Robert “Bob” William Horrell, 74, surrounded by family, peacefully passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer. Formerly of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, Robert and his beloved wife and best friend of 53 years, Eileen Carolyn (Johns), relocated to Pawleys Island, South Carolina in 2007.

Born and raised in the Brookline neighborhood of Pittsburgh in 1941, Bob was the youngest of four children and was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Agnes (Smith) and his sister Marita (Vercellotti). Survivors include his loving wife Eileen; six children, Kimberly (Patrick Thompson) of Gallivants Ferry, SC; Melanie (Joseph Rkein) of Queens, NY; Celeste (Kevin Mowrey) of Washington, PA; Bernadette (Mark Bramble) of Elkton, MD; Robert of Pittsburgh, PA; and Sheridan of Pawleys Island, SC. Grandchildren include Sheridan, Hailey, Chloe, Elise, Sultan, Tahir and Sharif; Bob is also survived by his brother Laird of Alexandria, VA and his sister Miriam (Giroux) of Pittsburgh, PA.

A teenager in the fifties, Bob was a patriot and an all-American car guy. He turned his passion for cars into a successful career that spanned nearly 54 years in the automotive industry. He was a lover of life, and lived in the fast lane, changing gears all along the way. A family man first, who made the world’s best pancakes for his family every Sunday morning, Bob was a loving, gentle and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and neighbor. Bob ALWAYS put others above himself and had a heart of gold; so many were touched by his strong presence. He had an incredible sense of adventure, and loved life at the beach; the warm air and the radiating sun warmed his soul.

A parishioner of Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and former parishioner of St. Valentine’s Catholic Church in Bethel Park, PA, Bob was an ardent defender of life through the pro-life movement, supporting and volunteering at Birthright of Georgetown, in Georgetown, South Carolina.

Family and friends will be received at Frank F. DeBor Funeral Home on Friday, February 5, for visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 6, at 10:30 a.m. in the Church of the Resurrection, 1100 Creedmoor Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15226.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Birthright of Georgetown, P.O. Box 3455, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

 

My Father Tis' of Thee

 

My Father tis' of Thee

We're gathered here to honor Thee

Sweet man of honesty 

Of Thee I sing

 

Rest in Peace my Father so tired

Thy work here's o'er now

Sleep softly now dear child

Jesus is by Thy side

 

Thou majesty heaven holds

Good servant "well done" Thou told

Meet with gladness Saints of old

Let Heaven Sing!

 

May est the Angels welcome Thee

Singing songs sweet melody

Banquet table set for Thee

Go hither Thou to dine

 

Tarry not dear Father now

Thy servants low to bow

On wings of Eagles travail

Let Heaven Sing!

 

Pray wait now there for us all

Pray we enter Heaven's hall

Dear sweet Father listen now

Let Heaven Sing!

 

For one who est lived so faithfully

N'er acting selfishly

Gave of self dear family

Let Heaven Sing!

 

Why now Thou whilst depart?

Who whilst comfort our lonely heart?

Pray for us to be devout

Let Heaven Sing!

 

Of streets of gold shall roam

Bow low before Him on the throne

Lye down Thou, side the lion and lamb

Let Heaven Sing!

 

Dear Jesus thank Thee Lord!

We sing with one accord

Chariots lift him to the cloud

Let Heaven Sing!

 

Now whenst the sun shall set

We whilst remember yet

Thou lovely face beset

Glowing oh so bright

 

And now the time hast come

For offerin' this precious son

Godspeed to the Father's home

Let Heaven Sing!

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