Robert Harry Conley “Bob” passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 27, 2024. He was 93 years old.
Born in Winter Haven Florida to Harry and Ludie Conley, Bob learned a lot from his parents, tending to the family business- from citrus groves to selling goods. Growing up, Bob worked at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven becoming a member of the water ski team. While touring with the Tommy Bartlett ski show and working at Cypress Gardens, Bob appeared in several movies that were filmed at Cypress Gardens which starred Esther Williams. Bob also performed for US troops through the USO. He graduated from the University of Florida, was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha and a full fledged Gator for life.
In college, Bob was active in the ROTC which set him on a path of service to the country for his next 40 years. Bob enlisted in the United States Army upon graduation. Upon leaving active duty, he continued serving in the US Army through the Reserves. Bob was recognized by his country several times for outstanding service, and retired as a Colonel and the Commandant of the OCS in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Bob married Peggy McNaul and had 3 sons. He had a successful career in sales and eventually settled down in Metairie, Louisiana. Bob was active with his three sons and enjoyed volunteering with the Cub Scouts and the community. Through his service to the community he was awarded the “Key to the City of New Orleans” in 1967. He moved back to Winter Haven in 1994 and was active in several charitable organizations and was named the “Kiwanian of the Year” by the Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven in 2014.
Bob is survived by his long time friend and companion Patricia Harmon, sons Kevin Robert Conley (Aline), Scott Howard Conley (Rhonda) and Keith Andrew Conley (Barbie) as well as his grandchildren Stacey Conley, Samantha Conley Delahoussey (Austin), Kimberly Conley Mickens (Shay), Chad Conley, Courtney Conley and Kelsey Conley.
Bobs family is forever grateful to everyone who was there for him in his time of comfort and need, from close friends to the caring staff of Astoria and Springlake Rehabilitation Center as well as the nurses and staff of Winter Haven Hospital Services.
All friends and family are invited to celebrate Bob’s life Saturday April 13th from 10a-2p at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers Bob asked that donations be made to the Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven in his name.
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