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ROBERT SUNDERLAND Obituary
Robert Bruce Sunderland, 85, passed away in his new home in Bryan, TX on August 21, 2020. Prior to June, Bob had been a resident of San Antonio for more than 60 years. Known variously by friends and family as Bob, Bobby, R.B. and Be-Bob, he was born on September 16, 1934 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Graduating from Lawrence High School, Bob joined the Air Force as an airplane mechanic and was eventually stationed in San Antonio where he met his beloved wife of 63 years, Frances Jean McCreless. He continued his education at Southern Methodist University earning a degree in Business/Insurance which he immediately put to good use working for his father-in-law, S.E. McCreless, at American Security Life Insurance Company. When S.E. retired, Bob took over the reigns as CEO and enjoyed a thriving career at ASL and then McMarr Properties, until he handed the company's reigns to his son David. His remarkable leadership skills coupled with his devotion to Jesus Christ made him a valued leader for many years on boards and committees of his church, in the Rotary Club, on the Texas Methodist Foundation Board, the Asbury College Board of Trustees and more. Bob also enjoyed a great love of the outdoors and hunting, spending 61 years of summer vacations in Estes Park, Colorado and even more fall hunting seasons in the Texas Hill country at his beloved McMarr Ranch.
He is survived by his wife Frances Jean; his son David Sunderland (his wife Shannon and their daughters Cassandra and Devyn) of San Antonio; his daughter Jeanne Coyle (her husband Pat and their children Katie, David and Lexie) of Bryan; his sister Marion Drummond of Wellfleet, MA; his brother Eddie Sunderland of Cocoa Beach, FL; and other nieces, nephews and members of his extended Sunderland family in Massachusetts, Florida and Georgia. A memorial service will be held at University United Methodist Church at 3 pm Friday Aug. 28th. Social distancing will be observed and a live stream service will be made available. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to University United Methodist Church, 5084 De Zavala Road, San Antonio TX 78249 (universitysatx.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT SUNDERLAND
Sue Dial
October 21, 2020
Frances Jean,
Hopefully I can contact you this way. I was ao saddened to hear of Bobby's death.What a sweet man he was. He always had a smile on his face whenever I saw him, and always so friendly. I'm sure you feel the loss of his presence deeply. Ive been looking for a way to find you, and am trying . I hope you see this and will call me. My old phone number for you no longer works. Would love to visit with you. 210 289-7890
God bless you today. Sue Dial
James Heidinger II
August 28, 2020
It was a privilege to serve with Bob on the Asbury University Board of Trustees. Bob was a wise and gifted leader of the board and it was always good for Joanie and me to have the opportunity to see Bob and Frances Jean at board meetings. We are thankful for their lives, their leaership, and their legacy for the Kingdom of God and the United Methodist Church. In Christ's great love,
Jim and Joanie Heidinger
Larry
August 28, 2020
Dear Sunderland Family
We are so sad that this day has come for your family. There are so many great stories and times that I remember about Mr. Sunderland. He had a strong influence in my life at a very young age and I will always remember his words of wisdom! He was a very smart man and I am thankful for the times I got to spend with him. We are praying for you guys and we celebrate his life with many many great memories.
Love Larry & Tiffany Smith
Lesley Tucker
August 27, 2020
I’m so sorry for your loss. Bob was always a kind and faithful man who made it so very clear how much he loved his wife, children and grand children! His memory will live on in the hearts of so many people who were blessed to have known him. ❤
Richard Ferdinandtsen
August 24, 2020
In 1959, at the age of 22, I had the good fortune of joining Bob at American Security. Bob provided me with the opportunities and support for career growth and a great relationship for 31 years. I have so many memories of those years with Bob. If I were the one with the power I would put stars in his crown.
Kristi Scott Rupp
August 23, 2020
Bob and my Dad, David Scott loved to hunt, reload and shoot. They spent hours in an old metal shed, Bob moved from Mc Marr Ranch to our house reloading and sighting in rifles. I am sure David met Bob at the gates of Heaven. Prayers of comfort and peace for Frances Jean, David, Jeanie and family.
Wanda Schorp Bunch
August 23, 2020
You are all in my thoughts and prayers—remember the good times and trust in the Good Lord.
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