Robert Lee Andrews, Jr.

Mr. Robert Lee Andrews, Jr. passed away Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. He was 91 years old. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at Hancock Funeral Home, 427 South Lee Street. Interment will follow at Hebron Baptist Cemetery. Rev. Don Wilson and Rev. Sam Cook will officiate. A visitation will be held Tuesday, November 8, 2011 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Hancock Funeral Home, 427 South Lee Street. Born July 3, 1920, he was the son of the late Robert Lee Andrews, Sr. and Effie Smith Andrews. Mr. Andrews was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, enlisting in 1939. He served as a machinist’s mate, second class onboard the U.S.S. Truxtun; when that ship ran aground and sank on February 18, 1942, he was presumed dead and his family notified via telegram, despite the fact that Mr. Andrews was home on leave at the time and present when the telegram was delivered. He went on to attain the rank of Chief Petty Officer before his discharge in 1946. Mr. Andrews was a member of Plains Baptist Church, a farmer, and a retired Firestone engineer. Survivors include three daughters: Jenny Andrews of Smithville, Roslyn Slaton of Columbus, and Betty Jane Phelps & her husband Richard of Lewisburg, TN; two sons: Earl B. Andrews of Panama City, FL and Robert R. Andrews & his wife Sherri of Leesburg; grandchildren: Spencer Andrews, Ashleigh Phelps, Johnathan Phelps, Megan Rigsby, James Rigsby, Taylor Rigsby, John Anderson, and Amanda Anderson; great-grandchildren: Trenton Phelps, Trinity Phelps, Austin Anderson, Alyssa Anderson, Riley Anderson, Ashlynn Underwood, and Kayton Wadkins. Mr. Andrews was preceded in death by his wife, June Andrews. Hancock Funeral Home, 427 South Lee Street, is in charge of arrangements.