Robert Dennis Myers, born March 3, 1947 in Iredell County, N.C., passed from this life at home Sunday, July 13, 2014 after a short battle with lung cancer.
Named after two movie stars of the day, Robert Taylor and Dennis Morgan, he became a star in his own right.
Robert was the middle of five children born to Virginia Dare Messick Myers and Berly Woody Myers Sr.
His father died when Robert was 8 years old, leaving three brothers, ages 12, 10 and 4, and a sister, age 6, to be raised by their sweet, strong mother.
He and Cecil, the brother just older, decided to join the Army together when he was only 17. The buddy system didn’t work as Cecil could not get in, but unlike oldest brother Berly Jr., Robert liked the military life and began what would be his career. After 10 years of service, which included tours of duty in Germany and Korea, he got out.
He worked as a patrol officer for the sheriff’s office and a loan officer/repo man, and as always drove as many fast cars as possible.
After about 10 years he reenlisted in the Army, where he spent eight years recruiting and two years in supply. He retired in 1994, having achieved the rank of E7, sergeant first class.
During his military service he received the Driver and Mechanic Badge, the Meritorious Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and U.S. Army Gold Recruiting Badge, with three Sapphire Achievement Stars.
A quiet man, he was a super salesman of all things, but most proudly the U.S. Army.
After his military retirement he moved to Orange Beach, where he could fish and enjoy the beach.
Determined to stay self-employed, he made and sold signs and for about five years, and partnered in the owning/operating of a convenience store/trailer park.
In 1982, Robert met Clara Ann Brown who he married in 1986. He loved her and she loved him for the next 28 years.
Robert was preceded in death by his dad, 1955; his mom, 2002; his brother Cecil, 1996; his sister’s son, Marcus, 2003; and Cecil’s son, Scottie, 2004.
He is survived by his wife, Clara of Orange Beach; oldest brother, Berly W. Myers Jr. and wife, Ellen of Statesville, N.C.; sister, Dianne Waugh Cost and husband, Bernie of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; little brother, Jerry E. Myers and wife, Ginger of Mooresville, N.C.; special nieces, Donna, Rhonda and Liz; special nephew, Bradley; and his service cat, Gladys Paint.
Funeral services for Robert were held in the chapel of Nicholson Funeral Home in Statesville, N.C. Military honors were provided by the Iredell County Veterans Burial Detail.
Arrangements by Nicholson Funeral Home, Statesville, N.C.
