Robert Earl Pharris, Sr., age 78, of Crossville, went home to be with the Lord on July 20, 2022, at Cumberland Medical Center.  He was a faithful, loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle, military veteran (serving during the Vietnam War), and a loyal friend to many.

Robert was born on June 23, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan to Carson and Beatrice Pharris, who were original Homesteaders of Cumberland County, temporarily living and working in Detroit for the World War II effort.  He was the youngest of three children.  When Robert was a year old the family moved back to their home at #4 Deep Draw Rd. in Crossville, TN. He attended Homestead School throughout elementary, junior, and senior high.  After high school he joined the United States, Marine Corps serving his country well.  He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Hodge while in the service and after completion of his service in 1966, the couple stayed in the Jacksonville, NC area working for the Civil Service at Camp Lejeune, NC.  Robert enrolled in Onslow Technical Institute in Jacksonville, NC becoming certified in Principles of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.  He also enrolled in Coastal Carolina Community College studying Business Administration.

In 1973 Robert moved the family to Orlando, Florida where he was employed with McDonald Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Company, servicing the Publix Grocery Stores and Eckerd Drug Stores all over Florida.  In 1983 Robert went to work for Walt Disney World as Projects Manager for Reedy Creek Energy Services and after having a successful career for 27 years, he retired in 2009.  In 2010, he and his wife moved back home to Crossville.  Robert enjoyed golfing, working in his yard, and spending time with his family and friends.  He is a long-standing member and ordained deacon of Cumberland Homestead Baptist Church in Crossville, TN.  Robert was so loved by everyone and always willing to help anyone he could.  He will be greatly missed.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Carson and Beatrice Pharris.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years Linda K. Pharris of Crossville, son Robert E. Pharris Jr. (Stephanie) of Cookeville, TN, son Lee Anthony Phariss (Myrna) of Fort Walton Beach, FL, brother William Carson Pharris (Doris) of Crossville, TN, sister Jo Ann Feder (Gerald) of Highlands Ranch, CO, 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Disabled Vietnam Veterans or to Cumberland Homestead Baptist Church.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Cumberland Homestead Baptist Church with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM and service at 11:00 AM.  The Celebration of Life will be streamed live on the church Facebook page and YouTube.