Worley, Robert G.

Robert G. Worley passed away unexpectedly Sunday, April 22, 2012, in Fort Myers, Fla., surrounded by his sons and his wife of 59 years. In the past few years he had conquered various health issues with courage and determination.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 27, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church with the Rev. Lloyd Brockmeyer officiating. Private family committal will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Cedar Memorial Funeral Home and after 10 a.m. Friday at the church. Additional parking is available at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Bob was born May 17, 1933, in Lincoln, Neb., to Lindsey and Martha Worley. His family moved to Cedar Rapids in 1949, where he attended Roosevelt High School and met his future wife.

Bob and Charlotte were married in Cedar Rapids on April 18, 1952. Bob was employed by The Killian Company while attending the University of Iowa, and he later became a buyer for the store. In 1963, Bob was hired by Cedar Rapids Transfer and Storage within their Mayflower moving division.

In 1977, Bob and Charlotte founded Worley Warehousing Inc. They were convinced the Cedar Rapids area needed a major warehousing and distribution center. Today, Worley is a leading regional warehousing and third-party logistics provider with a national reach.

As a visionary and business entrepreneur, Bob was extremely loyal to his family, friends and colleagues. He surrounded himself with dedicated and passionate employees. It gave him tremendous drive and determination to expand a company with people who supported his vision. Worley Warehousing Inc., part of the Worley Companies, is recognized for being built on entrepreneurial principles that add value to its customers, its employees and the community.

Bob was a longtime Hawkeye fan and supporter. He served his community as a Jaycee vice president and Exalted Ruler of the Cedar Rapids Elks Club. He was a past board member of Indian Creek Nature Center, a member of Downtown Rotary, the Cedar Rapids Country Club and St. Paul's Methodist Church. Bob enjoyed his time as a high school and small college football official. His other interests included bird watching, golf and following his grandsons' activities.

Bob is survived by his wife, Charlotte; and their two sons and spouses, Brandt (Sandy) and Blaine (Judy); and his five grandsons, Brock, Chad, Dane, Robby and Matthew. He was a proud patriarch.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kay Tollefson and husband Duane, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bernard Worley; and a sister, Shirley Hanna; and by his beloved third son, Brian J. Worley, who died in 1988.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brian J. Worley Fund for the Performing Arts through the Greater Cedar Rapids Foundation, 324 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.

Please leave a memory, message or tribute to the Worley family at .

Published in The Gazette April 25, 2012.