Bob South

James Robert (Bob) South died in faith at his home after a courageous three year battle with cancer, Thursday, March 16, 2023. During his last days, he was surrounded by his family, the people who loved him the most, and whom he loved. He was 76.  A memorial service will be on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 525 Beech Street.  Arrangements under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.

Bob was born in Baird, Texas, on September 28,1946 to Charlene and James Daniel (Dan) South. He grew up in Clyde, Texas, playing basketball, tennis, and cheering for the Bulldogs. He was baptized in the United Methodist Church of Clyde and remained faithful to his beliefs throughout his life. Beginning in 1977, Bob served in his beloved St. Paul UMC, Abilene. He was a member of Methodist Men, a member of the John-Mark Sunday School Class, a member of St. Paul’s Official Board several times through the years, on the Board of Trustees and President in ’87. He participated in UMC building missions in Costa Rica and Abilene.  His latest mission contribution was his supervisory work on the Houses of Healing on North Hickory Street, Abilene, a project he dearly loved.

Bob graduated from Clyde High School in 1965, then earned a BBA degree in Business Accounting at McMurry University. Bob learned carpentry from his father, Dan, as the family rehabilitated a turn of the century house in Clyde, which became the family homestead. Bob also worked for family friend, carpenter Nathan Harless as a student. Still a student, he began his career with Barr Roofing in Abilene.  Bob worked for Barr for a total of 26 years, beginning as a carrier of shingles up the ladder to VP in charge of Sheet Metal, Gyp Decks, and Estimating. He began his own roofing company, Abilene Roofing, in 1988, and went back to Barr when its run was over.  He was VP/Commercial Estimator.  One of his proudest projects at Barr was taking charge of roofing a B-1 Bomber Hanger at Dyess AFB, from writing the bid and driving it to Dallas, to seeing the work through to the finished product.

Bob became a home builder/roofing contractor in 2002.  He built and remodeled houses in the Abilene area, then later added to these with a coalition with his brother-in-law, David Pope, in building several houses in the Stephenville and Wimberley areas. He worked as project manager with Rose Builders for several years, and as an estimator/bidder for Harris Acoustics, Ltd. He was a member of Abilene Jaycees, and Jaycee of the year in 1975. He was a member of Abilene Construction Association, Treasurer 1974-75, and President 1976. He was a member of Construction Specifications Institute, Abilene chapter, for years and on the Board of Directors ’87-’89.

Bob’s family and others remember him as a family man. He was a quiet presence and a great listener. For years, he led the family in water sports and boating, put up with his father’s search for fish, and built or worked on houses at four different lakes in the area. He taught all four sons carpentry and water skiing. He also led the family campouts, which were plentiful. When the water skiing slowed down, he spent some time perfecting the art of the barbeque, how to be a fantastic grandfather, a great sports fan of grandkids, and the living reference book of all things building and keeping up of the houses, lawns, and spirits of his entire family. He was a constant fixture at the local Lowes.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Charlene South, and beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Bob is survived by his wife Donna of forty-six years, four sons: James Brian (Julie) of Austin, John Christian (Stephanie) of Havre, Montana, James Daniel Lacey of Abilene, and Jay Patrick (Candice) of Clyde; six grandchildren, Sutton of Austin,  Alexa (Isaiah Cortez) of Clyde, Conner of Havre, Jackson, Avery, and Jacob of Clyde, two sisters, Dana Pope (David) of San Marcos, and Deb Smith of Abilene, two nieces, Andrea Clement (T.J.) of San Marcos, and Suzanne Smith of Abilene, a nephew, Scott Pope of San Marcos, and two great nephews, Drew and Marcus Gonzales of San Marcos. He also leaves many beloved cousins here in Texas as well as around the U.S, and friends everywhere.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you to address memorials to Hendrick Hospice or to St. Paul United Methodist Church, Abilene.