Robert H. Revell, Sr. Obituary

Robert H. Revell, Sr., Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.), 83, known to his family and friends as "Bobby", died Sunday, May 9, 2010 at Palmyra Medical Center with his family at his side, and after having received the finest and most compassionate critical care imaginable.Bobby Revell was born in Tallahassee, Florida on October 18, 1926 to Albert Nason and Ruby Revell and was the fifth of seven children, with three brothers and three sisters. He graduated from Florida High School in Tallahassee and enlisted in the Navy in 1944 as soon as he turned eighteen. After World War II ended he attended Florida State University as a member of the first co-educational class. At FSU, he enrolled in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps and was a member of the Arnold Air Society. The Korean conflict recalled him to active military duty in 1951 and he was commissioned an officer in the United States Air Force.Bobby is a true member of the "Greatest Generation." He spent his childhood years during the Great Depression, entered adulthood during World War II and spent his adult years serving in the United States Navy and Air Force during three wars: World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam. He distinguished himself in two professional careers, one military and one civilian.Bobby entered the Navy in 1944 and served in the Pacific aboard the destroyer USS Killen which participated in the liberation of the Philippines and other operations until the end of the war. In the Air Force, he served as a navigator and supply officer. He flew on the KC-29, C-119, and the C-124. He was stationed in Japan, Germany, and throughout the United States. The bulk of his career was spent with the 63rd Troop Carrier Wing of the old Military Airlift Transport Service (MATS). He amassed thousands of flying hours in support of world-wide military operations, both American and Allied. He became a master navigator at a time when aviators still depended solely upon their navigator to determine their position over the world's oceans and vast expanses by use of the stars and other tools. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Viet Nam as a supply officer during 1966 through 1967 as well as numerous other military commendations. He retired after over 23 years of military service in the Navy and Air Force in 1970.Thereafter, he spent over 20 years as an officer with Okaloosa Federal Savings and Loan in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida specializing in mortgage lending. In Ft. Walton Beach he was active and held offices in various golf organizations, the Kiwanis Club and the Camellia Society. Bobby loved to grow and nurture plants. Wherever in the world he happened to live, you could be assured there would be a green space to enjoy.Bobby moved to Albany with Joanne in 1995 to enjoy full retirement and to be near family. He loved to play golf because of the friendships which ensued. He was a member of Doublegate Country Club where he made many wonderful friends. He was a member of Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church and the Alpha Sunday School Class. He was a gentle, kind man who always put the feelings of others above his own. Bobby never sought the spotlight. Most of all, he cherished any gathering which involved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.Bobby is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joanne Hunnicutt Revell, who was the love of his life and his best friend. Their children are Judge Robert Revell, Jr. and his wife Cathy, of Albany and Dorothy Revell Shettle and her husband, Bill, of Tampa, Florida. His grandchildren are Perry Revell and his wife, Christian, Michael Revell and his wife, Becky, all of Albany, Cyndi Shettle of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Charles Shettle of Tampa, Florida. His great-grandsons, who knew him as "Big Papa", are Hays Revell, Jackson Revell, and Banks Revell, all of Albany. His surviving sisters are Helen Hyatt of West Pal

Robert H. Revell, Sr. Obituary

October 18, 1926 - May 9, 2010