Robert "Poppy" D. Salyer

Robert D. Salyer, affectionately known by his family as "Poppy," passed away on September 10, 2026, at the age of 93. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, friend, patriot, and a man of deep faith.

Poppy was born on August 4, 1933, to Jesse Salyer and Edna Faye Blanton Salyer. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Steve Salyer, Jim Salyer, Carl Salyer, and Betty Smith. He is survived by his brothers Gary Salyer and Dave Salyer, and his sister Patti Coonfare.

One of the greatest chapters of Poppy's life began when he met Marti, the love of his life. After returning home from the Air Force following his father's near-fatal accident, Poppy walked into the coffee bar in Waldo where Marti worked. The moment he saw her, he knew she was the girl for him. With a little help from the owner of that coffee bar, they were married within a year.

For the next 70 years, Poppy's love for Marti remained unwavering He loved taking her dancing. listening to country music together and being her biggest fan-especially when it came to her cooking. Her homemade chicken and noodles, pork roast, apple pie, and pineapple upside-down cake never failed to make him happy.

Poppy proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and continued his service through his work with the Department of Defense. Even retirement didn't slow him down. He delivered flowers part-time, always joking that there was "nothing like delivering posies to an old lady," and later worked as a car runner for local dealerships. He remained fiercely proud of his country throughout his life.

His greatest pride, however, was his family.

Poppy is survived by his children, Hank (Dana) Salyer, Lisa (Ronnie) Warren, Ricky Salyer, Anjie (Shane) Fleming, and Jackie Hiter, along with his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

With Hank, Poppy loved hearing about the bail bonding business, technology, and whatever new subject had captured Hank's attention.

With Ricky, he enjoyed their spirited debates, especially when politics came up, as well as the simple adventures they shared, including trips to Walmart and the dump.

Lisa had a special way of showing her love-often arriving with one of Poppy's favorite soups. He would take a bite and proudly declare it the "best in the world." What mattered most, though, was having Lisa there with him. Those meals and visits became cherished memories he would never forget.

Poppy and his son-in-law Ronnie shared a love of good food and barbecue. Poppy happily served as Ronnie's official taste tester for smoked bologna, ribs, and all the other creations that became family favorites.

His son-in-law Shane gave Poppy plenty to talk about when it came to cars. Poppy loved hearing about Shane's Camaros and his Chevrolet Bel Air, as well as the many trophies he had won. Poppy took great pride in the cars, the work behind them, and Shane's accomplishments.

Some of Poppy's favorite days were spent with his daughter Anjie. The day started with "Bob Salyer let's do this thing" Then they were off to a doctor's appointments that became an adventure, with sushi stops, new restaurants, conversation, and plenty of laughs. They made an ordinary day into something special, creating memories that Anjie will treasure forever.

With Jackie, Poppy shared a relationship filled with inside jokes, friendly competition, and traditions all their own. They competed while watching Wheel of Fortune, whether together or over the phone, and shared their nighttime Seinfeld tradition. One of Poppy's greatest joys was watching the special friendship that developed between Jackie's son Landon and himself. Poppy and Landon became best friends, creating a bond that will never be forgotten.

Poppy loved the Tennessee Titans, Tennessee Volunteers, baseball, basketball, sushi, barbecue, White Castle, and peach Crown Royal. He loved family gatherings, good food, good conversation, and, most of all, being surrounded by the people he loved.

He was a God-fearing man whose faith and values guided his life. His mind remained incredibly sharp until the very end. At 93, he was still doing his own taxes-a testament to his independence, intelligence, and determination.

And when someone asked Poppy how he was doing, his answer was almost always the same: "Well, I'm sitting up taking nourishment." That was Poppy-quick-witted, independent, opinionated, funny, loving, and always ready with an answer.

He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will carry his love and his stories forward. He was a husband who adored his wife, a father who cherished his children, a grandfather who formed lifelong friendships with his grandchildren, a proud Airman, a devoted American, and a man who never stopped showing up for the people he loved.

There will never be another Poppy.

Although our hearts are broken, we are grateful for 93 years of his laughter, his stories, his stubbornness, his wisdom, his love, and all the ordinary moments that became extraordinary simply because he was there.

Rest easy, Poppy.

We love you. We will miss you. And we will carry you with us for the rest of our life

In lieu if flowers the family ask that you make a donation to the VFW, American Legions or to the Cancer Society.