Robert Bryan Van Metre

Eastover, SC…. Robert Bryan Van Metre, age 74, beloved husband of 33 years to Deborah M. Van Metre, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at his home.

Robert was born in Memphis, Tennessee, a son of the late Robert Burnette Van Metre and the late Evelyn Ruth Bryan Van Metre. Robert was truly a man of many talents, a genuine Jack-of-all-trades. His life’s journey was marked by service, creativity, and adventure. He proudly served in the Army as a helicopter pilot, a deputy sheriff, and even a jeweler, later taking on roles as a plant manager at the Department of Corrections.  He even ran for mayor of Hiram, Ohio. A natural problem-solver, Robert loved to fix things and embraced the art of tinkering. He built his own workshop, a space that reflected his ingenuity and hands-on spirit, and a place where he enjoyed woodworking and creating. He chased dreams fearlessly, lived as an adventurer, and carried an endless curiosity for the world around him. Devoted and quick-witted, Robert’s humor and sharp mind left lasting impressions on everyone he met. Robert will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, Deborah, left behind to cherish his memory are his daughters, Amy Canaday and her husband Shawn of Fisher, Indiana, Jennette Edwards and her husband Kyle of Bowman, SC; a brother, Don Van Metre and his wife Leta S. of Hiram, Ohio; six grandchildren, Christina Higginbotham and her husband Zed, Conner Edwards and his wife Emily, Lillianna Scott and her husband Noah, Katy Lambert and her husband Keaton, Cole Edwards, Charlie Canaday; three great grandchildren, Yara Higginbotham, Oliver Edwards, and Xavier Higginbotham, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Bullock Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive friends at Bullock Funeral Home on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., one hour prior to the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you send donations to Carolina Veterans' Service Dog Training (CVSDT) at https://www.clover.com/pay-widgets/d0e33c5f-b96c-4ca0-b5bd-f18fe5ea0d46.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Bryan Van Metre, please visit our floral store.