Robert "Bob" Eldon Stevens

Sumter, SC……… Robert “Bob” Eldon Stevens, age 81, beloved husband of 58 years to Virginia P. Stevens, passed away on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital.

Born in Adrian, Michigan, Bob was an avid baseball player as a young man, known for his live pitching arm.  He began his U.S. Air Force career in 1962 and was stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB, NC.  Bob’s laser focus led to a career as an Air Traffic Controller where he achieved dual-rating as a tower and RAPCON controller—and “SS” loved what he did!  He served in the Vietnam conflict in 1967-1968 and experienced the February 1968 TET offensive.  He was a 1981 graduate, Cum Laude, of Embry Riddle University with a degree in Professional Aeronautics.  Bob served 28 years, retiring in 1989.  He was so proud of the young controllers he met and helped guide along the way, remaining in contact with many until his death. 

While at Seymour Johnson, Bob met the love of his life, Virginia “Jinny” Aromando, they married July 23, 1965.  Among all the roles he had in life, “Pop” was proudest to be father to his sons and grandfather to Sarah, Meredith, and Land.  He loved coaching his boys in sports as they grew and was a steadfast support as they started their own lives and families.  He could be found on any given day sitting by a tennis court, in sports bleachers, or in an auditorium watching his granddaughters participate in sports and school activities—he was their biggest fan! 

Bob leaves behind his loving wife, Jinny, and his two sons, Bobby (Lisa) and Craig (Allison), three granddaughters, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Constance Stevens, and his brother, Burton.

To honor Bob’s memory, the family will receive friends on Monday, July 1st, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at Bullock Funeral Home. Like Bob, who wore shorts and a smile 365 days a year, the family requests casual attire and a joyful celebration of his memory. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sumter SPCA Bark Park in Bob’s memory, 1140 S. Guignard Dr., Sumter, SC 29150.

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

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

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