MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Robert William McQueen, better known as “Bob,” passed away at age 67 on Dec. 19, 2018, in Montgomery, Alabama. 

He was born on June 13, 1951, in Rochelle, to Vera and William McQueen, who preceded him in death. 

Bob grew up on a farm in Esmond where he raised prize-winning Angus cattle. He was a well-rounded young man: A member of 4H and Future Farmers of America; a celebrated athlete, lettering in track and basketball; an actor in numerous high school plays; and a singer in a barbershop quartet. 

Bob sold his cattle to put himself through college, and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1973 with a degree in Agricultural Science and minor in Journalism. During his time at U of I, he traveled to Europe with the Men’s Glee Club, held leadership roles with Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, and met his wife of 43 years (it was a blind date, so he only took her out for coffee - just in case). 

He was an award-winning copywriter in the advertising industry for over 25 years, and worked in Detroit, Chicago, Raleigh, and Milwaukee, before relocating to Montgomery to pursue direct mail fundraising. 

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Bob was an accomplished blacksmith artist who combined his metalworking and woodworking skills to build everything from bookshelves to beds and garden gates to tree houses. He also enjoyed photography, creative writing, cooking, and “Monk” re-runs. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Sarah McQueen; daughters, Amanda McQueen and Ashley McQueen; sisters, Ruth Patterson and Nancy Hopkins; two cats, Abi and Toby; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Veronica Blair McQueen; his sister, Carolyn Miller; and his best friend, Wallace the Scottish Terrier. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Montgomery and Cancer Research Institute. 

Friends and family can pay their respects at the memorial service, officiated by Reverend Elizabeth O’Neill, on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 8790 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL, 36117.