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Robert Henry Junkins
01/31/2021
Robert Henry Junkins (77) died Sunday, January 31, 2021 at his home in Deland. The son of Albert and Ruby Junkins, he was raised in Amherst, NH on his family’s 100+ acre homestead where he developed a life-long love of nature and the outdoors. Following high school, he joined the US Coast Guard Reserve and was proud to have been selected for the elite Coastal Services. Upon discharge, he began his career in the construction trades, rising from carpenter’s helper to construction superintendent and construction business owner. During his career he supervised major projects including Circus World in Orlando and the Daytona Dog Track. Finish carpentry, however, was his first love which he pursued as owner of Accurate Woodworking and Cabinet Shop in Deland. During retirement, he rescued and repaired many beautiful pieces of antique furniture.
His greatest love was for his family. In 1967, he married Nicki, the love of his life. Together they raised two sons, Chris and Jason. In 1977, after a harrowing trip home from work in a blizzard, Bob picked up his family and moved to Deland. A decision he never regretted. He loved being a Dad and Grandfather and served as soccer coach for his sons’ soccer teams and T-Ball coach for his grandson. One of his proudest moments came when he got to welcome his beloved grandson, Robert Henry Junkins II, into the world. He fondly referred to him as the “new and improved version”. He also served as a volunteer at the Deland Naval Museum helping to restore the museum’s Vietnam era PT boat.
He was interested in the world around him and was always eager to strike up a conversation with whomever he met. With his wife Nicki as navigator, Bob was eager to get behind the wheel in the many countries they visited to explore off-the beaten track and meet the locals. At home, he loved to host pool parties and family dinners which always culminated with guests choosing a hat from his eclectic hat collection to model while eating dessert. A collector at heart, he also treasured his antique farm implements and tractors which he restored to their former glory.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Ruby and Albert Junkins. He is survived by Nicki his wife of 54 years, sons Jason and Chris, grandson Bob, and his sister and brother-in –law Carolyn and Guy Raymond, all of Deland. He is also survived by several cousins and friends who enriched his life in so many ways. He was a very special man whose memory will be treasured by those who love him.
VISITATION
A visitation will be held at Lankford Funeral Home in Deland on Saturday at 10 a.m. with a short remembrance at 11:30 a.m. Please wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude’s Children’s’ Hospital.
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