Robert Edwin Hewell Sr.

Preceded by his parents, Lester David and Jessie Fortson, Bob was a native of Elberton, Georgia. He graduated from North Georgia College in 1952 with a B.S Degree in Business Administration and a commission as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He entered active duty immediately upon graduation spending twenty-two (22) years in the Army. During this time, he received various commands and staff assignments of increasing responsibility and obtained qualification in both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. His overseas tours of duty included Korea, Canada (2), Germany and Vietnam (2). He retired in 1972 as a Lieutenant Colonel with a specialty rating of Master Army Aviator with over 4,000 flying hours. Upon retirement, Bob and his family moved to Pinellas County and for a short time he was Purchasing Agent for a wholesale tool company. In 1976 Bob joined the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office directing their Purchasing and Supply Division. After twelve (12) years, he joined Jaybar Communications, a company organized to provide cellular communications service to an area in southeast Arizona. In 1990, he was elected President of Jaybar Communications and held that position until the company was sold in May of 2000.

Bob was raised a Master Mason in Gulf Beach Lodge #293 in November 1989 serving as Lodge Treasurer for two (2) years. He became a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies in 1990, and served as the Wise Master, Tampa Chapter of Rose Croix in 2004. He was initiated a Noble in Egypt Shrine in December of 1990 and held appointments as an Aide, Ambassador and Captain of the Guard. In January 2005, he was elected to the Board of Directors of Egypt Shrine and served as Potentate in 2009. Upon completion of his tenure as Potentate, he was elected in 2010 as a member of the Board of Governors of the Tampa Shriners Hospital for Children. He is a Past Commander of the Legion of Honor and held the position of Treasurer for twelve (12) years. Bob served as President of the Holiday Isles Shrine Club in 2004 and was elected Commander, Florida Shrine Association Legions of Honor for 2005-2006. He served as Vice President of the Clearwater Shrine Club and was also an active member of the Cabiri, Director's Staff Unit, Ambassadors Shrine Club, Gentlemen of the Creek, Hillbilly Clan, Honor Patrol, National Sojourners Heroes of '76 and the Order of Quetzalcoatl.

Survivors include his wife Olivia of 34 years; his son Robert Jr. and wife Betty; daughter Donna Tessier and husband Paul; daughter Karan Chisholm and husband Rusty; step-daughter Kymberly Mevers and Lori Babula. Bob had nine (9) grandchildren and fourteen (14) great-grandchildren; Christopher and Emma Hewell; Jennifer and Joe Fawls, Emerson and Mira; Jessica and Nick Glebowski, Landon and Jackson; Teresa Lindo, D.J., Aidan and Logan; Shannon and Chris Perez, Sophia; Dustin and Donna Chisholm, Olivia and Cheyenne; Rachel Chisholm; Rebecca and Damon Nin, Lacey, Kenzi, Madeleine and Wyatt; Hannah and James Turner.

A celebration of life service for Robert will be held Monday, December 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL 33759. There will be a reception immediately following the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the Hewell family. Monetary donations may be made to Shriner's Children Florida, https://donate.lovetotherescue.org or the Alzheimer's Association, https://act.alz.org>donate.