Robert "Bob" Stryker

Robert G. Stryker, lovingly known as Bob, passed away at Northside Hospital in Lawrenceville, Georgia on November 16, 2020, at the age of 79. His Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 12th, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Mathews Funeral Home in Albany, Georgia. Pastor Don Caulley will officiate. The family will receive friends and family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Born in 1941, in Eagle Grove, Iowa, Bob was the cherished son of the late Robert and Verna Stryker. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor's in forestry, and a Masters in Entomology in 1966.

“Bob: The Myth, The Man, The Legend.” There was nothing he could not do! Although Bob may have been well known to us, he was modest about his accomplishments, and nothing short of brilliant. Bob retired as a Captain in the U.S. Army as a medic with a tour of duty in Thailand. He excelled during training and became an O-3 in just 51 short weeks. Bob returned to Georgia, where he met his dream girl, Nancy. They were married in November of 1969 and would celebrate over 51 years of marriage. After his service in the Army, he continued his professional career with a wife in tow. His career would take them to Andalusia, Alabama, Cary, North Carolina, and Lilburn, Georgia.

Bob worked for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Sr. Enforcement officer and Chief of the Toxic Substances Section. He received bronze medals for service-related duties for the Pesticides and Toxic Substance Branch and even was acknowledged by the Governor of North Carolina for his excellent work on a pesticide fire and cleanup operation in Greenville. Ultimately being recognized as a National Expert by the EPA in Region 4. After 32 years of federal service Bob retired. However, in the words of Bob, “I soon realized that I was unable to keep my wife, my daughter, and her horse, all in shoes at the same time on my federal retirement, so my third career was with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division.” Retiring fully in 2013, Bob loved his work, but his family always remained his top priority.

He was at his happiest when he was either in the woods hunting or on the water fishing in his boat, the Nancy J. A true outdoorsman, Bob found joy in nature. His love for nature was a testament to his adventurous spirit, and appreciation for life's simple pleasures that he was able to pass down to his children. Bob was an amazing father, and a hero in the eyes of his children. His sense of humor was legendary, creating an alter ego named Bill Spivus, who sent Christmas cards to his own family for years before Nancy discovered the truth. Bill Spivus became a beloved character in the family, appearing in many stories over the years.

When he was not fishing you could find him drinking steaming black coffee all day long, enjoying a nice T-bone steak, working in the yard, birdwatching, or lounging with his pets. Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of kindness, humor, and dedication will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Remember friends, a bad day fishing beats a good day working!

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by siblings S. Scott Stryker and Mary Jo Goshall. Survivors include his children, Jeff Stryker of Lilburn, GA, and Rob (Crystal) Stryker of Albany, GA, and Carrie Stryker of Newnan, GA, and three grandchildren, Bailey and Seth McCullers of Albany, GA, and Cayla Barnett of Social Circle, GA., along with many beloved family members.

Those desiring may make memorials in memory of Bob to the ALS Association at ALS.org in honor of his son Jeffrey Stryker, and his battle with this unthinkable disease. Thank you.