Robert Collins Lynch

Robert (Bob) Collins Lynch passed away Monday, January 8, 2018 surrounded by his family after a courageous fight with cancer. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Howard Lynch Sr., his mother, Edna Collins Lynch, his sister Lina Cropper, and his brother Howard Lynch Jr. He’s survived by his wife of 37 years, Linda, his daughters, Anita Collins and husband Donny, Sally Merritt and husband Mitch, all from Raleigh. Grand-children, Brittani and Zach Collins, Stephanie, Melissa, and Mackenzie Merritt, great-grand-daughter Blakely Noelle, niece, “little sister”, Dawn Chandler and husband Roy, nieces and nephews, sister-in-law, Duane Lynch, and many loving cousins.

Bob grew up in Dagsboro, Delaware. After graduating from high school, He worked with his brother-in-law, Elisha Cropper, at Cropper Oyster Company. He moved to Norfolk with his mother and brother where he worked for several of our church folks. He then served in the United States Navy for four years. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he visited various southern cities and ended up in Columbia, SC where he worked in the home building industry. He married Linda in 1980 and she and the girls moved to Raleigh. Bob continued working as a construction superintendent for various builders until his retirement in 2006. After retirement, he became the official carpool Pop Pop for grandkids, official airport shuttler for family and friends, garlic bread and marinated mushroom maker for Sunday School Christmas dinners, and the official spaghetti and chili maker for family and friends.

Bob had a deep love for his church and the people he often saw at services and events.

More than likely everyone who knew Bob knew his “gruff” exterior was filled with kindness and graciousness. Just ask his grandkids!

Bob loved having family around him and especially enjoyed family dinners. Most of the time, he was more of a listener. He would sit back, listen, and laugh at the conversations at the dinner table. Bob loved to treat his family and make regular occasions extra special. Just a week before his passing, he wanted to have a special dinner to celebrate his wife and daughter’s birthday. From his hospital bed at home, he orchestrated this family dinner complete with king crab legs for the whole family. He wasn’t able to see everyone from his bed, so he had them take pictures of the special dinner so he could enjoy it too.

The family is finding comfort knowing that he got sanctified and has made it to his home in heaven, where he is with his loving family and many friends.