Robert (“Bob”) Arthur Walters

August 13, 1957 – November 10, 2019

                Robert A. Walters of Melbourne, Florida, formerly of Berkley and Farmington Hills, Michigan, and Chicago, Illinois, died suddenly Sunday morning, November 10, 2019. He was 62 years young. Bob was born August 13, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan, to Sharon (nee McClellan) Walters and the late William Walters.

                Bob graduated from Berkley High School in 1975. He started a lifelong hobby turned career in carpentry at an early age. He studied Architectural Engineering at Lawrence Technological Institute. He was a proud member of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.

                His varied career included working as a Project Superintendent for Tri-North Builders – responsible for supervising ground-up construction to grand openings of stores for Brooks Brothers, Victoria Secret, Coach, and White House | Black Market. As an independent contractor, he and his crews used Rib Roof standing seam roof panels on Home Depots and mini-storages nationwide.

                After 40 years in the field, his woodwork became a mastery. One of his last wood pieces was a custom dresser for his youngest daughter. Bob knew so much about everything and he could fix anything; he was an electrician, plumber, auto mechanic, painter, dry wall expert, roofer, custom cabinetry maker: a true Master and extremely talented man.

                With his big heart and sense of humor, it was hard for people not to be attracted to Bob. Around the neighborhood he was nicknamed the Mayor (or “Garage Bob”, as his ‘Man Cave’ was located in the garage), always lending a hand (and more likely a tool or DIY tips).

                Upon moving to Florida, Bob obtained his 6-20 Insurance Adjuster’s License with the State of Florida.  For a few years he was a hurricane chaser, doing catastrophic claims, most awful was the devastation of Hurricane Katrina he experienced in New Orleans. While partially retired, Bob spent a lot of time golfing (14 handicap), fishing and talking to anyone and everyone. Bob was known for many things: his cooking (even though dinner was never ready before 9 p.m.) especially his home bread and gravies, expensive taste (had to have his Movado watch), attention to detail, his love of the sun and especially Key West, his skill as a Vizsla bird dog breeder and trainer, as well as avid hunter, and giving advice (lots of it).

                Bob had recently signed on with Security First Florida as Senior Staff Field Adjuster.

                Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Nina L. (nee Wiggins) Walters (his darling wife, as he referred to her), his daughters, Dawn Marie (Nick) Rem, Chelsea (Chad) Beasley, and Nina Darin (“Dee”) Zoe Walters; his grandchildren Austin and Sage Mary Rem, Kaeleb, Konner, Ivy and Karson Beasley. He is also survived by his brothers William (Bill) Walters Jr. and Michael (Mike) and Karen Walters, and sister Kathryn (Kathy) Walters.

                A Memorial Service and celebration of Bob’s life will be held in Michigan, sometime in August 2020, around his birthday. Details and e-vites to follow.

                The family suggests that memorial tributes may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) -or- the March of Dimes (marchofdimes.org) or a charity of your choice.

                He is missed already.