In the early morning hours of Thursday, January 25, 2024, Robert “Bob” Gerson was called home to heaven from a peaceful sleep. Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Naomi Brooks Gerson, his daughters Kimberly Gerson Munshower of Macon, GA and Allison Gerson Younkins of Smyrna, GA as well as his sons-in-law, Timothy Patrick Munshower and Victor Daniel Younkins. He’s also survived by his niece, Kathy Gerson Allsworth (Scott) of Davie, FL and nephew, John Rogers Gerson of Spartanburg, SC. He is predeceased by his parents Margaret Rose Walthall Gerson and John Oscar Gerson, as well as his brother, John Oscar Gerson, Jr.
Bob was born on August 6, 1935 in Macon, grew up in Atlanta and graduated in 1953 from Henry Grady High School, where he served as Adjutant in the Army ROTC. At Grady, he made many lifelong friends, whom he cherished and visited monthly past their 70th high school reunion last year. At Auburn University, he joined the brotherhood of Sigma Phi Epsilon, again making many lifelong friends, before earning his law degree at Emory University.
Bob’s long and distinguished career began as the Assistant Executive Secretary of the Georgia Public Service Commission in 1960, followed by serving as Commerce Attorney for Ryder Truck Lines in Jacksonville, FL. He returned to Atlanta in 1968 to join the law firm of Sanders, Hester, Holley, Ashmore and Boozer, before attaining partner in 1971, serving clients coast to coast, at what became Troutman, Sanders, Lockerman and Ashmore. While practicing law, he also enjoyed the opportunity to teach Transportation Law at the University of Denver College of Law, as well as Public Speaking at Georgia State University in 1977, 1978 and 1981. He ended his professional career by returning to Macon as an Administrative Law Judge for the Georgia Board of Worker’s Compensation in 1992 before retiring in 2002.
Bob was especially known for his keen wit and wonderful sense of humor. One friend said she didn’t know what dry wit was before meeting him. He loved animals and a wide variety of music, enjoyed playing tennis and watching football, and took pleasure in seeing the world while traveling with his wife. His legacy to his community included playing an instrumental role in the creation of the Dunwoody Library and Cultural Arts Center from the former Dunwoody Elementary as well as donating land to be preserved for Vernon Oaks Park in Dunwoody. In retirement, he became proficient online and continued his lifelong love of learning and exploration.
While his family is sorry to see him go and will certainly miss him, he was ready to meet his Maker after a long and fulfilling life.
Following interment at Riverside Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 29, 2024, there will be a celebration of his life at 2 p.m. and reception following at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, 1419 Bass Road, Macon, GA 31210.
