Robert H. "Bob" Stearns passed away on January 05, 2023 at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community in West Columbia, South Carolina. He was husband of Marjorie “Marge” Stearns and father of Eric Stearns (Martha), Tracy Ross (Greg) and Liese Ross (Tom), and brother to three siblings, Richard Stearns (Kenny), Nancy Clark (Dan), and Dave Stearns (Bonnie.)

Bob leaves behind another generation (and another in the making) in his grandchildren. Eric and Martha Stearns’ three kids - Gordon (Marisa), Robert and Elizabeth. Tracy and Greg Ross’ three kids - Amanda (Jack Lemkuhl), Caroline and Emily (Boomer Druchniak). And Liese and Tom Ross' clan - Heather, Kelci, Lexie, and sons Tom and Kevin and their families.

Bob was born in Springville, New York on December 9, 1936 to Howard and Grace Stearns. He studied architecture at Rensselaer but was lured away to coding and logic when Rand hired him and trained him in computer programming. Systems analysis and design became his lifelong career taking him from Rand to Systems Development Corporation in DC, to private consulting in Vienna, Virginia, to the SC Department of Social Services in Columbia, SC and eventually back to private consulting in Columbia where he became known as PM3 Bob. 

In retirement, Bob continued to travel and indulge his lifelong wanderlust, getting together with his Stearns siblings, spending Thanksgivings at Hilton Head with Marge, taking plane, rail and car trips to places near and far, and visiting farther flung family at holidays. Bob never met a stranger and continued to find new friends everywhere he went, he never missed a NY Times crossword or a Springville high school reunion, and never missed an opportunity for another "meal that couldn't be beat." He had a lifelong love affair with airplanes and flying, owned a half dozen aircraft and enjoyed meeting up with his flying buddies, meticulously restoring vintage aircraft and going to fly-ins. His health eventually clipped his wings, and after that he turned his attention to volunteering at Riverbanks Zoo and nurturing a latent talent for painting, which was discovered after Bob and Marge moved to Still Hopes.

Bob was proud of his 65 years of marriage to high school sweetheart Marge. They had just celebrated this milestone in August 2022, right before Marge's 85th birthday in September and Bob's 86th in December. It will be a lot lonelier and whole lot quieter without Bob, but Marge will remain at Still Hopes in Rose Garden Memory Care.

The family wishes to thank Still Hopes' entire staff for their assistance and support during Bob's later years, from the top management to the ever-patient dining room staff, and everyone in-between who all helped out when it mattered. We will be forever grateful.

Bob, Grandpa Bob and "Dear old Dad" was loved and will be deeply missed. Rest in peace now, Bob!

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