Robert Lee Clinkenbeard Jr.

Robert "Bob" Lee Clinkenbeard, Jr., 79, of Locust Grove, passed away on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
Bob was born in Norman, OK, to Evelyn Clinkenbeard and the late Robert Lee Clinkenbeard, Sr.
Bob grew up near construction job sites his father supervised and eventually landed in New Orleans, where he played the bass drum in a Mardi Gras parade and learned the electric guitar. By age 18, he had completed a two-year carpentry school in six months. Bob spent time in the Army building barracks and supervised construction projects. He was the youngest superintendent with the Centex Company in the 1960s and supervised building the first six Service Merchandise stores in Atlanta. After that, Bob went into business for himself. He was a general contractor in the Northlake area for decades and could build or repair anything. Bob restored Chris Craft boats, repaired wiper motors, and loved waterfalls, traveling, riding motorcycles, playing guitar and piano, composing music, repairing watches, making stained glass, nature, cooking, and always making jokes for a good laugh. He also earned his US Coast Guard Captains license and traveled down the intercoastal waterway in a Chris Craft Constellation from Maine to Florida.
One of his favorite times was building a 1948 International Harvester pickup, which won several awards. He took great pride in his work and wanted to accomplish something daily. When his children were young, he coined the term "boogie walking," which meant finding out where the road leads (before GPS), going on an adventure, and sometimes ending up in another state.
More than anything, he loved his family. He was his mamas "Baby Boy" and had a close relationship for 79 years. He loved his wife, Jackie, who was always his biggest cheerleader. His children were his greatest accomplishment, and he loved them dearly. His opinion mattered so much that he was the first person you would call. His motto was, "You can do anything anyone else can do," and he lived it. He will be greatly missed, but he lives within each of us.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Clinkenbeard (Locust Grove); his mother, Evelyn Clinkenbeard of New Orleans, LA; his sisters, Renee Bagley (Buddy) and Lynne Campo (Joe); his children Shelley Johnson (Brian) of Tampa, FL, grandchildren Zach and Taylor; Charley Clinkenbeard (Melanie) of Bishop, GA, granddaughters Jenna and Camryn; Wendy Blackmon (Brian) of Jackson, GA, granddaughter Makenzie; Maria Cochran (Kris) of Milner, grandsons Andrew, Trent, and Robert; Cheryl Watkins (Josh) of Watkinsville, GA, grandchildren Addison and Brayden; and Michael Clinkenbeard of Avon, CO, grandchildren Aspen and Jasper.
In accordance with Robert's wishes, no formal services will be held. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Robert, please visit our Tree Store.