BRANDON – Robert R. "Bob" Fuquay, a longtime Jackson-area resident, died Oct. 28 after a brief illness. He was 67.

Bob was born in Beaumont, Texas, and attended Lamar University and Texas State Technical College before becoming a dental laboratory technician, which let him combine his artistic talents with a practical career. He later owned a dental lab and also worked for several large dental labs in Texas, Georgia, Colorado and Louisiana, settling in Jackson and then in Brandon.

Bob had an active youth, becoming a nimble water skier and playing Little League baseball. The baseball would return in later life with his enthusiastic participation in years of adult softball leagues. He also returned to the water with a pontoon boat that he loved to take out on Barnett Reservoir with family and friends and go fishing.

Every summer the Fuquay clan would gather at a big beach house rented by Bob's parents, Neill and Lee, located on the Bolivar Peninsula north of Galveston. Bob and his siblings would bring their growing families to play on the beach, eat seafood, join evening conversations on the breezy deck and engage in endless rounds of board games into the night. The ritual continued more than 25 years.

Bob's activities turned to more sedate interests following a severe heart attack at age 51. He spent months recovering in a rehabilitation facility before he was able to return to work. He was always a reader and often had a book by his favorite leather chair. He often expressed an interest in painting and in retirement had turned to the easel to produce colorful canvases.

Some years later he coped with another round of recovery, this time for alcoholism. While it was a struggle, Bob was grateful for the support he received from The Estate Residential treatment center, Alcoholics Anonymous and many others he met on his journey in recovery. The year and a half he achieved in sobriety was a blessing to him and his family before his death.

He is survived by his daughter, Erica Lumaghini and her husband Christopher of Brandon, and their children, Lily Cate (10), Ava Ren (4), Hallie (3), and Lionel (11 mos.). His Son ,Matthew Fuquay, of LaMarque, Texas & His stepdaughter Jessica Hulsman of Brandon. He is also survived by brothers Chuck and Jim, and a sister, Carolyn Stormont, all of Texas.

Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Flowood will provide a visitation from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, with a service at 11 a.m. Monday in the chapel.