Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Robert Bryan Van Metre
Robert Bryan Van Metre
Obituary
Guest Book
Robert Van Metre Obituary
Robert was born in Memphis, Tennessee, a son of the late Robert Burnette Van Metre and the late Evelyn Ruth Bryan Van Metre. Robert was truly a man of many talents, a genuine Jack-of-all-trades. His life's journey was marked by service, creativity, and adventure. He proudly served in the Army as a helicopter pilot, a deputy sheriff, and even a jeweler, later taking on roles as a plant manager at the Department of Corrections. He even ran for mayor of Hiram, Ohio. A natural problem-solver, Robert loved to fix things and embraced the art of tinkering. He built his own workshop, a space that reflected his ingenuity and hands-on spirit, and a place where he enjoyed woodworking and creating. He chased dreams fearlessly, lived as an adventurer, and carried an endless curiosity for the world around him. Devoted and quick-witted, Robert's humor and sharp mind left lasting impressions on everyone he met. Robert will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, Deborah, left behind to cherish his memory are his daughters, Amy Canaday and her husband Shawn of Fisher, Indiana, Jennette Edwards and her husband Kyle of Bowman, SC; a brother, Don Van Metre and his wife Leta S. of Hiram, Ohio; six grandchildren, Christina Higginbotham and her husband Zed, Conner Edwards and his wife Emily, Lillianna Scott and her husband Noah, Katy Lambert and her husband Keaton, Cole Edwards, Charlie Canaday; three great grandchildren, Yara Higginbotham, Oliver Edwards, and Xavier Higginbotham, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Bullock Funeral Home Chapel.
The family will receive friends at Bullock Funeral Home on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., one hour prior to the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you send donations to Carolina Veterans' Service Dog Training (CVSDT) at https://www.clover.com/pay-widgets/d0e33c5f-b96c-4ca0-b5bd-f18fe5ea0d46.
You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family's guest book.
The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Bryan Van Metre, please visit our floral store.
How you can show support
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
1190 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150
Make a Donation
in Robert Van Metre's name
People and places connected with Robert
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Robert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Van Metre's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more