Goodbye to a Local Hero: Hixson Mourns the Loss of Robert “Bob” Sheets
Hixson, Tennessee, is filled with heartfelt memories as it bids farewell to a remarkable member of the community, Robert “Bob” Sheets, who passed away at the age of 72 on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Bob’s life was one of dedication, service, and love for his family and community, making his departure profoundly felt by many.
A Life Worth Celebrating
Bob was born on September 28, 1952, in Dearborn, Michigan, to the late John T. and Barbara Sheets. From those early days, he was destined to create a life full of purpose. After dedicating 32 years to the Colonial Baking Company, Bob retired, having left a mark not just as an employee but as a friend to many in the workplace.
Beyond his professional life, Bob was a true American hero. He served in the U.S. Navy, where he honed his sense of discipline and duty, traits that would follow him throughout his life. After his military service, he continued to give back to the community as a volunteer firefighter with the Dallas Bay Fire Department for an impressive 24 years. Not only was he brave, but he also shared critical life-saving skills as a CPR instructor with the Red Cross, emphasizing his commitment to the well-being of others.
A Passion for the Outdoors
Friends and family will surely remember Bob for his love of the great outdoors. He had a special affinity for the lake and enjoyed spending time boating, soaking up the sun, and connecting with nature. On weekends, you could often find him with a fishing rod in hand or enjoying a day on the water with family and friends, creating joyful memories that will now be cherished.
Family and Community
Those who survive Bob include his beloved sons, Robert Scott Sheets and Raymond Dale Sheets, as well as his grandson Hunter Memphis Sheets, whose bright spirit will carry forward Bob’s legacy. Bob’s brothers, Tom Sheets and Jim Sheets, along with several nieces and nephews, also hold dear the wonderful moments spent together.
Final Farewells
In these difficult times, Bob’s family welcomes everyone to pay their respects. Friends and loved ones can gather from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, October 4, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. On Saturday, a funeral service is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the same location. Following the service, his body will be laid to rest in Hamilton Memorial Gardens, a fitting resting place for such a dedicated individual.
The family invites everyone to share their thoughts and memories of Bob, allowing his spirit to live on through the stories and experiences shared by those he touched during his life. Special moments and tributes can be posted online at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
Other Remembrances
In addition to Bob Sheets’s passing, Hixson has also endured the loss of other cherished community members recently. Thomas Hendricks O’Neal passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones, and Janice Harden Burke of Harrison, who left us on September 28, 2024, after peacefully slipping away in her sleep. Evelyn “Helen” H. Utrup, a remarkable 93-year-old, also entered eternal rest on September 28, 2024, surrounded by the love and warmth she shared during her life.
As Hixson mourns these losses, it also celebrates the legacies these wonderful individuals have left behind. Each story shared and memory cherished ensures their spirits remain alive in the hearts of the community.
