Bob Maurer

RINGGOLD Robert E. "Bob" Maurer, 85, passed away Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, after a long illness. His battle was heroic.He was born on Dec. 11, 1927, in New York, N.Y. to Hugo E. and Florence McKay Maurer. Bob grew up in Flushing, N.Y. He graduated from Bayside High School in Bayside, N.Y. in 1946. After high school he served in the armed services as a U.S. Naval Aviation Cadet and in the U.S. Armored Cavalry. Although Bob moved away from New York City during his career over 50 years ago, he remained a New Yorker at heart his entire life. Reminding his loved ones always, New York City is the greatest city on earth.After serving in the armed services Bob attended the New Bedford Textile Institute (University of Massachusetts Dartmouth) where he received his bachelor of science degree in textile chemistry.Bob then worked for Geigy Chemical Corp (later Ciba Geigy Corp., now Novartis) in the Dyestuff division. He retired in 1988 after 36 years with Ciba. Bob married Sophie, the love of his life in 1950 in Corona, N.Y. They were happily married for 62 years. During Bobs career and marriage, he moved with his family from New York, to Massachusetts, Tennessee, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Florida and Georgia. Bob was an avid traveler who enjoyed seeing the world and meeting people everywhere. Bob never met a stranger he didnt know, and he will forever be cherished for his stories of laughter and excitement from his adventures on the road, or in the air. His larger than life, love of life and friends were his calling card. Of the many places Bob traveled, he always returned to Tennessee and Georgia and chose this area for his retirement. Bob was a member of Christ United Methodist Church. He was a 32nd-degree Master Mason for 49 years. Bob was a member of the AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) since 1954. Bob enjoyed cooking, gardening, shopping, reading, playing bridge and most of all spending time with family and friends.Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo "Pappy" and Florence Maurer; his sister, Grace (Ed) Relihan.Bob is survived by his spouse, Sophie, of Ringgold; his daughters, Billie Lynn (Greg) Barner, of Knoxville, Barbara Anne (Paul) West, of Woodstock, Vt., Betty Jean (Jeff) Veser, of Knoxville; his grandchildren; his great-grandchildren; and his loving nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives. A memorial service will be held at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2013.Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory.