Colonel Rt. and former Mayor Robert Stephen "Bob"
Poydasheff, Sr.

February 13, 1930-
September 24, 2020
Columbus, Georgia- Robert Stephen Poydasheff, Sr. 90, of Columbus, Georgia passed away Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital. A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2020 in Parkhill Cemetery with Father David Hudson of Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church officiating . McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Georgia 31907 is in charge of the arrangements.
Bob was born in The Bronx, New York, to the late Commander and Mrs. Stephen Alexander Poydasheff. He made Columbus his home early in his military career, having both his children born inColumbus. Upon his retirement from the Army, he chose Columbus as his permanent home and the home of his family.
Robert S. Poydasheff graduated from The Citadel in 1954 with a BA in Political Science. He received the degree of Juris Doctor from Tulane University in 1957 and his Masters in InternationalRelations from Boston College. In addition, he was sent to the Army War College during his military career. He began his military career as an Infantry officer before transferring to the Judge Advocate General Corps. He was a parachutist and served a combat tour in Vietnam. As a JAG, he prominently figured in the trials of high-ranking officers involved in the My Lai incident. He also served as Legal Counsel to the Secretary of the Army, Bo Calloway.He was elected to the Ranger Hall of Fame for his service to the Army Rangers and his dedication to the United States Army.
Bob served Columbus and its citizens in many capacities. He was Mayor of Columbus, a former City Councilor, a retired Army colonel serving as the SJA of Fort Benning, a college professor, aSenior Vice President of SunTrust Bankand a respected attorneywith a busy law practice until his death. He was active in many of the organizations that enhanced the quality of life in the Columbus community, sitting on numerous boards, such as, Westville, the Springer Opera House, the Columbus Symphony, The National Infantry Museum, CSU Athletic Board and many others. He was well-known for his outgoing personality, his sense of humor, his love of life, and his love and commitment to his family, friends, country, community and The Citadel. He was known as Bob, Uncle Bob, Mayor, Colonel, Dad, andPapou.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Catherine Poydasheff Ross.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Stacy, of 66 years, his son, Robert Stephen Poydasheff, Jr. and his wife, Meg; his sister Manya Poydasheff Khan of Greenport, NY; five grandchildren -- Jennings Johnston and her husband David, Alexander Ross, Remington Hutson and her husband Richard, Delaney Poydasheff, Stephen Poydasheff; two great grandchildren – Colton Johnston and Rhett Johnston.He is also survived by Johnnie Shipley his long time administrativeassistant for 29 years, whom he loved and respected.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mayor Poydasheff be made to any organization of the Arts of your choice.
Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ledger-Enquirer from Sep. 26 to Sep. 27, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Colonel Poydasheff

Sponsored by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.

8 Entries

Joseph and Christine Zanga

October 22, 2020

We were both boys from the Bronx, the Mayor and I, and for most of my almost ten years in Columbus I valued his friendship. Bob and Stacy, Christine (my wife) and I met regularly at the Symphony where his wit and wisdom were as much a treat as were the performances. I learned much from him about the community and so much else. We were sad to leave him when we moved to be closer to our grandchildren but will always remember Bob and Stacey fondly. God bless and keep you old friend,
Joe and Chris Zanga

Bob Summers

September 29, 2020

Bob has been my friend from the middle 1970's. I knew him as a Staff Judge Advocate Officer at Ft, Benning. Bob and I attended several events within the Columbus area. Bob and I shared several stories from the time I was a Chief Instuctor in the Airborne Department to last year at the Wreath Across America located at the Ft. Mitchell Cemetary. Bob was a wonderful friend plus a role model. Bob will be missed by many people in the Columbus and the Ft. Benning area.

Bob! please rest in peace my friend.

Bob Summers

Tutuwacelee inc

September 26, 2020

Bob had been my mentor and college professor as a child in nyc I had been certified as non teachable a throw away I input c on all military exams entered military retired as an instructor weapons and munitions bob “uncle bob” taught me criminal law contract alignments investigations treated al people with equal fairness and trained you to higher financial security taught me forex currency and stock trades off his phone bob always talked of his love for his wife and children always building a bridge for the voiceless and hopeless to attain self confidence and a good income truly loved

Waltraud Velez

September 26, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jean Harron

September 26, 2020

Bob has been a friend since 1961. When we came back to Benning from Heidelberg Germany one of the first greet us was Bob. We shared many beautiful moments laughing at Bob’s antics like speaking to me in French and to my husband in Russian then saying in I am sure you agree. He often say by me when I worked at the chamber keeping me laughing so much I could not eat my breakfast but went went to work with smile on my face from Uncle Bob. Stacey and Rob I’m heart aches for you and you are in my prayers. Love you
Jean

Minister Patsy O. Hall

September 26, 2020

Thank you Sir for the wisdom you gave to me, as well as the world. Well done and rest well. Salute you

Arlene Zielaskiewicz

September 26, 2020

May his soul rest among the Saints
Michael and Arlene Zielaskiewicz

The McMullen Family and the Staff of McMullen Funeral Home

September 26, 2020

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results