Robert Lee McLeod III

1953 - 2021

McLeod III, Robert Lee
Sep 14, 1953 - Feb 19, 2021
On Friday, February 19th, 2021, Robert Lee McLeod III passed away peacefully at the age of 67, surrounded by his family. Rob was born on September 14th, 1953 to Bob and JoAnn (Edwards) McLeod. Rob grew up in Sarasota, Florida, and joined the Air Force in 1972. It was while stationed in Phoenix, Arizona, that he met the love of his life, Eula Jennings. The two were married in 1976 after his service ended, and they moved home to Sarasota. There, Rob joined his father serving with the Sarasota Fire Department, from 1976-1986. During that time, Rob achieved the rank of Lieutenant, and worked as EMT, a paramedic, and as a training officer.
Rob and Eula raised two children, Lee and Katy, and in 1986 the family relocated to Arizona, where he joined the Chandler Fire Department, serving as a firefighter and paramedic. In 1989 he was named Firefighter of the Year for his exceptional work in both the department and the community. During his 28 years in the department, he rose to the rank of Battalion Chief, before his retirement in 2014. During that time Rob worked as a training officer, an EMS officer, a safety officer, and as the emergency-preparedness coordinator. He also taught Emergency Medicine and Fire Science at the local community college.
Rob is particularly remembered for his tireless devotion to improving and promoting firefighter safety. In 1997, he became a member of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association. He was among the first Health & Safety Officers to be nationally certified through the FDSOA, later serving as the Western Director, and eventually as Chairman of the Association.
Rob had a passion for public speaking and education. He attained the highest award of Distinguished Toastmaster and served as an officer and chartering member of 2 area chapters. He was also a founding member of the Chandler Fire Pipes and Drums, playing the tenor drum for fallen firefighters and at countless other official events.
He enjoyed gardening and landscaping and was an avid golfer. He cherished being out in nature any time he had the chance, whether hiking, camping, fishing, or hunting – which he always called 'armed camping'. We will always remember his love of all things Scottish, of storytelling, and of poetry. He was a gifted teacher, a dear friend, a devoted father, and a beloved husband. He had a joyful laugh, an adventurous spirit, and a generous heart.
Rob loved the Lord and loved to share the peace and love of Christ with others, as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, and youth leader. We knew his deep unshakable faith, and his confidence in his Savior. He was a friend to every person he met. We will miss his strength, his patience, his calming presence, his unshakeable integrity, and his unwavering kindness. But most of all, we will remember the way he loved us: constantly, selflessly, completely. Rob was a hero, in every sense of the word – he is our hero.
Rob is survived by his wife Eula, his children Lee and Katy, six grandchildren: Allie, Juliet, Tully, Will, Moira, and Iain, by his mother JoAnn, sisters Risa and Roxy. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob, and his brothers, Randy and Ricky.
A Memorial Service will be held for Rob, July 24th at 11am at Fogartyville Cemetery 4200 3rd Ave NW. Bradenton, FL 34209 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to one of the charities that were important to Rob: https://robandeula.blogspot.com/2021/02/with-great-thanks.html.
Shannon Funeral Homes