Robert Levy

ROBERT “BOB” LEVY Robert “Bob” Levy, age 78, of Waco died Thursday, May 29, 2003 at his residence. Services were held at 2pm Sunday, June 1 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel, 6101 Bosque Blvd. with Rabbi Seth Stander and Rabbi Mordecai Podet officiating. Burial followed at Rodef Sholom Cemetery. Mr. Levy, son of the late Lawrence and Kate Levy, was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 26, 1925. Shortly after his eighteenth birthday, Bob was drafted in the United States Army, and served his country in the Battle of the Bulge during WWII as part of the 1st Infantry Division. Bob settled in Waco in 1951 where he and his brother, the late Ira Levy, began their endeavors in the restaurant business, a legacy Bob would continue for many years to come. Bob’s life took a turn for the best when he met the love of his life, Mary M. Stubblefield. Married in 1958, Bob and Mary fulfilled their dream of a family by raising three lovely children, Cecilia Lynn Levy Neu of Round Rock, Lester Charles Levy of Houston, and the late Samuel “Sid” Levy. Bob and Mary founded two Waco landmark restaurants, The Griddle Drive Inns, serving the Waco area for over forty three years. Bob, as well as being restaurateur of the year, was active in both the Regional and State Texas Restaurant Associations and in 1992, was inducted into the Hall of Honor within the Association, the highest award for those persons recognized for their efforts in the community at large. Bob was responsible for organizing the first state board meeting in Waco for the Texas Restaurant Association. He wrote Waco’s Restaurant Association newsletter for the Texas Restaurant Association Waco Chapter for 14 years. For over forty five wonderful years of marriage, Bob and Mary pursued their dream of family, restaurant service, world travel, and numerous community-oriented services, including being a volunteer tutor for the Rapoport Foundation. Bob was a 32nd Degree Mason, Karem Shriner and A Scottish Rite Mason and had the honor to serve the Temple Rodef Sholom, where he was also President for one term. Bob will always be remembered as a man who was loyal, patient, generous and steadfast. A tireless, committed man, Bob was a peacemaker who loved life, who brought smiles to anyone he met with his quick wit and contagious laugh. Those who knew Bob would testify to the magic touch this man had. This “Chicago Boy” yet “Waco Giant” will be sorely missed. Robert “Bob” Levy is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Mary; their loving children, Lester Charles Levy and Bernadette, and Cecelia Lynn Levy Neu and her husband, Michael and beautiful granddaughters, Kate and Annette, of whom he was so very proud. He is also survived by Jeanne Levy of Waco, wife of the late Ira Levy; his niece and nephews, Larry Levy of Waco, Suzy Levy Saballa and husband Ron of The Woodlands, David Levy and wife Mary of Omaha, Nebraska, Marty Levy and wife Mary of Austin; and great nieces and nephews, Stacy Saballa Biggers and husband Jeff of Dallas, Theressa, David and John Levy of Omaha, Nebraska, and Anna and Zoe Levy of Austin. Pallbearers will be Maurice Labens, Daniel Bounds, Melvin Lipsitz, Larry Gardner, Dexter Sternberg, and John Householder. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Schavitz, Vernon Allen, Bill Wetterman, Mike Tinney, Keven Eskew, Rondy Gray, Willie Olson, Frank Dyson, Richard Lovern, Lewis Lindstrom, Glen E. Smith, and Anton Mom. Memorials may be made to Temple Rodef Sholom, 1717 N. New Road, Waco, Texas 76707 or charity of choice. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to “Bob’s Lil’ Angels” , Donna Parker, Michelle Martin, Sharon Low, Natasha Rash, Donna Blansett, and Jan White from the Congestive Heart Clinic, Rev. Harrison, Rev. “Laughing” Jane and to Dr. Shoultz, Sr. for their loving care they provided. Special thanks to Hospice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory by signing the “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY