Robert Henly Machen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Robert Henly Machen Sr., 96, was joyfully greeted by a host of relatives upon entering the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven on July 16, 2022. He was preceded in death by his first wife, brother and three sisters. He was born in Greenville, SC, on August 18, 1925, to Christian parents, Tierce Riley Machen and Nancy Felicia Callahan. Growing up during the depression, Bob learned the value of hard work and responsibility early. He spent his summers working on his aunt and uncle's farm but still found time to earn his Eagle Scout with Bronze Star, compete in the Soap Box Derby, maintain a paper route, milk the cow twice a day, and play high school football. He credits his sisters for getting him through school. During WWII, Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps and served from 1943 - 1946, achieving the rank of corporal. He tested high on mechanical aptitude and was selected for airplane mechanic school. Bob's parents presented him with a personalized Gideon New Testament, which he carried with him. Bob was introduced to Carolyn June Galphin of Greenville, SC, where they attended a church function. He quickly realized he didn't want this one to get away and finally kissed his bride-to-be when he asked her to marry him, almost wrecking the car in the process. They were married on August 15, 1947. Answering the call to serve during the Korean Conflict, he enlisted in the Air Force as active duty from 1951 - 1953, and discharged from the Air Force Reserves as a Captain in 1963. Bob attended Clemson graduating with a BS in Chemistry and Textiles. Following the Korean Conflict, he became a supervisor for Burlington Industries. Bob moved to Newnan, GA, in 1967 when he became the regional representative for Chemurgy Products of Greenville, SC. In 1977, he and June opened their own textile chemical business, Titan Chemicals, Inc. Bob, June, and family joined First Baptist Church of Newnan, where Bob served as a deacon, taught Junior High Boy's Sunday School, was a leader of their Royal Ambassadors, and carried elderly widows to and from church for years. In 1980 Bob and June joined the Gideons International becoming a church presenter. He distributed Bibles on college campuses, to elementary school children, at the county fair, etc., for as long as he was able. Bob and June transferred their church membership to SonRise Baptist, a First Baptist church plant. June passed away suddenly on March 30, 2003. Bob was blessed with the second love of his life, Lois Frances Taylor, of New Brunswick, Canada. They were married on November 18, 2004. Lois served alongside Bob in life and as a Gideon Auxiliary. Those who knew Bob would fittingly describe him as a good and faithful servant. His devotion to Jesus led him to serve God, his family, his country, and others. He was a loving father who lived according to the scripture verse Joshua 24:15c - "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Bob is survived by his loving wife, Lois Machen; children: Eli Machen, Bob Machen Jr., Carolyn (Joe) Lowery, Beth (Tim) Carroll; stepdaughter Wendy Taylor; grandchildren: Eldridge Machen, Will (Tolla) Jackson, Lisa (Eric) Marsh, Neena (Slade) Lowe, Anna (Micah) Frazier, Katelyn Carroll; step-granddaughter Jodie Page; and thirteen great-grandchildren. Instead of flowers, the family asks for In Memory donations to The Gideons International, PO Box 626, Sharpsburg, GA, 30277. Funeral Services will be held in the old sanctuary of First Baptist Newnan, Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 11:30 am with visitation starting at 10:00 am. Dr. Tim Riordan officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 656 Roscoe Road. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Robert Henly Machen

August 18, 1925 - July 16, 2022