Robert Worthington

Robert (Bob) James Worthington, 81, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, just as he lived, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 7, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Bob was the youngest of three children of the late Mr. and Mrs. E L Worthington. Losing his father at a young age, he was raised by his mother and spent much of his childhood at his grandfather's home, forming a close bond with his grandfather and his strict but caring nanny, Mary Miller. Bob attended St. Rita's Grammar School and later De La Salle High School, during which time he worked weekends and summers at a car wash to pay for his education and eventually purchase his first cars -a 1949 Ford and later a candy-apple-red 1957 Chevy, which he loved to race. His early love for cars shaped a lifelong passion, whether he was tinkering under the hood or street racing with friends.

After high school, Bob attended college for two years before joining the U.S. Marine Corps, where he trained at Parris Island, South Carolina. His service left a lasting impression, instilling in him a firm belief that military service taught invaluable lessons in discipline, organization, respect, planning, teamwork, and loyalty.

At the age of 18, Bob met the love of his life, Sylvia Marie Scallan, who attended nearby Sacred Heart High School. They married in 1965 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Metairie, Louisiana, and together built a life rooted in love and family. They were blessed with two children, Rob and Yvette, and shared sixty wonderful years of marriage.

Bob's professional journey began as a cash register salesman with NCR, but it wasn't long before he turned his talents toward his true passion -the automotive industry. He joined Royal Oldsmobile in Metairie, LA and quickly rose to prominence as a top salesman and sales manager, earning the affectionate nickname "The Wiz" for his remarkable skills. In 1977, Bob took charge of his own dealership. With investment from his mentor Vernon Brinson and the support of The Key Royal Automotive Group of Birmingham, AL, he purchased Calloway Motors in Decatur, Georgia, prompting a move from New Orleans to Atlanta. Soon after, they relocated and expanded the business, building Royal Oldsmobile in Stone Mountain and Duluth, later adding Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Isuzu, and Subaru franchises. The business was a family endeavor, with both Rob and Yvette joining their father in the company, which was sold in 2006.

Throughout his career, Bob trained and mentored numerous automotive professionals, many of whom went on to become dealership owners themselves and many more who continue as trusted professionals in the industry today. He was proud to be an Oldsmobile dealer and part of the Key Royal Automotive team. He garnered numerous awards, including Oldsmobile Elite Status for many years. In 1985, Bob served as President of the Metro Atlanta Auto Dealer Association, where he played a key role in reinvigorating the Atlanta Auto Show and championed important seatbelt safety legislation at the Georgia State Capitol. He also served as President of the Decatur Rotary Club and championed several charitable organizations, including the March of Dimes and others.

In his retirement, Bob continued to help others by assisting many people with Medicare Advantage Plans through his work with Aetna and Humana. He also deepened his passion for golf, a game he picked up when he was 25. A longtime member of Dunwoody Country Club, Bob cherished both the game and the friendships he made there. He enthusiastically supported golf through his business, backing the Oldsmobile Scramble, various LPGA events, and amateur golf organizations. One of the last tournaments he enjoyed watching was the recent Masters, where he rooted for Rory McIlroy to don the green jacket.

Bob was also an avid reader, with a particular interest in World War II history, inspired in part by his half-brother's service in the war. He also loved rock n roll music from the 60s. And Bob Worthington never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation, making anyone he spoke with feel as though they were the most important person in the room. His core beliefs in honesty, integrity and the principle that "your word is your bond" guided his life. Above all, Bob put family first, and he considered his role as husband, father, uncle and grandfather his greatest achievement.

Bob was preceded in death by his older brother, William (Billy) Worthington of Houma, LA.

He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty years, Sylvia Worthington of Atlanta, GA; his son Rob Worthington of Tulsa, OK; his daughter Yvette Worthington Davis and her husband John; his grandchildren, Alex Worthington, Jack Davis, and Vivienne Davis; his older sister and brother-in-law, Lynne and Erett Knobloch of Houston, TX; cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 2 PM on Friday, May 23, 2025 at All Saints Catholic Church, 2443 Mt Vernon Road, Atlanta, GA 30338 with a reception to follow.