ATLANTA, GA.—Robert Romeo “Bob” Rader Jr., age 85, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2020, while surrounded by his family. He will be reunited with his wife of 60 years and the love of his life, Sharon Herndon Rader, who passed away in February of this year.
Born on March 11, 1935, he was the son of Robert R. and Anne F. Rader of Pittsburgh, Pa. He spent most of his childhood enjoying sports, specifically football and baseball. He was a proud graduate of Virginia Military Institute, where he played football and was part of the 1957 undefeated team.
He joined the Army in 1959, then started his career for Texaco, where he would retire after 35 years. He continued his passion for sports by coaching his children and others at local youth programs including Murphey Candler Baseball and The Atlanta Colts Youth Football Programs. He was a devoted husband and father who raised his family in the suburbs of Atlanta, Ga.
To enjoy their early retirement years, he and his wife returned to her White Stone childhood family home, Long Lane Farm on Dymer Creek. He was elected worshipful master at the Kilmarnock Masonic Lodge. They later settled back to the Atlanta area to be closer to their children. He will always be known for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and one-of-kind smile stretched across his face.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Debbie Giddens (Randy) and their son, Stephen; his son, Robert Rader (Candise); his four grandchildren, Rye Rader, Lauren Smith, Dylan Rader, Mackenzie Rader; and his four great-grandchildren, Maddie, Abby, Cela and Sutton.
The funeral will be a small, private family service.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Murphey Candler Baseball via check mailed to Murphy Candler Baseball, PO Box 888032, Atlanta, GA 30356, or via paypal “donate” button at https://www.murpheycandler.org/bulletin-board/. This is a non-profit, all-volunteer program for children ages 4-12. It was here that his family spent many days and nights playing sports, dad coaching, being a team mom, volunteering at the concessions, being a referee…and just creating great family memories.
