Robert "Bob" S. Towers Jr.

Robert Sheffield Towers, Jr. (Bob), 82, of Jacksonville passed away on September 21, 2014. Son of R.S. and Alice Tucker Towers, he was born in Jacksonville and attended local schools including Lee High School where he played football. He attended The Hill School (’51) and Princeton University graduating with an Economics Degree in 1955. He played football at Princeton and was a member of The Tower Club. His post graduate studies continued at Emory University, School of Business Administration in Atlanta, Georgia. His Military Service included: U.S. Army (7 years) obtaining the rank of Sergeant First Class and the U.S. Navy (7 years) obtaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. His career in business began in 1959 with Towers Hardware Company where he became President until 1979. He went on to become a business consultant and retired in 1998. He was Past President of Evergreen Cemetery Association, Past President of Riverside Avondale Preservation, Board Member Riverside Avondale Coalition, Past President of the Antique Automobile Association, Past Treasurer of the Graham Owners Association, Past Member of the Community Relations Council, Past President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Unitarian Church of Jacksonville and a member for over 50 years and was instrumental in establishing two Unitarian Churches in the area; one in Mandarin and one in St. Augustine. He was a member of Solomon Lodge F&AM, Scottish Rite and Morocco Temple; Member of the Friars Club, Ye Mystic Revelers, and The Florida Yacht Club. He was most proud of his Senior Active Membership in the Downtown Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow.

Bob is survived by his lovely wife of 36 years, Catherine Sears Towers, one sister, Anne Ball; one step son, Matt Sexton, three sons, Robby, Randy and Charlie; eleven grandchildren, four daughter-in-laws and many cousins, nephews and nieces. Bob enjoyed community and civic service, jogging at the YMCA, antique automobiles (’41 Graham, ’65 Mustang, ’17 Model T) and his affiliation with the Democratic Party. He was well read, thoughtful and inspired by special causes. His friends and family will miss him and his leadership.

The Towers/Ball families wish to thank the Staff at St. Catherine’s Laboure for their diligent care of Bob for so many years, and Haven Hospice in Orange Park. In lieu of flowers, please support the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at THE EDGEWOOD CHAPEL of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 729 S. Edgewood Ave. Phone# 904-388-2711.