Robert Lee Read Jr.

Robert “Bob” Lee Read, Jr., 88, was born on January 16, 1936, in Arcadia, FL to Robert Lee Read, Sr. and Gwendolyn LaByer Read. Bob graduated from Bartow High School where he lettered in basketball and baseball. He attended the University of Florida, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1958, and was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity.

After college he joined the United States Navy Reserve. Bob began his Sales/Marketing Career in Bartow with Sherwin-Williams Paints. While in Bartow he was a member of the First Baptist Church and Bartow Jaycees.

When the family moved to DeLand in 1968, Bob assumed The Branch Management of the new Sherwin-Williams Store. The family joined The First Baptist Church where Bob was ordained as a Deacon in 1973. He continued his community involvement with the DeLand Jaycees and joined the DeLand Lions Club, where he served as President 1974-1975.

The family moved to Lakeland in 1978. He stayed an active member of what is now Lakes Church. As the popularity of PC’s grew, Bob joined the Polk Computer Users Group and served as President 1998-1999. After his retirement from Napa Motor Parts Bob stayed busy with his Legal Shield business and Chamber of Commerce activities. He was so honored to be recognized as the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year in 2019. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert Lee Read, Sr., and Gwendolyn LaByer Read; niece, Carol Read Dow. Bob is survived by his brother, William “Bill” A. Read; daughters, Caren Read, Julie Sturm (Darryl); granddaughter, Elise Sturm; niece, Vicki Read.

Bob dearly loved his girls, friends, and dogs. He was a loyal supporter of the Florida Gators, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves and NASCAR.

A visitation will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 10 am at Heath Funeral Chapel with services to follow at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to SPCA Lakeland and Lakes Church Missions.