RADM G. Robert “Bob” Merrilees, USCGR (Ret) age 85, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, November 18, 2023 with his wife of 61 years, Bev, by his side. Bob was born on July 25, 1938, to the late George and Ann Merrilees in Framingham, MA. In 1939, the family moved to Washington, DC then Arlington, VA. Bob is a graduate of American University in Washington, DC, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserve in August 1961 and received a Direct Commission in 1964. Bob and Beverly relocated from Alexandria, VA to Florida in 1967 to work for NASA. As a Flag Officer he served as Senior Reserve Officer in both the Coast Guard Pacific Area and Atlantic Area from June 1990 until his retirement in July 1994.
Bob’s civilian profession was Federal Budgeting up until 1994 when he became the Community Relations Officer for NASA, Kennedy Space Center. Because of his Coast Guard experience, he was asked to plan and lead the Coast Guard Reserves Space Shuttle Launch Support Program.
He was very active in the community, having served on the Board of Directors of the Red Cross, Community Services Council, Tiger Bay Club, Navy League, Leadership Brevard, Cocoa Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, and Propeller Club. He served as President of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation. He was a member of the Civilian-Military Council. He was an active member of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, serving as National President in 2003-2004. In 2011 and 2012 he served as a Guardian for 2 World War II Veterans on Honor Flights to Washington, DC.
RADM Merrilees is survived by his wife, Beverly; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry and Mary Dean; nephews Ryan Dean (wife Jessica); and Bruce Donald (wife Rhonda).
The family has entrusted Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home with Bob’s care.
A remembrance will be held there on December 6, 2023. The visitation will begin at 9:30am with the Celebration of Life for Bob will begin at 10:30am. Following the service, interment will be at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery; 5525 US Hwy 1 North, Mims, Fl 32754.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to consider a donation to The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research or the Fisher House Foundation.
