Robert Eugene "Bob" Argo Jr.

Bob Argo was born November 18, 1923 in Atlanta, Georgia, the only child of Bessie Poteet and Robert Argo, Sr. Bob graduated from Tech High School in Atlanta and entered the Civil Air Patrol, stationed on St. Simons Island, Ga., there beginning his affection to an island that became a second home. Later joined the U.S. Coast Guard, serving his country for two years during WWII.

Bob returned to Athens to enroll as a student at the University of Georgia, thereby beginning a lifelong love affair with the University. He was active in many projects at UGA as a student and an alumnus. He was President of his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, and a member of the Gridiron Secret Society. Bob is a former member of the UGA Athletic Advisory Board, former President of the UGA Alumni Association, and is an Emeritus Trustee of the UGA Foundation. He has received the Distinguished American Award from the Georgia Football Hall of Fame and was named to the Athens Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1984, he received the Friends of Home Economics award from what is now the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. In 2012, he received the UGA Alumni Merit Award which is the University Alumni Association’s oldest honor. While coaching Little League from 1954-1960, his Athens Little League team won the State Championship, a first for Athens.

Bob was recently honored by receiving a Congressional Gold Medal of Honor for his service in the Civil Air Patrol in World War II. In business, Bob partnered with the late L.L. (Bubba) Scruggs in the Insurance Industry. He founded Universal Insurance, a Nationwide Poultry Insurance Company and served as its President for 30 years.

Bob was elected to the Georgia State Legislature in 1976 to represent Clarke County. During his decade of service, he spearheaded legislation to obtain funding for the construction of the Tate Student Center and the Biosciences Building on the UGA campus. In the Miller Learning Center, the Argo Study Room is named for Bob as a remembrance of his efforts on behalf of his beloved University. One of his proudest accomplishments was passing Legislation to obtain pay raises for retired teachers. He received many heartfelt thanks from around the state.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Jeane; daughters, Mimi Laney (Russ) of Snellville, Amy Cowsert (Bill) and Marty Kemp (Brian) of Athens; eight grandchildren, William Stone Cowsert III (fiancée, Katie Slater), Robert Argo Cowsert, Catharine Jeane Cowsert, Charles Russell Laney, Jr., Robert Jefferson Laney, Jarrett Cole Kemp, Lucy Jeane Kemp, and Amy Porter Kemp; sister-in-law, Martha Brichetto of Knoxville; and close family friends, Janice Faulkner, Dr. David Allen, Bill Simpson, Terry Wingfield, Jeanette Watson, and devoted caregivers.

The family will receive friends at the home of Bill and Amy Cowsert, 236 Hamilton Rd., Athens, GA 30606 on Sunday, July 10 from 3-5 p.m. A private, family burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Craddock Center, PO Box 69, Cherry Log, GA 30522 or the Campus View Church of Christ, 1360 S. Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30605.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.