Dr. Robert W. Espy

Funeral services for Dr. Robert W. Espy, Jr. will be held on Friday, May 6, 2005 at 2 pm at Decatur First United Methodist Church with burial in the Decatur Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Thursday, May 5, 2005, at A. S. Turner & Sons.  Dr. Espy, born Nov. 8, 1915 in Montezuma, GA., was a Decatur dentist for over thirty years until his retirement in 1973 following spinal surgery.  Dr. Espy died Tuesday, May 3, 2005.  He was a graduate of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA, and of the Emory University School of Dentistry in 1943.  He served in the Navy Dental Corps attached to the 5th Marine Division in the Pacific Theater during World War II.  He retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve with the rank of Captain after 20 years of service.  Until his retirement from the practice of dentistry, Dr. Espy was affiliated with the Northern District and Georgia Dental Societies as well as the American Dental Association.  Later he became a tax preparer for H & R Block, where he received awards for proficient and outstanding service.  He retired from this second career after 20 years of service.  Dr. Espy was an active member of Decatur First United Methodist Church, where he held many leadership positions including Chairman of Trustees, Chairman of Administrative Board, President of the Keystone Bible Class as well as Sunday School teacher.  Surviving are his wife, Jane Stillwell Espy; a daughter, Janel and her husband Dennis Byerly; a son, Robert W. Espy,III and his wife Jan; and three grandsons, Ray & Katie Byerly, Jim & Elizabeth Byerly,Robert W. Espy, IV; and a great granddaughter.  Also surviving are a sister, Marie (Mrs. W.F.) Robertson; brother-in-law, Harry Stillwell; and several nieces & nephews.  In lieu of flowers, those desiring may contribute to the Stillwell Trust Fund for Church Facilities Maintenance at Decatur First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030 or to Hospice Atlanta, 1244 Park Vista Drive, Atlanta, GA 30319.  A. S. Turner