Robert (Bob) Bruce Nager was born December 2, 1920, to Philip Wiley and Bertha Bauman Nager. He was one of three children in the Nager family, which also included his sister Katherine, and brother William. Bob's parents were both musical and together they organized an orchestra that played in vaudeville productions. Bertha also played piano with an orchestra for silent film. Naturally, the couple desired their children to share their passion for music. As children, Bob and Katherine would play the harmonica for amateur hour.

Bob excelled in his academic studies, but quit school to go to work. Soon after the United States entered World War II, he joined the Marines where he served in the Pacific Theater until March of 1945. In September of the same year, he met Faye Dudley on a blind date and the two were happily married a couple of months later. Bob joined the Air Force in 1947, where he worked with the aircraft maintenance department for nearly 29 years. During that time he was stationed both stateside and in Germany, with tours in Vietnam from 1967-1968 and 1970-1971.

After his retirement from the military, Bob and Faye eventually settled in Garner, North Carolina, where Bob worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 20 years. Sadly after 50 years of marriage, Faye passed away in 1996. Several years later, a friend of Bob's introduced him to Eugenie Boldoc. The friend met Eugenie on a cruise and thought she and Bob would enjoy each other's company. They connected first via email and later by phone, eventually meeting in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where, coincidentally, Eugenie and Bob's sister, Katherine, both lived. Bob and Eugenie began taking cruises together, traveling all over the world, and eventually married, making their home in Tarpon Springs. A tiny, Canadian spitfire, Eugenie brought great joy and fun to Bob's life. The two were happily married for almost 10 years, before Eugenie passed away in 2013.

After Eugenie's passing, Bob returned to Garner, North Carolina, to be closer to his family. Bob and Faye never had children of their own, so over the past five years, his great (and great great) nieces and nephews became his grandchildren. He loved spending time with the little ones and lit up every time they entered the room. Whether it was listening to one play the guitar, watching with delight as they explored the shore around the pond at his retirement community, talking to them about their school and sports endeavors, or getting lots of hugs and snuggles, these were moments of pure joy for him. The adoring Great Great Uncle. This is how he will always be remembered. Shaking his head and laughing at their antics, melting into their sweet embrace.

His kindness. His generosity. His adventurous spirit. His determination. His humor. His love for family. There is much to be thankful for when reflecting on Bob's life. It has been an honor and a privilege to know and to love him. Most of all, however, it is a blessing to have the gift of hope through the accomplished work of Jesus Christ, our risen and returning Lord and Savior.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Wherefore comfort one another with these words.