Robert Gene (Bob) Runnels was born on December 15, 1940 in Richmond, IN to the Late Paul and Alice Runnels. At the young age of 22, he met his first love, Mary Anne Ellis. Despite attending the “other” Catholic Church across town, Mary Anne’s parents consented and they married the next year. To this love, they were blessed with 3 sons, Michael Runnels (Gina) of Lexington, KY, Joseph Runnels (Susan) of Jupiter, FL, and George Runnels (Erin) of Aiken, SC.
After high school Bob spent 2 years in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Spain. Later, while working full-time and raising his family, Bob also attended Indiana University night classes, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He spent most of his career in the automotive industry working as a Plant Accountant. His career took him numerous places throughout Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Retirement, and the warm weather brought him to sunny Florida.
Bob and Mary Anne were all about community, throwing huge block parties on their street in Cincinnati, a tradition that still continues to this day. He gardened, grew roses, and loved to cook meat on his smoker, often surprising the neighbors with dinner! Before retiring to Florida, Bob and Mary Anne always lived on a lake. Family gatherings and visits from lifelong friends filled many long, enjoyable days on the water. Card playing, or rather not playing but yelling instructions at the players, was one of his favorite past-times. The Cincinnati Bengals and Reds were his lifelong teams and traveling to NASCAR races with his sons or friends always brought him laughs and great stories.
Bob loved people and never met a stranger. He had a huge heart and soft spot for those in need. Just to name a few, he volunteered at St. Peter’s food pantry and served meals at Food for Families each Friday. He lent a hand when needed at Hannah’s Home Crisis Pregnancy Center and drove the transportation van for Jupiter Medical Center. When needed, Grandpa was always there for the daughter-in-laws and grandkids - painting and home repair were his specialties.
Bob was the youngest of four children. He is predeceased by his parents; his step-father, Bob Steir; brother, Arthur Runnels of Cincinnati, OH, and sister, Jackie Cox of Richmond, IN. He leaves behind his brother, Jerry Runnels of Cincinnati, OH.
Bob and his lovely bride were blessed with 10 grandkids, Ben, Will, Mallory, Ally, Tom, Brock, Courtney, Maddie, Ellie and Cait, as well as 4 beautiful great-granddaughters, Blake, Landry, Cami and Isabella, and a host of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 18th at 10:00AM in the chapel at St. Peter’s Catholic Church - 1701 Indian Creek Pkwy, Jupiter, FL 33458.
One of Bob’s favorite charities was St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please consider a donation to further their mission - www.stjude.org.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17