Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Rivers

What is your first memory of Robert?

Share a favorite memory you have of Robert.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Robert.

Describe a time when Robert made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Robert?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Robert.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Robert.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Robert.

What is something you learned from Robert?

Not sure what to say?

2 Entries

October 11, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

October 10, 2013

Richard Connell, Colonel, USAF(Ret)

So sorry it is impossible to attend services. Bob was an old friend, going back more than 40 years, through the ROA. He was a "good-guy"; we'll miss him. We came up through the ranks together.
Col Richard and Anne Connell
[email protected].

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Rivers's name

Memorial Events
for Robert Rivers

Oct

11

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home

1350 West Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Oct

12

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Reformation Chapel at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando

106 E. Church St, Orlando, FL

Funeral services provided by:

Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home

1350 West Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

How to support Robert's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert Rivers's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more