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Robert Drew "Bob" Conger Jr.

1928 - 2011

Robert Conger Obituary

Robert Drew "Bob" Conger, Jr.

Robert Drew "Bob" Conger, Jr., a lifelong resident of Jackson, died in his home on September 20, 2011.

Funeral services will be at First Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m on Saturday, September 24, 2011, preceded by a Masonic graveside service conducted by Scott Conger, at Riverside Cemetery at 1 p.m. Visitation will be at George Smith and Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2011.

"Faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life." "Service to humanity is the best work of life." These are two lines from the Jaycee Creed that guided the life of Bob Conger.

Bob was born in Jackson, TN on January 27, 1928 to the late Robert Drew and Utopia Lansden Conger. He was active in Boy Scouts and attained the rank of Eagle Scout as a young man. He attended Alexander Elementary, Jackson Junior High and in 1946, graduated from Jackson High School. After high school, Bob joined the U.S. Army, where he served in Japan in the Army of Occupation. Upon returning from the Army, he worked at the family lumber company and attended summer school at Lambuth College. He enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he participated in a reciprocal program with Georgia Tech. He received a degree in architecture from Georgia Tech in 1952.

In July 1952, he married Virginia Maroney. Jackson remained their home throughout their marriage, except in 1961, when Bob was the President of the United States Jaycees and they made their home in Tulsa, OK for one year.

Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, which he joined by profession of faith on April 5, 1934 at the age of six. He was an active member and devout Christian. He served as an elder and taught numerous Sunday School classes over the years. He was on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity. Bob was active in many civic clubs and organizations, including Jackson Rotary Club (past president), Jackson Jaycees (past president), Tennessee Jaycees (past president), U.S. Jaycees (past president), Jackson Lodge #45 F. and A.M. (past Master), York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shriners, and BPO Elks. He had a great deal of business experience as well. He was a partner in Conger-Parker Lumber Company and Conger-Parker Ready-Mix Concrete Company, Director of the Tennessee Building Materials Dealers Association, an organizer and charter board member of Jackson State Bank, member of the board of directors of Kelly Foods, and an economic development consultant for the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

He had a passion for the city of Jackson and considered it an honor to have served as mayor from July 1967 to December 1988. He once said he believed his biggest accomplishment as mayor was "to keep things together and to keep it from being divisive". He served as mayor through the civil rights movement, public school integration, industrial growth, and many other changes. He had a strong sense of fairness to people and strove to do what he believed was just and right. He also served as president and board member of the Tennessee Municipal League, president of the Madison County Democratic Executive Committee, and as a delegate to the National Democratic Convention. He was a long term member of the Jackson Quarterback Club, providing laughs and entertainment.

Bob received numerous awards over the years, including: Veteran of the Year from Post 1848 VFW; Young Man of the Year from the Jackson Jaycees; Mayor of the Year from the Tennessee Municipal League; and the Lane College Trail Blazer award. Bob loved to travel, and later in life, he was a travel agent at Frankie Plunk Travel Agency. He got great pleasure from helping people plan their travels. In retirement, he served as a surrogate parent for the school department for as long as his health permitted.

Bob loved his family and was never happier than when they were all gathered. When his children were younger, he often entertained the family by reciting poems he had memorized in school. He had many hobbies, including tennis, reading, computer games, listening to music, and mathematical and word puzzles. He was a member of the Joseph E. Martin Shakespeare Circle.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; daughter, Ginny Conger and her husband, David Aaron of Brookings, SD; son, Sid Conger and his wife Mary of Albany, GA; daughter, Susan Hellinger and her husband Rich of Decatur, GA; daughter, Topie Cassady and her husband Max of Daphne, AL; five grandchildren, Scott Conger and his fianceé, Nikki Frazier, and his mother, Pam Bates; Zoe Aaron, Michael Aaron, Harper Cassady, Walt Cassady; two step grandchildren, Laura Abramov and Keri Scott; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob Conger's life was one of "meaning and purpose," full of "the best work of life".

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, one of the local colleges, or Youth Town.

George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel, (731) 427-5555.

Published by The Jackson Sun from Sep. 21 to Sep. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Conger

Not sure what to say?





Kim Newlin

October 6, 2011

Our deepest condolences go out to the Bob Conger family from the CREW of the SS Fellowship of which he was a members.

Kim Newlin, Keeper of the LOG, The CREW of the SS Fellowship, US Jr Chamber of Commerce

Ina Williams

October 1, 2011

To my dear friend Sid and the Conger family, I am sorry for your loss. Although I did not know Mr. Conger, all that I have read and the wonderful things I have heard from Sid let me know that Mr. Conger was a wonderful man and his service to his fellow man is an example we should all follow. My prayers are with the family.

October 1, 2011

Our prayers go out to Mrs. Conger and family

I remember our most significant time with Bob…my wife and I had to forego the big family trip to Greece that year, as she had just had our first child (of four – little did we know!); it was 1991. We had both quit our jobs and formed our own construction company a couple of years earlier, just in time for the recession, and had been through a couple of lean years, to say the least! Despite missing the big trip, we were enjoying house sitting for my parents, as they had a beautiful house on a lake, which was a lot nicer than our apartment at the time.

I believe Georgia Tech was undefeated that year, and Bob and his pal (I apologize, I can’t remember his name – just that he worked at Porter Cable) came down to Orlando for the big Citrus Bowl game, and stayed with us at my parents house while they were down.

The night I most remember, Bob surprised us and came back from the store with some nice, juicy steaks. He grilled them up for us; and we had a lovely meal together – we hadn’t had such a nice meal since our dating days!

We enjoyed the pleasant company, and had some nice time visiting.

I’ve always admired America’s “greatest” generation, that grew up during the depression, weathered WW II, and did so many extraordinary things thereafter – all while maintaining the human touch.

love, John & Susan Hellinger

Sid Conger

September 27, 2011

Bob Conger was a very good person.He would listen to anyone and have a solutions begot that person would get through talking. We,the children did not mind sharing our ffather with everyone else.

Janeen Googe Smith

September 23, 2011

My sympathy goes out to Virginia, Scott, and the entire Conger family. The Googe family has fond memories of Bob and all the great things he did for Jackson. The highlight was when my mother Nell Googe presented petitions against roll-out garbage to the city commission and sang her original song "Roll Out the Garbage". The expression on Mayor Conger's face was priceless, and as a result of her efforts, the roll-out garbage proposal was defeated. Bob Conger will be sorely missed, just as we miss our dear Nell. You all are in my prayers. Love, Janeen Googe Smith

Crystal Wollam

September 23, 2011

Miss Virginia, I am deeply sorry for your loss of your lifemate. I am honored to have gotten to know the two of you so well and I will always cherish the memories in my heart. You and I have had some sincere talks and we will always be able to remember the smile on his face everyday, even through any pain he may have ever had! You did an amazing job caring for him these past several months, don't ever doubt it. I love you sincerely from my heart.

Lisa Cronin

September 22, 2011

With our deepest sympathies,
The Cronin's
Steve & Lisa
Brandie Cronin Klinkhardt

Laurie Carruthers

September 22, 2011

As a little girl, I remember Bob being a huge presence. He had great smile, beautiful Southern drawl and he will be missed.

Richard Donnell

September 22, 2011

My condolences to the entire Conger family on the passing of the patriarch of a great family. He was a friend to my parents and me. Your precious memories will sustain you.

Lisa Kinser

September 21, 2011

As a friend of Mr. Conger's daughter, Susan, I now know where Susan gets her drive and integrity - from her Dad. It is obvious that he will be sorely missed by many. Thoughts and Prayers go out to Susan, Family and Friends of Mr. Conger from down here in Georgia.

sylvia pinson

September 21, 2011

It was a pleasure to work under mayor conor in jackson parks and receation department. May god continue to bless the conger family with the loss of a great man.

Carolyn Shelton

September 21, 2011

I am sadden to here of Bob's death.I knew him from my husband Jimmy Shelton working for him in the ready mix company for years when we first married. .A wonderful man . My prayers go out to you all .I lost jimmy on july 21st ,2011. He died from alzhemers disease. Jimmy was 71 ,would have been 72 in two days .We live in louisiana for pass 30 yrs ,but jimmy followed Bob's Mayor term and really took pride in knowing him. May god bless you all and give you comfort. Carolyn Shelton 1810 2nd ave ,Lake Charles La 70601

George A. Smith and Sons

September 21, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Kay Stuart

September 21, 2011

Thoughts and prayers for Susan, her Mother and family in this time of sorrow. May God's comfort and strength keep you strong.

George Googe

September 21, 2011

Bob was a fine man and a gentleman. I remember his good natured, friendly personality, from events such as when Mom sang to him and the City Council (about roll out garbage) to the times he worked as a travel agent helping Becky and myself plan vacations. He did good things for Jackson and we will miss him.

September 21, 2011

Mrs. Virginia
You are so special to me and I am so sorry for your loss. You have been such a wonderful friend and I treasure you, I did not have the opportunity to meet Mr. Bob but I know he was a very special man. I will be praying for you and your family.

With Love,
Clara Hamlin

roger Murray

September 21, 2011

Bob Conger was a lifelong friend and young neighbor. Bob was a real credit to Jackson and Madison County as well as the State/ As Mayor he always did his best to achieve progress and fairness. His humor and wit was always present. I always enjoyed working with Bob in politics and in community goals. All of us will miss our friend and think about as well as remember him in many ways.

God Bless Bob Conger and all of his family. Roger and Judy

Paul Currie

September 21, 2011

Virginia and family, Dot and I want to express our sympathy and love to you. I have admired and loved Bob all of my life and feel richly blessed through his friendship. He was a dedicated Christian man who was an example and inspiration to so many. May God comfort you until that day when you are reunited in heaven. Love, Paul Currie

September 21, 2011

Conger Family

I remember Bob as a great neighbor (I grew up just up the street at 552), the mayor I worked for, and a great customer on my Jackson Sun route. So sorry for your loss.

Tom Elam
Carmel, Indiana

Jayme Gross

September 21, 2011

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Melody Smith

September 21, 2011

Mr. Conger was a great man....prayers and thoughts to his family.

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