Robert Arthur Lapsley

Robert Arthur Lapsley, 73, took the angels hand and went to heaven on September 4, 2014 in Hospice Savannah. Bob was born June 7, 1941 in Norfolk, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents William and June Lapsley, Mother Vivian; his Uncle Rhea Lapsley; Aunt Mart Steese; and his brother Jon Lynn. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-four years, Diane; his brother Charles Lynn (Pamela); his sister Lynn Jordan (George); his sister Kim Muir (John); sister-in-law Patti Lynn; sister-in-law Sharon Melvin (Bill) and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob is a graduate of Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tennessee where he also played baseball and basketball. He is a U.S. Army veteran. In 1968 Bob began a lifetime of service to people with disabilities when he joined Goodwill Industries of Detroit. In 1972 he joined Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire, Inc. in Savannah. In 1979 He was appointed President and CEO. He provided inspired leadership through difficult times for seventeen years until his retirement in 1997. During his tenure the Second Chance Program was established. This program specializes in community re-entry training for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and is the only one of its kind in Georgia outside of Atlanta. Bob was also instrumental in establishing Teleride service in our community, greatly increasing the mobility and opportunities for people with disabilities. Bob is a thirty year member of the Lions Club of Savannah, serving as President in 1996. He was honored by his fellow members as a Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest honor in Lionism. His favorite activity was the Lions Christmas Tree sale. He especially enjoyed seeing the customers every year and watching the children grow up and bring in their own children. Remembrances to Goodwill Industries of the Coastal Empire, Inc., P.O. Box 15007, Savannah, Georgia 31416; Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind, 5626 Laura Walker Road, Waycross, Georgia 31503; and Hospice Savannah, 1352 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31406, Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Lions Club of Savannah. Visitation: 1 - 2 p.m. Saturday, September 13, 2014 at the Hubert C. Baker Chapel. A Memorial Service to honor Bob's life will be held at 2:00 PM on September 13, 2014 at the Fairhaven Funeral Home, Hubert C. Baker Chapel, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, Georgia 31406, with Rev. Will Barnes, officiating. A reception will follow the service. Inurnment will be private.