Robert Lee Ervin Jr.

Robert (Bob) Lee Ervin, Jr., retired Director of Operations at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, passed away peacefully in his home on September 18, 2023, at the age of 93. He was surrounded by his family during his final days.

Robert served in the US Navy during the Korean War and was discharged in 1952. After the Navy, Robert worked in the construction trade as a ceramic tile setter.

He joined the Duval County Road Patrol in October 1960, and worked as a patrolman until 1965. Robert was then promoted to Detective Sergeant and worked in the Robbery Division. Later, he became a supervisor in the Burglary Division. In 1968, the City of Jacksonville and Duval County consolidated governments and the Duval County Road Patrol was subsumed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO).

In 1970, Robert was promoted to Lieutenant and was transferred to the Patrol Division where he worked as a Watch Commander for the south side of Jacksonville.

In 1973, Robert advanced to Captain and was assigned as Zone Commander for Zone 2 which included the east side of Duval County (then Zone 3).

Robert was selected as Deputy Director for Operations in 1977 and held that position until 1988, when he was appointed Director of Operations for JSO. He held that position until his retirement with 30 years of service in 1990.

After retiring, Robert pursued his love of fishing and took up golf. Bob was a member of the National Association of Retired Cops (N.A.R.C.), Rotary and the Fraternal Order of Police at the time of his passing.

In 1992, he was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Helen Weldon Ervin. Robert remarried in 2009.

Robert is survived by his wife, Agnes Ervin, three children (Debra Ervin, Susan Smith and Michael Ervin), two step-daughters (Linda Touzet and Cindi Stettner), five grandchildren (Andrew McCarthy, Alex Stettner (Aryn), Stephanie Lamb (Zack), Ben Stettner and Brady Touzet, and three great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm at the Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home (Mandarin Chapel at 11801 San Jose) and Jacksonville Sheriff’s honor services will be rendered.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or the Signal 34 Foundation, which directly supports officers injured in the line of duty.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Ervin family.