Robert "Bob" Hardy Acrey

Robert (Bob) Hardy Acrey, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away from this earth and joined his Heavenly Father on March 20, 2011, in Conroe, Texas at the age of 81. Bob was born on September 5, 1929 in Conroe, Texas, where he lived his entire life. He was the son of Robert Curtis Acrey and Dura Strickland Acrey. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Hardy Acrey Jr., his parents, sisters, Dora Colleen Acrey and Margaret Helton, father-in-law Harvey Lee Cotton Sr, and mother-in-law Clarreed Pursley Chandler. Bob is survived by his wife, Vera Cotton Acrey of 57 years , daughter Regina Lynn Pressler of Conroe, grand-daughter Kameron Sutton and Scott and great grand-daughter Leila of New Waverly, sister Zella Robinson and husband Don of Conroe, three nephews, Robert Robinson and wife Linda of Conroe, Donnie Robinson and wife Juanita of Highlands, and James Curtis Helton and wife Debbie of Willis, two nieces Diane Shelton and husband Billy of Conroe and Tanya Bourgeois and husband Phil of Willis, brother-in-laws, Eddy Wayne Cotton and wife Lisa of Conroe and Harvey Lee Cotton Jr. of Katy, sister-in-law, Shirley Ruthven and husband Hugh of Katy , nieces Lacy Cotton of Conroe, Diana Pinkston of Garrison and nephew Darrel l Lunsford of Garrison.

After graduating from Conroe High School in 1947, he joined the Navy in 1949, serving in the Korean War for 2 years and remaining in the service until 1952. In 1953 he married his life long love, friend and companion, Vera Edith Cotton and had 2 children, Regina and Robert Jr. After serving his country, he worked briefly for Columbian Carbon. He then worked for the Conroe Police Department and the Montgomery County Sherriff’s office for 13 years. In early 1960 he went to work for Jefferson Chemical, which changed its name to Texaco Chemical, from where he retired in 1991.

Bob was kind, loving father and husband, who devoted his life to his family. He greatly loved spending time with his daughter and grand-daughters, who he referred to as “his girls”. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and being outside. He had a reputation for being a “prankster” and "jokester” among his friends and family. He belonged to the VFW and American Legion, was a member of First Baptist Church in Conroe and the Boyd McRee “Doers” Sunday School Class. One of his greatest joys each year was attending his Navy reunions, allowing them to travel all over the United States. In later years, with his health declining, he worked on genealogy for hours, enjoying phone conversations with Harvey Chance, David and guys he had worked with. He also enjoyed the monthly Texaco luncheons.

A special thanks from the family go to Dr. Zhang, Dr. Martin and Dr. Boyle, who over the years since his diagnoses in 1996 with Asbestoses and Emphysema, enabled him to remain active. Also thanks to Dr. Ya and Dr. Hughes and all the specialists who have tried for the past 3 months to get him well enough to come home. He is now in his Heavenly Home. The family would like to thank Associate Pastor Merle Blado for his daily visits at the hospitals and everyone in his Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church, Texaco Retirees Group, LCTX\TXU retiree Group, Mrs. Ola Payne and many, many friends and family for all your prayers, visits and cards. Pallbearers are Ronnie McGarrahan, Phil Bourgeois, Billy Shelton, Ray Lowe, Searcy Yawn, Curtis Helton, Robert Robinson, Tim Marseilles. Honorary Pallbearers-Texaco\Chevron Retirees and the Boyd McRee “Doers” Sunday School Class.

Visitation will be held at Cashner Funeral Home, Tuesday, March 22, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Cashner Funeral Home, Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 10 a.m. with graveside following at Garden Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the New Bethlehem Cemetery Association or to Odyssey House in Conroe Texas or a charity of your choice.