Obituary for Robert Francis Epperson

Robert Francis Epperson, affectionately known as Bob, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Robert was born September 21, 1927, in Avon Park, Florida, to Leah H. (Beideman) and John B. (Don) Epperson Jr. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, attaining the rank of Seaman First Class.

Bob raised three children: Donna Woodsby, John, and Wayne, all of Florida. Bob's family grew to include ten grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. He married Shirley Johnson Hough, in 1995 in a small ceremony near Hayesville, North Carolina, where they settled and became members of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.

Bob dedicated much of his life to serving others. A proud 76-year member of the American Legion, he fostered the development of tens of thousands of young men through his long affiliation with the Boys State of Florida. He also held positions of Post Commander and District Commander. He was a charter member of American Legion Post 532 in Hayesville. He also served with the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, and the Historical and Arts Council. He retired after 24 years as auditor for the Polk County School Board in Florida. He loved the Hayesville community and those that he served with.

Bob will be remembered for his passionate devotion to service in the community, especially through patriotic and civic activities at every level, from civil war re-enactments to the Arts and Historical societies.

He believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and sought to live a life that would ultimately lead to returning to his Heavenly Father when his earthly journey was complete. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, older brother, John, son-in-law, Frank Woodsby and step-son, Steve Hough.

At 99 years and one month of age, Bob's long and meaningful life leaves a lasting legacy of love, service, and family. He will be dearly missed by his loving friends, family and community.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, November 14, 2026 at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Hayesville. An inurnment service will immediately follow after the Celebration of Life service at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by American Legion Post #96, Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville, VFW Post 6812, Hayesville and the Marine Corp League, Marble.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to The Clay County Senior Center, 196 Ritter Road, Hayesville, NC 28904 or to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Building Fund in honor of Bob.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.