Robert Gemmill Obituary

Robert "Bob" Lester Gemmill, Jr.

Lexington, SC

Robert "Bob" Lester Gemmill, Jr., 73, met his Heavenly Father on Christmas morning after an agonizing yet courageous fight with lung cancer.

Born in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Robert and Marian Gemmill, he graduated from Sexton High School and earned his bachelor's degree from his beloved Michigan State University. After graduating college, he enlisted in the US Army Reserves and began working in grocery retail. He worked his way from bagboy to one of the top performing store managers for the Kroger Company for 25 years. During his career, he opened and managed high-performing stores throughout Michigan and Columbia, South Carolina. He was passionate about establishing community-business partnerships and spearheaded many programs to benefit public education and local charities. Even though he was an award-winning and high-ranking manager, you would often find him bagging side-by-side with teenage bagboys on the front ends of his stores. He was a man of true character, both hardworking and humble, which is why all who were fortunate to know him revered him greatly.

He met his wife, the former Judith "Judy" Hinman, due to a fortunate encounter at a local drug store where she worked. He entered looking specifically for butter pecan ice cream, she scooped it for him, and the rest is sweet history. Needless to say, one could always spot a carton of butter pecan ice cream in their freezer for years to come - it became a family favorite.

He leaves his devoted wife of 50 years, Judy Gemmill; his four children: Michelle "Shelly" Gemmill, Kristin (Jeff) Swanson, Melinda (Allen) Bullard, and Robert (Jamie) Gemmill, III; and eight grandchildren: Morgan and Ryan Swanson, Alden (Tyler) Newberry, AJ Bullard, III, Caitlin, Madison, Robyn, and Robert Gemmill, V.

There will be a private family gathering celebrating the life and legacy of Robert Gemmill, Jr. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to support the ASPCA, as Robert loved the many cats and dogs he owned throughout his life. A special thanks to Dr.Benjamin Levinson, Hospice Care of Tri-County, and Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington for their professional and caring services.

Go Green! Go White!

Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.thompsonsfuneral.com

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

Published by Lansing State Journal on Dec. 30, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Gemmill

12 Entries

kevin houser

January 9, 2016

My sister,susan houser ellsworth, in Lansing,mich,informed me today of Bob's passing. Bob was about four years older than me,and we all grew up on Fitting avenue, a new lansing subdivision called Edgemont Park in the 1950s. He was three houses down. I think his dad worked for Buick dealership,or else they always drove a Buick.

Richard Ballard

January 6, 2016

I've had the Good fortune of having Bob Gemmill as a best friend since fourth grade at Windemere grade school in Lansing Michigan. Our lives went in different directions but connected up from time to time as we went to school,raised our families.and lived our lives. Approximately,20 yrs ago we rkindled our friendship as we both lived in Lansing and could devote the attention a friendship needs..Just wanted to echo all the praises of how good he was at being a friend and sharing our time on the planet together as friends . I'll miss him! Thinking of you and your family ,Judy,You are in my prayers

Samuel Kramer

January 4, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing I worked with him at Kroger and rember when you and he started your gameing bussiness and enjoyed talking with the both of you when you were in the store.

January 4, 2016

Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories.
Delana Caudill

Pamela Saleska Nelson

January 3, 2016

Judy, I'm very sad to hear of Bob's passing. Wishing you and your family comfort and peace.

Emmie Newberry

January 3, 2016

I did not have the pleasure to know Robert but I do know and adore his daughter Mindy and grand children Alden and AJ! May god bless you all during this time and find some comfort in knowing heaven gained an angel and you an amazing guardian! Much love to you all!

Bobby Wilcox

December 30, 2015

Wow, life just lost a great human being. Bob and I crossed paths at Sexton and got more familiar due to Cross Country and Wrestling. He had a demeanor and heart that was a gift from God. His standards were high quality and it was impossible to not like him. I happen to live in Greer, South Carolina and am deeply saddened we both were down here at the same time without knowing. Would have been great to make contact. With a sad heart I give out a prayer for his memory and prayers go out to all of his family.

Mark & Nancy Wessinger

December 30, 2015

I am saddened to hear of Robert's passing. I worked on his old Mercury Cougar for years @ the Lincoln dealership in Columbia and later he would bring it to my independent shop in Chapin too. I always considered him more than a customer, I considered him a good friend. To the Gemmill family, I extend my heartfelt sympathy.

December 30, 2015

I am sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray constantly."

Jean and Karl Hudson

December 30, 2015

May the light of your courageous and honorable life shine as an ever- present beacon of hope, love and example to all who know you, and to the many lives you've touched through the greatness of your children/grandchildren.

Ben Kramer

December 30, 2015

Judy, It is with saddness that i read today of your loss. Bob was a great boss and a good friend . I greatly enjoyed my time working with him at the Irmo Kroger back in the mid eighties. G-d bless you and your family.

The Staff of Thompson Funeral Home

December 30, 2015

Offering our deepest sympathies at this time.

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