Robert Francis Flynn Jr.

Robert F. "Bob" Flynn, Jr. died tragically in a motor vehicle accident in Savannah, Georgia, on Sunday, August 30, 2015. Bob was the oldest of three sons born to Robert F. Flynn, Sr., and Yvonne Seillier Effinger. His father, and step-father, Lt. Col. Clinton W. Effinger, III, pre-decease him. He was born October 10, 1946, in Staten Island, New York, and his family moved to Miami, Florida, when he was 6 months, and in his teens, moved to West Palm Beach. Bob graduated from West Palm Beach High School and attended Miami-Dade Junior College, where he began studying aviation, prior to entering the United States Navy. He survived polio as a child thanks to the 'iron lung' that kept him alive. His illness gave him a keen insight into both the weakness caused by disease and the strength needed to overcome it. For the rest of his life, he cared deeply about justice--standing strong for those in need. He served bravely as a US Navy P-130 Orion aircrew member in the Viet Nam War. During his service, Bob received several decorations: National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Ribbon, and Air Medal (1st. Award). Upon discharge from active duty from Patron Fifty, NAS, Moffett Field, California, in 1969, Bob purchased a car and took a trip along famed Route 66 back home to continue his service to others as a Deputy Sheriff in West Palm Beach, Florida. After leaving the Sheriff’s Office, he went to work for Seaboard Railroad in Waycross, Georgia, in 1974, as a locomotive engineer. He later transferred to CSXT, Waycross/Savannah, where he was a Road Foreman of Engines. He finished his railroad career at Amtrak first as a Transportation Manager, then Senior Instructor, Engineer Training, and lastly as a Locomotive Engineer, where for decades he safely carried thousands of families who trusted him on their life’s journeys. He shared pride in his family's service as a member of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans and the Sons of the American Revolution. He was also a member of the American Legion Post on San Juan Ave., Jacksonville. Bob was at his best when helping others, whether it was a family member, friend, or stranger. He always tried to see that those he loved were taken care of and protected, whether giving them advice or a canister of mace! He was a man of uncommon kindness and will be greatly missed by his surviving mother; his loving wife, Beverly Lyons Flynn, his two brothers who are very proud of him: Tom (Susan) and Chris (Alice) Flynn; nieces: Brittany (Michael) Higgins, Megan Flynn, Kristen Flynn, Bobette Lyons Hendry, and Amber Hendry as well as a great-nephew and great-nieces. A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. with the service on Sunday, September 13, at 2:30 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Town and Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205, www.townandcountryfuneralhome.com . Officiating will be Steven W. Kegley, Pastor, First Baptist Church, St. Marys, Georgia. Interment will be on Monday, September 14, at Jacksonville National Cemetery.