Robert "Bob" Durham McCleskey died at the age of 81 in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday, February 13th 2019 as a result of congestive heart failure. Born on June 1, 1937 in Hollywood, Florida to parents Ray Durham and Nora Hembree McCleskey, both of which have deep roots in Cobb County as descendants of early pioneers.

Bob's surviving siblings include: Seldon McCleskey of Lafayette, Louisiana and Harold McCleskey of Leesburg, North Carolina.

He graduated from Sprayberry High School and from Georgia State University with a BA in Business. Bob had a long and distinguished military career serving in the Air Force and the Georgia Air National Guard for a total of 27 years before retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant.

As a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution (Mt. Vernon Chapter), Bob faithfully served in the SAR Color Guard participating in many patriotic events. He was also very active in Post 140 of the American Legion (Chastain Park) as well as the Air Force Association.

He was a true patriot with a wealth of stories and jokes to share with everyone that was lucky enough to meet him, as well as an avid animal lover.

Bob demonstrated the very essence of a loving and faithful husband to his surviving wife Beverly Storch-Rice McCleskey, in whom he finally found his true soulmate. He is survived by his daughters: Dorothy Irene McCleskey of Marietta, GA, Debra Leigh Baker of Flintstone, GA, Catherine Nora Dickerson of Woodstock, GA, and Victoria Rhea McCleskey of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his stepson Milton Anthony Storch of Greensboro, NC, as well as a plethora of loving grandsons and granddaughters.

Robert will be interred with full military honors at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia on Friday, February 22nd 2019 at 12 PM, following a 9AM funeral service in the chapel of Collins Funeral Home.   Viewing will take place on Thursday, February 21st at Collins Funeral Home in Historic Downtown Acworth from 5 to 8 PM.