Bobby was the firstborn of eleven children, seven brothers and four sisters. Raised under the loving care of his grandmother Ada from birth through his youth, he maintained a profound connection with his family and played a guiding role in molding his younger siblings. He was known for his sharp mind, warm charm, engaging storytelling, and musical passion. In his youth, Bobby was an avid Elvis Presley fan who played guitar, sang at numerous events, and co-founded the popular Panamanian band The Soul Invaders in 1966 alongside his brother Ray. A passionate New York Yankees fan, Bobby’s sports loyalty created a lively and cherished rivalry within a household dominated by Brooklyn Dodgers fans.
Robert developed into a lifelong scholar and accomplished professional. He earned his Associate in Technology degree in 1978 and his Bachelor of Science degree in 1980 from Panama Canal College in La Boca, Canal Zone. During his early career, he completed dual apprenticeships as a Journeyman Electrician and a Towboat Mate/Master, eventually earning licensure as a U.S. Government Tugboat Master (500 gross tons).
Spanning more than 26 years of professional service, Robert served as a highly respected Health & Safety and Industrial Hygiene Specialist. His work in environmental remediation, nuclear facility decommissioning, and industrial safety took him across North America. Over his career, he provided vital safety leadership and expertise for major projects, including the Hanford Atomic Waste Facility in Washington, Knoll Atomic Power Laboratory in New York, NASA Plum Brook Reactor in Ohio, PSEG Hope Creek and Salem Nuclear Power Stations in New Jersey, NYC Transit Authority subway upgrades, and numerous USACE environmental remediation sites.
A man of deep Christian devotion, Robert was a faithful member of Custer Road United Methodist Church in Plano, TX, where he found profound joy singing in the church choir and raising his voice in sacred praise.
Beyond his extensive professional achievements, Robert’s greatest pride was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and mentor. Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline Tambi-King; their six daughters and grandchildren; eight additional children and their grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; his ten brothers and sisters; and a wide network of extended family, friends, and esteemed colleagues across the world. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Amy King.
He will be deeply missed, but his wisdom, humor, leadership, and unconditional love will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.
