Robert "Bob" David Kline

Robert "Bob" David Kline passed away peacefully February 28, 2023, at the age of 71, after a courageous battle following open heart surgery. Bob had family by his side and love poured in that day from his wide circle of friends. The fierce bonds of friendship and family were the core of Bob's life.

Bob was born in Norman, Oklahoma, the second of six siblings and the only boy. He grew up in Pacific Palisades, California and although he spent time in Chicago living in a commune and working construction, and San Francisco working in the hotel industry as a young man, southern California was "home" and where his two boys, Dustin Everett and Timothy Jack "TJ" were born. Bob loved anything with an engine and making things "go," managing a towing company, moving heavy equipment with a lowbed truck, riding and fixing motorcycles (old TR's) and racing go karts. He was happiest on the water sailing, water skiing, and after moving to Florida in the '90s spent many a day fishing. He was quite the expert at catching (and cooking) flounder. The water may have also been his attraction to joining the Navy at the age of 24. Bob served as a radio operator on the USS Horne. His naval career was cut short after being injured while at sea and he was honorably discharged shortly thereafter. The Navy would have most likely been his choice as a lifetime career, but after landing in Florida as a young father, he spent several years as an operations manager and "roadie" for a photographer travelling around the world. Feeling the need to be grounded, Bob transitioned into new home construction as a project manager, eventually obtaining his contractor license. As time came closer to retirement, he settled in South Carolina where a new circle of friends widened.

Bob's pride and joy were his two sons, Dustin and TJ, and the loving, talented, honorable men he raised them to be. They portray the same fierce loyalty of friendship that he valued so highly. He beamed watching (and sometimes coaching) the endless baseball and football games when they were young; And talked with pride following and sharing info with friends about his boys' college days and careers. Bob and TJ bonded over his volunteering, USAF career, world travels, and MMA experiences. He and Dustin connected with his high standards and success coaching baseball, his dedication being a "girl dad" and Bob especially enjoyed teaching him how to fix things around the house. Most recently, Dustin and his wife Victoria's daughters, Ava and Addison filled him with love. He adored the girls and never missed an opportunity to let them know Grandpa loved them.

Bob is survived by his sons Dustin (Victoria) Kline and Timothy Jack Kline, granddaughters Ava and Addison Kline, his father Jack (May) Kline, aunt Jean Kline, uncle Everett (David Wald) Kline, sisters Laura (Chuck) Hartman, Leslie Moccia, Karen Thompson, Rebecca Kline, Kristen (Dave Spranklin) Kline, a niece, numerous nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He is predeceased by his mother Betty Jo Cannon and eldest sister Kathy Kline.

A burial service has been scheduled for Bob on Friday, June 2nd at 2:30 pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218. Anyone planning to attend should plan to arrive between 2 and 2:15 and park in Lane 2; The procession will move to the internment shelter and the service will begin promptly at 2:30 pm. All are welcome. In leu of flowers, raise a glass with friends and family, give them a hug, and toast a good life!