July 5, 1945 - August 26, 2024
Robert Dexter Andrews “Bob”, age 79, entered peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 26, 2024, after a courageous battle with numerous health issues.
Bob was born July 5, 1945 to the late Dexter Otto and Biola Beardsley Andrews in Edmore, Michigan. He has resided in Dayton, TN since 1972. Bob is survived by his wife of 56-year (June 15, 1968) Lillian Seera Andrews “Lil”; sister: JoAnn Culp, AR; brother: Dennis Andrews (Lois), NJ. Nieces: Sheri Wilson (Keith), MO; Christy Dubendorf (Paul), PA; Jen Croessmann (Ross), NJ; Suzanne Page (Rob) IL; Heidi Maxwell (Shane), MN. Nephews: Tim Culp (Kelly), AR; Tyler Siira (Stacie) TN; Travis Seera TN.
Bob graduated from Arthur Hill High School, Saginaw, MI in 1963 and Bryan College, Dayton, TN in 1967. He earned master’s degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL and Tennessee Tech, Cookeville, TN, and a doctorate in Educational Administration from UT Knoxville, TN. Bob spent a few years in World Book management, but he spent most of his professional life as a teacher and administrator in higher education at Bryan College and Oxford Graduate School.
Bob’s lifetime of ministry took several paths which included teaching college Bible courses, serving as elder at North Shore Fellowship Church, Chattanooga, where he also taught Sunday School and Bible Studies, singing in church choirs and touring at home and abroad with the Glenn Draper Singers, and teaching in Bible schools in Europe. Bob was the founding director of the Chattanooga Colson Fellows Affiliate for worldview studies where he has served to the present.
Bob was a people-person and loved connecting with former students, classmates, and colleagues. His sports passions were tennis and soccer, both of which he played and coached with his usual competitiveness. And Michigan football was an annual event calling for faithful Fall TV viewing. Bob found a lot of relaxation and adventure on his motorcycle trips throughout his life. Whether it was a quick ride in the Sequatchie Valley or long bucket list trips with Andy, Frank, or Travis traveling the lower 48 states, Canada, and Mexico, he came home with many tales to tell. Even after logging over 100,000 miles of riding, he was always planning his next adventure.
These are some ministries that Bob loves and has supported for many years. If you choose, memorials may be made there in lieu of flowers. The Care Center, 285 Main St., Dayton, TN 37321, Bryan College, Dayton, TN 37321, North Shore Fellowship, 118 Woodland Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37405, Colson Fellows, PO Box 62160, Colorado Springs, CO 80962.
A Celebration of Life for Bob will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at North Shore Fellowship with Rev. Jason Hood and Rev. John Tomberlin officiating. A family graveside service is planned where Bob will be laid to rest next to his dad.
Please share your memories and photos of Bob on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.
The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral home in Dayton, Tennessee, where they will receive friends on Saturday, August 31, 2024, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.