Bobby Leon Damron

DAMRON, BOBBY LEON

Dr. Bobby Leon Damron of Gainesville passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2016 of Multiple Systems Atrophy. He was born November 6, 1941 in Ocala, FL to William Henry and Effie Eugenia Brown Damron, but was raised in Gainesville from birth.  Dr. Damron graduated from Gainesville High School class of 1959. He entered the University of Florida in September of 1959, received his bachelor's degree in Vocational Agriculture in 1963, his Masters in December of 1964, and his Doctorate March of 1968. He joined the University of Florida faculty in Poultry Science in the spring of 1968. His appointment in IFAS was primarily for research, teaching and extension. His research was well published in scientific journals.  In 2003 he retired as full Professor Emeritus in Animal Science. He was most proud of his service as a reserve deputy sheriff in Alachua County from January 1, 1963 to September 12, 2002. He was on the Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock board and judged poultry. His most recent honor was being inducted into the Florida 4-H Club Hall of Fame in April of 2015.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Vera Toole Damron, whom he met in the Florida 4-H camping program; daughter, Lena Susanne Damron of Gainesville.

A funeral service was held Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Kanapaha Presbyterian Church, 6221 SW 75th Terrace with Alachua County Sheriff Department Honor Guard. Rev. Dawn M. Conti officiated the service. A viewing was held Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Church until the hour of the service, as well as one hour after the service. A reception followed the service in the social hall.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Bethesda Baptist Church, 1560 Bethesda Church Road, Union Point, GA 30669 at 12 noon with Rev. Jim Olds officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 a.m. until time for the service.  Burial will take place in Bethesda Baptist Church Cemetery.  Bobby and Vera were married in this church August 17, 1968. Both Bobby’s and Vera’s ancestors, dating back to the 1830’s worshipped at Bethesda Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Florida 4-H Club Foundation, 2142 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611 or be an Advocate for Better Healthcare for patients and their families.
Callaway Funeral Home, 208 N. Rhodes Street, Union Point, GA, (706) 486-4138, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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