Robert George Low Jr., aged 56, peacefully passed away on May 19, 2023, with his loving family by his side. He was born on New Year’s Day in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Rob is survived by his wife, Jill; his father, Bob Low Sr. of Hayesville, North Carolina; his mother, Betty Leduc (Tayo) of Hiawassee, Georgia; son, Zach Low; daughter, Kaylynn Low; sister, KrisAnn (Carole) of Hayesville, North Carolina; half-sisters, Laura, Michelle, and Carol; half-brother, Justin; and his favorite black cat, Callisto.
Rob was a lifelong learner. He received his associate degree in business management at Gwinnett Technical College, and an associate degree in fire science technology and Associate of Arts in general studies at St. Pete College. He further pursued his education and obtained a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration at St. Pete College and an MBA in human resources management at Louisiana State University. He graduated magna cum laude for each of his degrees.
Rob dedicated his life to firefighting, starting as a volunteer at the Madeira Beach Fire Department at age 18 and later Cocoa Beach Fire Department. He was eventually hired at St. Petersburg Fire Department, where he was named both Firefighter of the Year and EMT of the Year. During his distinguished fire service career, he ventured beyond state boundaries, serving in Georgia and later Alabama. He excelled as a fire instructor, steadily ascending the ranks to battalion and deputy fire chief. He also worked as Course Manager for First Responder Training for FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP).
He was a certified National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer and held numerous additional licenses and certifications. His dedication to his field led him to become a respected member of several organizations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, and the Society of Human Resource Management. He was most recently employed by AFC Development Inc. as deputy project manager and served as fire chief of Plainview Volunteer Fire Department in Alabama.
Regardless of the challenges life presented, his commitment to his profession and community remained steadfast and resolute. Rob will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his personality. He was a builder, a thinker, a tinkerer, a fisherman, a cat lover, a jokester, and above all a loving human being. He could fix anything and everything he touched.
Memorial Wall