Robert Lee Kouns Jr.

Robert Lee Kouns, Jr. passed away Saturday, October 9, 2010, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Mr. Kouns was born February 28, 1922 in Memphis, TN to Robert L. and Courtney Brannen Kouns. He graduated from Catholic High School in Memphis and attended Memphis State University. Mr. Kouns voluntarily left Memphis State University to serve his country during World War II as a Naval Aviator in the Pacific Theater. His Naval training included classes at the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia. He completed his flight training at the Naval Air Training Center in Corpus Christi, TX, commissioned as an Ensign. Mr. Kouns flew from the aircraft carrier USS Salamaua during the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Invasion of the Lingayan Gulf in the Philippine Islands. During the Invasion of the Linayan Gulf, the Salamaua was severely damaged by a Japanese kamikaze suicide bomber. After the kamikaze attack Mr. Kouns’ squadron was transferred to the aircraft carrier USS Marcus Island, participating in the Invasion of Okinawa. Mr. Kouns flew bombing, strafing, and rocket attacks against the enemy ground positions, giving close air support to US Marine and US Army landing forces assaulting Okinawa. For his service in the Pacific Theater, Mr. Kouns was awarded three Air Medals and a Presidential Unit Commendation Ribbon. While onboard the USS Salamaua, Mr. Koons contracted pneumonia. Given the opportunity to return home, Mr. Kouns insisted that he stay with his squadron, ultimately returning to active duty. Mr. Kouns retired from the US Navy with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After leaving military service, Mr. Kouns maintained his multi-engine Commercial Pilots License. Mr. Kouns was past Grand Knight of the Msgr. John D. Stapleton Council of the Knights of Columbus; past Faithful Navigator of the Archbishop Gerald P. O’Hara 4th Degree Assembly of the Knights of Columbus; and Sentinel Emeritus of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Tara Division. In 2005, he served as Honorary Grand Marshall for the Ancient Order of Hibernians in the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Mr. Kouns was an accomplished tennis player until sidelined by knee replacement surgery. He transferred his sports passion to golf as a regular participant in Sonny Ackerman Alternative Golf Program. Mr. Kouns was preceded in death by his parents, sister Courtney Ann Kouns, and brother John Kouns. Mr. Kouns is survived by his high school and college sweetheart and beloved wife of 63 years Barbara Gurley Kouns; daughter Diana Kuhlman and husband David of Nashville, TN; son Vincent Kouns and wife Diane of Houston, TX; son John Robert Kouns and fiancée Laura of Atlanta, GA; five grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Nephews John Ross and wife Brenda of Memphis, TN, and Craig Ross and wife Angela of Bloomington, IN. Visitation will be from Tuesday, October 12 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Sandy Springs Chapel. The Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church in Atlanta, GA. Interment will follow at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.