BOB STEINMETZ's Obituary
Robert Ray Steinmetz, Jr. "Bob", 74, passed away peacefully in Warner Robins, Georgia, on June 20, 2026, one day after celebrating his 74th birthday. Born on June 19, 1952, in Topeka, Kansas, Bob was the son of the late Robert Ray Steinmetz, Sr. and Patti Lou Varner.
Bob moved to Florida in March of 1960 where he would later work for Dan Burns Oldsmobile. During that time, he was able to meet his wife of 40 years, LeeAnn. They married and combined their families on September 21, 1985.
He is survived by his beloved wife, LeeAnn; his children Paula Steinmetz, Tricia Rodriguez, Robert Ray Steinmetz III and Benjamin, Tommy Pepin, Kimberly Pepin, Julie Steinmetz, Emily and Joe Hampton, Aden Steinmetz, Logan Steinmetz and Savannah Steinmetz; his grandchildren Morgan Anderson, Jessica Anderson, Jorge Steinmetz, and Evie Brady; and his great-granddaughter, Lottie Hampton. He is also survived by his siblings Steve (Cheryl), Debbie, Jo Ann, Teresa (Mark), and Phillip (Teresa), as well as numerous nieces, nephews like Andy Steinmetz who he held close to him, extended family members, and countless friends who became family. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his nephew, Douglas Miles.
Bob was an ASE Certified Master Mechanic who dedicated much of his life to the automotive industry. He worked for Dan Burns Oldsmobile for 21 years, then he owned and operated Duro Tran Transmissions in Delray Beach, Florida, where he became known for his expertise in transmission repair and his commitment to helping others. After relocating to Hawkinsville, Georgia with a trailer full of horses, he went back to work he continued doing what he loved until his retirement from Hamby Automotive until he finally retired from GM. But he couldn’t let his love for working go, so he then operated a small business from home, known as BS Repairs.
Outside of work, Bob had a love for fishing, spending countless hours tinkering in his workshop, and cheering for the Miami Dolphins. He had a gift for making people laugh and was known for his quick wit, playful personality, and ability to find humor in everyday life. A natural jokester, Bob never met a stranger. He had a remarkable way of collecting people throughout his life and making them feel like family.
Above all else, Bob loved his family. He would help anyone he could and leaves behind a legacy of generosity, laughter, and kindness that will continue to live on in all who knew him.
Bob will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at https://www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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