Bob Joe Greenlee, of Norman, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2019. He was born on November 21, 1929, in Mountain Grove, Missouri to Tony and Velma Greenlee.
Bob joined the United States Navy in January of 1952, and proudly served his country in the Korean War. Upon his return stateside, Bob returned to work for Engineers Limited Pipeline Company out of Bakersfield, California. Bob joined the Southern California Pipe Fitters and was a Seventy-Year Member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. Bob was an accomplished metallurgist and was often flown by private plane to put his skills to use across the country. He was a gifted artist and sculpture, a pilot, and an avid collector.
Of all his accomplishments, Bob will be most remembered for his relationship with his wife, Willeva. Bob was fond of saying that his life began when he met Willeva Bailey. Bob and Willeva were married in Bakersfield, California on January 11, 1949, and they made their home there until 2000, when they moved to Norman, Oklahoma. Their dedication and love for one another was limitless. You could not speak of one without the other. Bob and Willeva were faithful followers of Christ and found their home at CrossPointe Church. Their generosity knew no bounds, and Bob was even recognized with the social award of “The Most Generous Person of the Church”.
In 2000, Bob and Willeva began restoring a 1929 Plymouth Roadster, taking the car down to the original frame. Bob reworked the original metal and worked side by side with Willeva to restore the car to its former glory. To their family and friends, the Roadster became a beautiful example of Bob and Willeva, a strong foundation, a lifetime of hard work, all tempered with tender love and great care.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of 64 years, Willeva Greenlee. He is survived by a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and a dedicated family of friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday, September 18, 2019, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Havenbrook Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 19, 2019, at CrossPointe Church, 2601 24th Avenue SE in Norman with interment following at Sunset Memorial Park, Norman, OK.
Donations in memory of Bob Greenlee should be made to the Kingdom Kids Ministry at CrossPointe Church of Norman.