Robert Justice Obituary

Robert Eugene Justice, affectionately referred to as Boy Scout Bob, 97, of Spartanburg, SC died on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Spartanburg Medical Center-Mary Black Campus. Bob was born on August 25, 1926, in Charleston, WV, a son of the late A. Cleveland and Donna Mae Hill Justice. He was married to the late Patricia Ann Poling Justice, who passed away in 2004. Bob began his schooling in a one room schoolhouse in 1931. He entered high school in 1939, the same year that he began his lifelong career in the Boy Scout of America, joining Troop 87 in Nellis, WV. After graduating from Sherman High School in May, he joined the US Navy in August 1943. Bob earned his Eagle Scout designation, but it was not awarded until he returned from World War II in October 1946. He was an honors graduate of Anderson Broaddus College where he served as Class President each year and Student Body President. He received his master's degree from West Virginia University. Since Bob was a farm boy, the US Navy placed him in the Seabees, where he was a heavy equipment operator. Even while serving in the Navy, Bob mentored and assisted with Scouting on the military bases. He joined the VFW in 1946 and has been a member ever since. He has served posts in Phillipi, Madison, and Logan, WV and in Spartanburg. During his service to Post 9539 in Spartanburg, the post was recognized with the National Youth Service Award. He also chaired the Eagle Scout Scholarship Committee. A Rotarian since 1961, Bob was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for his service in Logan, WV and in Spartanburg. He was raised as a Mason in 1957 in Logan, WV and has served in four different lodges, most recently service as Worshipful Master at Delmar Lodge in Camp Croft. He is also a member of the Hejaz Shrine Temple. Bob served every office at the Spartanburg Shrine Club, including President for three terms. He operated the Shrine Club pool for 31 years, teaching countless numbers how to swim. He also cooked barbeque for many years for the summer holidays. Bob has enjoyed a long career in scouting, working on local, state, and national levels. His career spanned from West Virginia to New Jersey to Texas, and finally to Spartanburg. He served as Scout Executive for Palmetto Council for many years. While serving here, he established a Troop at the SC School for the Deaf and Blind where 10 of his scouts earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Bob was a devoted member of Southside Baptist Church, serving on several committees as well as being elected a Deacon. His living a Christian life and his leadership abilities served his church very well. He served as a Sunday School teacher for over 30 years. Bob has received acclaim for his leadership and contributions on local, state, and national levels. In 1994, he was awarded The Order of the Palmetto by Governor Carroll Campbell. USC-Spartanburg recognized him with Bob Justice Day in 1997. For his 80th birthday in 2006, Bob was presented with a Proclamation by Mayor Bill Barnet and Rob Green. Surviving is his daughter, Roberta Ann Justice of Spartanburg; his son, Stephen T. Justice of Spartanburg; a granddaughter, Esther Irene Dawes (Matthew) of Lyman; a great-grandson, little Robert Mitchell Dawes; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his four sisters and one brother. Funeral services, with military honors, will be held 5 p. m. Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Schuyler Peterson, Mr. Justin Williams, and Mr. Arthur Gaston. The family will receive friends following the service. The service of committal will be held at Highland Memory Gardens in Chapmanville, WV (Details will be posted to this site as soon as they become available). Leonard Johnson Funeral Home, Marmet, WV is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bob Justice Scholarship, c/o Palmetto Council, 420 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306.