It is with profound sorrow and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Robert J. Flynn, Jr. who departed this world on November 1, 2026, in the loving presence of his cherished wife, Peggy. Born on May 1, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, Bob was a beacon of strength and determination for his family and friends. He was an honest, strong, and loving man who was devoted to and dearly loved his entire family, particularly his wife
Peggy, his daughter Erin, and his son Mike. He was also a beloved son, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend.
Robert was known as Bob to his friends; but his family always called him, Topper. He was the beloved son of the late Robert J. Flynn, Sr. and Mary Margaret (Kurry) Flynn, who instilled in him the values of hard work and compassion. He was also the older brother to five younger siblings, all of whom looked up to him and did their best to emulate him. Topper's formative years were spent in Virginia, where he graduated from James Madison High School in 1963. His academic journey continued at the Virginia Military Institute, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering in 1967.
In 1967, Bob married the love of his life, Margaret Ann (Peggy) Erlendson, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond for nearly six decades. Together, they raised their children, Erin Lankford (1971) and Mike Flynn (1973). Bob’s legacy lives on through his grandchildren Andy (Tricia) and Hunter Lankford, and his great-grandchild, Audrey Lankford, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.
Bob’s professional journey began even before he completed his studies at VMI, as he was selected by Dupont in 1967 for a prestigious position at their facility in Richmond, Virginia.
Following graduation, Bob went to work at the Dupont facility and was introduced to Dupont’s world-renowned Research and Development operation. Almost immediately he was called to active duty in the United States Air Force and was shipped off to Korea and Thailand, where he worked on airfields supporting the war in Vietnam. Following his service in Korea and Thailand, Bob returned to the United State and was selected to serve at the prestigious Andrews Air Force Base where he supported airfield operations, including those for the President and Air Force One.
Bob left the Air Force in 1972 and returned to Dupont’s Research and Development operations in Richmond, Virginia where he worked on the newly developed Kevlar and the
emerging Carbon Fiber technologies. While there, Bob went to the University of Richmond at night and earned an MBA which complemented his engineering career.
Bob’s expertise and dedication soon caught the attention of Exxon Corporation, and in 1981 they spirited him away from Dupont to their new Research and Development facility in Greer, South Carolina. Dupont later acquired that Exxon facility in Greer and Bob was rehired by Dupont to head-up the Research and Development arm of their facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Bob worked in Chattanooga until he retired in 1997. During that time he developed a number of new, highly technical processes for which he received
patents from the U.S. Government. Beyond his professional achievements, Bob was a committed member of the Board of Directors of the Dupont Credit Union, a role he embraced with enthusiasm and diligence.
In his “spare time”, Bob loved to farm. Beginning with his first farm in Greer, South Carolina he learned that he loved animals and working outside. What began as a glorified hobby in Greer, led him to create Keydet Farm in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee just outside Chattanooga which blossomed into a thriving cattle business. His renowned beef was a source of pride and a great gift to family and friends alike. In 2025, Bob finally sold Keydet Farm and he and
his wife Peggy moved up to Signal Mountain, Tennessee to be closer to his beloved children, Erin and Mike.
Family was the cornerstone of Topper's life, and he was a devoted brother to Gwen Brauer (Jeff), Pat Flynn (Sue), Debbie Worek (Dennis), Larry Flynn (Debbie), and Jenny Flynn (Don). He treasured the bonds with his siblings and cherished the memories they created together. Bob’s heart was big and his friendships were deep and enduring. He shared countless adventures and memories with close friends Chuck Stewart, John Cable, John Rogers, Doug Mills, Dave Conrad, and Don and Karen Chamberlain.
The Flynn Family thanks all for the overwhelming outpouring of love and compassion. In honoring Bob’s life, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the Virginia Military Institute, an institution that held a special place in his heart. Donations can be made to the VMI Alumni Agencies at vmialumni.org (https://www.vmialumni.org/) or mailed to VMI Alumni Agencies, PO Box 932, Lexington VA. 24450, or call 800-444-1839
Though his physical presence is no longer with us, the spirit of Robert "Topper" Flynn will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His legacy of hard work, personal responsibility, and love will continue to inspire us all.
Peggy will host a memorial gathering for Family and close friends in her home, on Friday, 13 November 2026 between noon and 6:00 PM. There will also be a small, private memorial service at VMI at a later date.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
The arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
