John Robert "Bob" Christopher

Bob was a lifelong resident of Jacksonville. Born during the Great Depression, he was the youngest of three children and spent his youth enjoying outdoor adventures. As a teen during World War II, he proudly served his community as a volunteer messenger and worked as a grocery delivery boy. He attended Andrew Jackson High School, where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Mary Atkinson.

Bob was a devoted family man whose presence was a cornerstone of his household. He was greatly cherished by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Yankees. An avid outdoors man, Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing..When he wasn’t in the woods or on the water, Bob could be found cheering his favorite teams: Florida Gator football and the New York Yankees. His favorite vacations were spent surrounded by his large, bustling family at the lake or in the mountains with family and friends. His legendary family gatherings with cookouts and home-made ice cream were a staple of family life for more than 70 years.

A dedicated Christian, Bob was a deeply active member of his church, where he served faithfully as a deacon. He possessed a charismatic, empathetic, and resilient spirit, and was widely known for his kindness and his devotion to reaching out to the needy and home bound.

Professionally, Bob was a proud and active member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) union for more than 75 years. Over his long career, he worked as a movie projectionist and as a skilled stage technician with the Jacksonville Symphony and numerous theatrical productions.

Bob is survived by his children: Debbie Williams (Wayne), Sharon Anderson, Reggie Christopher, Freddie Christopher (Susie), and Timmy Christopher; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; as well as nephews and friends.

A visitation for family and friends will occur at 10am at Southpoint Baptist Church, 3335 Tiger Hole Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32216.

The funeral service celebrating Bob's life will follow at 11am at Southpoint Baptist Church.

A committal service will take place immediately after at Hardage-Giddens Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s honor to:

Southpoint Baptist Church, 3335 Tiger Hole Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared online for the Christopher family.