Robert English Solomon, Sr.

Robert “Rob” English Solomon, Sr., 73, of Macon, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at the Coliseum Hospital.  A memorial service and celebration of Rob’s life will be held Monday, September 16, 2019, at 2:00pm, at Christ Episcopal Church.

Rob was a lifelong resident of Macon. After graduating from Lanier High School, he pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia. During these early years, Rob embarked on a journey across the continental United States, working his way to the West Coast. The experiences he shared working alongside people from all walks of life were formative.

Rob was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving on the front lines in combat. During his time there, he was shot down seven times and captured once. Despite the long odds, he survived, never forgetting the courage of those he served with.

Upon his return to Macon, Rob felt a deep need to give back to the community in which he had grown up. He returned to college, completing an undergraduate degree from Georgia College and finishing his education with a Master’s in Counseling and Guidance.

The professions Rob chose for the majority of his professional life were spent in the serving of others. With the Macon-Bibb Economic Opportunity Council, he helped fund Head Start programs. With Star Industries, he helped those with special needs find meaningful employment. Rob also served as the Superintendent of the Georgia Children’s Home, and as the Director of the Boys Club.  Most recently, he served as owner/operator of Solomon Irrigation, a job he performed with the eye and skill of a craftsman. 

Rob was an avid outdoorsman who loved the natural landscapes of Middle Georgia.  He loved canoeing, fly-fishing and duck-hunting.

Rob approached every day with creativity.  He was a musician, songwriter and performer, and an avid guitar player.  His larger-than life storytelling filled rooms with laughter.  His most recent passion was capturing many of these stories in written form, drawing on the rich and varied experiences of his life. He pursued writing to his last days, leaving his stories as a legacy to his family and those who loved him.

Above all, Rob was a kind and caring person, with a great empathy for the less fortunate.  Rob treated every person he met with the respect of an equal, regardless of their position. Throughout, he always maintained his wonderful sense of humor.

Rob is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Ruth Taft Solomon; and his four children, Laura Campbell (Russ), Jodi Bowman (Craig), Robert English Solomon, Jr. (Jordan), and LeAnne Kaase (Matt); and his six grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Betty Solomon, and his beloved granddaughter, Murray Nixon. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Christ Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s on Cherry Street, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 765 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201 has charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert English Solomon, Sr., please visit our floral store.