Robert Earl "Bob Sr." McClain

Mr. Robert (Bob Sr.) McClain, age 87 of Naples, FL and formerly of Huron, OH, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2019 at Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs, FL following an extended illness. Bob Sr. was born on September 15, 1931 in Cleveland, OH the son of late Ira and Dorothy (Hammond) McClain. Bob Sr. was of Catholic Faith. Bob Sr. served in the U.S Armed Forces from 1948; serving 3 years in Germany before receiving an honorary discharge in 1951. He was a member of the Rotary International. Throughout his life he was an advocate for the military and proudly represented the military. After serving our county in the U.S Army he began his life long career in the Automobile Industry. In 1956, Bob began at Toth Buick in the body shop, in Berea, OH. He held a management position selling new and used vehicles at several dealerships. In 1964, he opened his own dealership - Erie Chrysler Plymouth in Sandusky, OH while living with his family in Huron, OH. Over the next 12 years he expanded his sales to other brands. While owning an operating a successful dealership he was an avid golfer, member of Plum Brook Gulf Club and avid boater- he became a member of Huron Yacht Club. After selling Erie Chrysler Plymouth Dodge in 1976, he relocated to Florida in Rotunda West. After settling in he met up with an old friend, George Manyak to sell used cars in Englewood, FL. Two years later with the entrepreneur attitude he opened his own used car dealership - McClain Auto Center. In 1986, in search of a new challenge he moved his family to Naples, FL to become his son’s outside salesman at Bonita Auto Supply Inc. also known as NAPA. Over the next 25 years he enjoyed golfing at many courses locally. Overtime he developed a friendship with a long-time customer which developed into organizing the Annual Golf Tournaments which became known as NAPA-Krehling Outing at the Naples Beach Hotel. Over many years Bob Sr. won many contests including “Salesman of the Year” on two separate occasions with the NAPA Center located in Tampa, FL. Bob Sr. was investing in the success of his family members. He gave an abundance of support, time and finance to ensure his family was taken care of. Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Carolyn; and his children, Robert Jr. (Kathie), Barbara (Edward) Montgomery, Mary Hodges, Michael Sr. (Lowrie), Caroline (David) Wilsey, and Beth (John) Foreman. Papa, Grandpa and Grumpy will be forever missed by his grandchildren, Robin (Rodolfo), Hailie, Edward ( Liz), Jennifer, Kelly, Ryan, Kevin (Hallie), Kyle Lee, Jennifer, Jacob (Jasemin), Christina, Michael, Sophia, Aaron (Karon), Adam, Megan, Blair (Alexis); great grandchildren, Tyler, Brennan, Sophia, Lilliana, Brienna, Ty, Zackery, Cayden, Dakota, Hunter, Madison, Jocelyn, Xavier, Maria, Ashley (Mike), Austin (Amanda), Casey, Marsha Mae, Madison, Piper Anne; and great-great grandchildren Layna, Kennedy, and Brodie. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Ira Roy; sister, Helen Marie McClain Morgan; grandson Alfred Robert; and his life time companion Man’s Best Friend, Dexter. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, 28300 Tamiami Trail So., Bonita Springs, FL 34134. Funeral services will begin at 7:00 PM. Burial with military honors will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home.

Robert Earl "Bob Sr." McClain

September 15, 1931 - January 31, 2019