Robert Elvice Tuggle

He was born in Thalia, Texas to Elva and Mary Alice Tuggle on December 8, 1926. He grew up in Texas where his parents were farmers.

He tried his hand in the oil fields before he joined the United States Navy at the end of World War II in February 1945. He was so determined about joining that he lied about his age to enlist early. He was stationed in the Philippines. He moved to California from Texas in 1948 in a 1936 Plymouth station wagon with a toolbox in the back. In 1950, he formed his roofing company, Bet-R-Roofs with his partner Vic Jones, his sister Louise's husband. In 1954, now the sole owner, he moved the business from his backyard to a real shop on Backer off of Olive in Fresno. The business prospered and expanded for a time to include A & T Roofing and Bet-R-Floors. In 1964, he moved again to West Belmont where the business remained until Bob retired and sold the business in 1992.

He was an avid bowler. Bet-R-Roofs sponsored a bowling team that played in the winter leagues for several years. This was replaced by his other passion, golf. He was a long time member of the Belmont Country Club for about 30 years. Bob took great joy in his family and friends.

In 1992, Bob married the love of his life, Marie Clark. His family then expanded to include her two sons, Rodney and Roger Clark; her five siblings; numerous nieces; nephews; seven grandchildren; and now 10 great grandchildren. Whom he so loved to play with and watch grow up.

The family wishes to extend a sincere and heart felt thank you to Hinds Hospice and Kaiser Hospital for all their support, care, understanding and kindness.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Louise Whitten and Loretta Higgins; his brother, C.J. Tuggle; and his daughter Sharon Deffenbaugh.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Clark Tuggle; his son, Richard Tuggle and his wife Linda; his daughter, Deborah Tuggle and stepsons, Rodney and Roger Clark.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Graveside Service will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.

The Tuggle family is requesting that in lieu of flowers that donations be sent to Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw Ave. Suite A-5, Fresno, CA 93711