Robert F. "Bob" Tavenner, age 75 of Clinton, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 1, 2013. He was born November 13, 1937 to the late William and Mary Crutcher Tavenner in Ironton, OH. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Constance Hathaway Tavenner; sister, Virginia Staton. He is survived by his wife , Elizabeth George Tavenner; daughter, Carol Prine of Columbus, OH; son, Rob(Lori) Tavenner of Urbana, OH; grandchildren, Robert and Beth Prine, Andrew, Micah, Lael and Moriah Tavenner; brother, William "Bill" Tavenner. He is also survived by stepsons, Tim (Sonya), Sam and Jim George and step grandchildren, Christopher, Bobby, JoLeeAnn and Jayna George.

Bob graduated from Ironton High School in 1955. He was an engineering student at the University of Kentucky when he was drafted in his junior year. He served four years in the Navy aboard the USS Wasp. He worked at Battelle Memorial Institute for 22 years in Columbus, OH and later started his own company in 1984 continuing his engineering career. When he retired in 2002 he was working for Ametek in Connecticut.

Bob was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Clinton. He sang in the choir and was a volunteer with RAM (Remote Area Medical). He had a keen sense of humor and enjoyed playing practical jokes on family and friends. After retirement he played bridge in Oak Ridge and enjoyed UT sports, especially the Lady Vols basketball team. He was the kindest, most thoughtful, caring, and patient person- a gentle giant.

There will be a memorial service on Sunday, September 8th at 2PM at First Baptist Church Clinton. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bob's name to First Baptist Christian Service Center or the Christmas Angel Tree for needy families in our area. Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.holleygamblefh.com