Dr. Robert H. O’Bannon, 82, completed his earthly journey on June 2, 2020 in Cleveland, Tennessee, after a long bout with Alzheimer’s, joining his wife Nancy worshiping at the feet of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Born in Zellwood, Fl. on Jan. 29, 1938, “Bob” studied at Lee College, East Tennessee State, and the University of Florida where he obtained his Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition in 1963. After a brief initial stint teaching at Lee College, he and his family traveled to Egypt and then Beirut, Lebanon, where he served as Middle East Superintendent of Missions for the Church of God (Cleveland, Tn.). They returned to the States in 1967 when war broke out in the Middle East. He strongly believed that all humans were created in the Image of God.
Dr. O’Bannon taught Science courses at Lee University for 45 years, retiring in 2008. He received Lee’s special award for excellence in teaching in 1980 and its award for scholarship in 1989. Dr. O’Bannon helped create Lee’s short term medical missions program which became the school’s popular Global Outreach program. He served as chair of Lee’s science department for several years, helping hundreds of Lee students get into medical and dental school. His most popular course was Science & the Bible, which showed the harmony of two disciplines many thought in conflict. He demonstrated his theological credentials with a Master’s degree in Theology from the then Church of God School of Theology in 1989.
Even while teaching at Lee, Dr. O’Bannon continued to serve his community. He worked as a medical technologist for the Bradley Memorial Hospital (now Tennova) for more than 30 years. He was active in pro-life work in the community. An ordained minister in the Church of God, he served as interim pastor in several local churches while they were in transition. He and his wife Nancy led several short term mission trips for the Church of God. All in all, it has been estimated that Bob and Nancy performed ministry in more than forty nations.
He and his wife were charter members of the Westmore Chuch of God, where he took on may roles from teaching and preaching to volunteer groundskeeper!
He is predeceased by his spouse, Nancy O’Bannon; parents, Floyd and Julia (Fulghum) O’Bannon; and siblings Floyd O’Bannon, Jr., Jim O’Bannon, Betty Hines, and John O’Bannon.
He is survived by his children, Randall O’Bannon and wife Sandy, of Manassas, Va., Bethany Bowman and husband J.C., of Nashville, Tn., and Terry O’Bannon, of Royal Oak, Mi.; grandchildren, Jennifer Bowman Martin, of Richmond, Va., Kathleen O’Bannon of Manchester, Ct., Julie Bowman, of Cleveland, Kelly O’Bannon and Kerry O’Bannon, of Seattle, Wa.; great-grandchildren, Donovan Martin, Harley Dilbeck, Zachary Dilbeck and Henry Martin; sibling, Mary Lu Edgar of LaBelle, Fl; and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family on Thursday, June 4. Details about a public memorial service later in the summer will be published in the coming weeks.
Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee St. Chapel has charge of the arrangements.