Robert Clyde Mashburn, Sr. (Bob) of Tiger, Ga., age 91, died peacefully on Feb. 13, after a brief period of illness. Bob was born in 1928 in Union County, Ga., to Jesse Clyde Mashburn and Vonnie Augusta Smith.
While serving in the U.S. Army, Bob met and married JoAnne Ness in the Territory of Alaska. After an honorable discharge from the army in 1951 as a Private, First Class, they lived in Seattle, Wa.; Detroit, Mi.; and Blairsville, Ga. before setting in Rabun County in 1956. Bob was a long-time member of the Tiger Methodist Church. After retiring from Clayburne Manufacturing, Bob was known throughout Rabun County and the surrounding area for his vegetable stand.
Bob had a lifelong love of music that began in his youth at home, making music with his brothers. While at North Georgia Trade & Vocational School, Bob and Alvin Carnes started the Black Rock Quartet, which years later became High Country Bluegrass.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Buel and Junior, his wife Joanne Ness Mashburn; son, Robert (Bobby) Clyde Mashburn, Jr; and daughter, Luanne Mashburn Sosebee. He is survived by his brothers Edward (Shirley) Mashburn and Richard (Reba) Mashburn of Blairsville, Ga.; brother El (Cathy) Mashburn of Linden, Mi.; Dwight (Bonnie) Mashburn of Prospect, T.; sister-in-law Arlene Mashburn, Blairsville, Ga.; daughter Barbara Anderson (Mark Hannan) of Washington, D.C.; son Chuck (Amy) Mashburn of Tiger, Ga.; son Alan Mashburn of Tiger, Ga.; daughter Lori Angela (Hugh) Nobles of Suwanee, Ga.; seven grandchildren: Tonya (Joao) Godoy (Avon, Ct.), Anna (James) Bailey (Hartwell, Ga.), Suzanne (Danny) Merce (Hartwell, Ga.), Brenna (Ashley) Thomas (Hahira, Ga.), Elizabeth (David) Brown (Hartwell, Ga.), Andrew (Amy) Sosebee (Ashville, N.C.) and Lena Gillam Nobles (Suwanee, Ga.); and sixteen great-grandchildren.
Bob will be remembered by family and friends for his love of family and music. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Tiger United Methodist Church, with Rev. James Turpen officiating. A reception will follow.