THE FLORIDA TIMES-UNION
Jacksonville, Florida
Saturday, July 9, 2016

McCORT  - Robert Bob E. McCort passed away on Tuesday July 5, 2016. He was born on January 7, 1932 in Federal Point, Florida to parents Elmer Andrew and Mary E. McCort.

Bob was the oldest of five children (4 brothers, 1 sister). Bob was raised in Bunnell, FL where he later graduated from Bunnell High School in 1949. He attended Jones Business College and graduated from Ohio Christian College in 1969 with a BS in Business Administration. Bob enlisted in the United States Army in 1949.

He was a veteran of the Korean War. In his more than 43 year service career, he was promoted to Command Sergeant Major (E9) and awarded more than 30 medals including the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart and Silver Star. Bob was a true patriot whose spirit embodied what it meant to be an American.

In 1992 Bob retired and was recognized by President George Bush for his 43 years of service. Bob was also a member of the Special Forces Association - Northeast Florida Chapter 88.

Bob's leadership experience translated into a successful career as an entrepreneur in the Jacksonville business community. After retiring from Greyhound Bus, he founded and operated Edgewood Gun & Pawn from 1978-1991. Bob also founded McCort Transport which he ran for nearly 40 years.

In addition to being an entrepreneur Bob was also an avid supporter of law enforcement. He ran for Sheriff of Duval County in 1987. Bob was recognized by Governor Lawton Chiles for his efforts in the saving of a Highway Patrol Officer's life while in the line of fire.

Bob remained an active figure in the Jacksonville community. Since 1960 Bob was a Scottish Rite 32nd Degree Master Mason of William B. Barnett Lodge No. 187 F and AM and a member of the Morocco Shrine. In addition, Bob was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Police, and served as the President of the Greyhound Association. Whether it was his work ethic, sense of humor or direct approach he always earned the respect of those around him.

He was preceded in death by late wives, Kathryn Hamilton McCort and Bonyiar Spencer McCort; son, Scott McCort; grandson, Jason McCort, and brother, George Buck McCort.

He is survived by his sister, Margaret Ann Wilson; his two brothers, Ray and Sam Smith; his 4 daughters, Kathy Walston, Nancy Sands, Shirley Shevada (Tom) and Linda Couchot (Scott); stepchildren, Bonnie (Fred) Pope, Spencer (Carolyn) Helm, Jim (Kim) Helm; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family; his close friend, Jean Smith and beloved schnauzer, Ellie.

Visitation will be held on Sunday July 10th from 6-8pm at Corey Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd. Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Monday July 11th at Chet's Creek Church located at 4420 Hodges Blvd in Jacksonville with Pastor Spike Hogan officiating. Interment with military honors will follow service at Arlington Park Cemetery, 6921 Lone Star Rd.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the K9S for Warriors Project or the Funeral arrangements are under the care of Corey Kerlin Funeral Home.