Robert “Bob” Kenneth Slee Jr.

Robert “Bob” Kenneth Slee, Jr., age 79, passed away August 20, 2024. He was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky on September 7, 1945. Bob was preceded in death by parents Robert Kenneth Slee, Sr. and Marjorie Ruth (Miller) Slee; bother, Samuel Nicholas Slee; and wife of over 55 years, Phyllis Virginia (Martin) Slee. Bobs’ legacy will live on in his children Adam Wesley (Josie), and Nicole Elizabeth Slee; grandson Marquel; brothers Jim (Dee) Slee and Dave (Debbie) Slee; sister-in-law, Nancy Slee; niece and nephews; extensive church and community family; dogs Frodo and Daisy.

With humility and grace, Bob lived a life full of love, hard work, and dedication to his family, church, and community. Bob met the love of his life, Phyllis, in 7th grade at Hilltonia. They were graduates of West High School, with Bob attending college at the Ohio State University. Phyllis and Bob embodied a sense of family and the gift of hospitality from the very beginning. They brought family and friends together for countless holidays and celebrations. Always up for a game of cards, basketball, stories, jokes, and a good meal, Dads’ fun-loving positive attitude and sense of joy was infectious.

Church has always served as an extended family for Bob, first in St. Paris growing up, then in Columbus at the Lincoln Baptist church, and finally at Northwest United Methodist church. For more than 30 years, Bob has volunteered in roles such as teaching bible study, helping to establish the Stephen Ministry, leading the men's group, serving as Executive Director of Ministries and even project manager for the church refurbishment – not with tools mind you. For Bob, the church community was about feelings of friendship, security, shared experiences, and an openness to learn about God.

Bob worked over 35 years at Big Bear in roles such as night stock, Store Manager (youngest Store Manager in the largest store), Personnel Manager of Harts, Employee Relations Manager, and finally Human Resources Director. During this time, Bob also served on the Board of Directors for the Big Bear Credit Union for more than 30 years, holding the longest tenure as President. Retiring in 2002, he was one of the last original Big Bear employees. Bob was a savant in hiring, promoting, and resolving employee complaints, able to do so because of his start on the front line in the stores. He was ahead of his time with his steadfast determination and unique ability to advocate for the right person for the right job. For decades and as recent as 2024, we would meet people who knew Bob, many of whom got their first job with Big Bear through Bob or who were somehow positively affected by his life.

With an unwavering sense of adventure and drive to always climb one more hill, Bob was always on the hunt for the best Christmas lights, a seemingly random pit stop at Bob Evans, or a new place to travel. Mom and Dad have had many adventures usually accompanied by one or more friends. Among other places, they have been fortunate enough to go snorkeling in the Caribbean, ride a dog sled on a glacier in Alaska, visit the ruins in Athens, Pompeii, and Rome, walk through the National Parks with majestic redwoods, ride gondolas up the mountains of Switzerland, France, and Austria, and relax at the beach. Let us celebrate our humble servant leader, Bob, full of life and love!

Arrangements are entrusted to Schoedinger Funeral Home, Dublin, Ohio. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:30 pm on September 6 at Northwest United Methodist Church, 5200 Riverside Dr, Columbus, OH 43220. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to Northwest United Methodist Church’s social justice or chapel in the woods funds, or a charity of your own choice, in Bobs’ memory. To share online memories and condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.