Robert "Bob" Florence

He was born on June 4, 1935 in Louisville, Kentucky to Albert and Pearl Florence. He was one of 9 children and was very active in Boy Scouts as a youth, earning his Eagle Scout Badge in 1950. Upon graduating from high school, he attended University of Kentucky on a full scholarship. He graduated with his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering.

Bob began his career in engineering with the Kentucky State Highway before moving on to work for the Federal Highway Administration in North Carolina and then Florida. He retired from the Federal Highway Administration in 1999 with 31 years of service. Bob worked on many different projects, including the I-10 project as well as being instrumental in the Blairstone Road project.

Bob was a wonderful husband to Evelyn, and they traveled extensively world-wide and loved attending FSU football games and tailgating with friends. Bob was very committed to his family and they will always remember his gentle nature.

Bob approached hobbies in typical engineer fashion. He planned and executed water drainage project, retrofitted his garden tractor into a road grader and planted over 100 trees – in a grid. He built decks, tree forts – even arts and crafts – to Federal Highway standards. Bob was very even tempered. His advice and his demeanor reflected his sanguine outlook. He often remarked that as he looked back on his childhood, they really didn’t have much, but couldn’t imagine having more. He was extremely happy and content with his life. He was proud of his family, his community and his country.

Bob is survived by his wife, Evelyn Rich Florence; his children, Scott (Alexa) Florence of Bettendorf, IA, and Jennifer (Garry) Pearson of Kaufman, TX; stepchildren, Vicki (Larry) Register of Tallahassee, FL, Greg (Kathy) Rich and Vanessa (Wesley) Shivers of Crawfordville, FL. His grandchildren include Ben, Gabe, Brett (fiancé Lexie), Nolan (Allie), Colby, Ryan (Jenny), Lindsey (Brian), Dillan, Amber (fiancé Tim), and Tim (Stephanie), Justin (Josey), Adam (Karen) as well as 8 great-grandchildren. Bob is also survived by 2 sisters, Juanita Hunter of West Palm Beach, FL and Doris (Jimmy) McMasters of Nashville, TN, and 2 brothers, Oscar (Carolyn) Florence and Donald (Mary) Florence, both of Louisville, KY.

We will receive friends and family on Friday, May 27, 2016 from 5pm – 7pm at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home at 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Timberlane Church of Christ, 3569 Timberlane School Road, Tallahassee, FL on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 11:00 am.