Robert Bussey "Bob" Christian

Robert Bussey “Bob” Christian 72 of Cleveland, Georgia passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Bob was born February 18, 1953 in Tifton, Georgia to Otis Kirby Christian and Florence Ruth (Coker) Christian of Sycamore, Georgia. Bob had three brothers that he was very close to and created fond memories with. Growing up Bob enjoyed fishing and bird hunting.

Bob graduated from Turner County High School and went to California to become a general engineering contractor alongside his beloved Uncle Gordon Coker. Later, he pursued a career in business. He had many businesses over his lifetime and retired from CMM properties (Piggly Wiggly) in 2017 to follow his grandchildren to North Georgia.

Bob met and married Kathi Ryan in California in 1983. They lived there for some years and spent special time with family, especially Pam (Coker) Butler, who is like another daughter to him.

Bob and Kathi later moved to Ashburn, Georgia to start their family. Bob was a proud father to his two daughters, Juliana and Justina. He found so much joy in watching them grow up, start their lives, chase their dreams and settle in their careers, and find their happiness. Bob was also proud to have his Son in Law, Chris, and enjoyed the time they spent together. Bob also enjoyed spending special time with his nephews Brad and Blake Christian. Along with all other family members. He looked forward to all visits, reunions, and fish fries.

Bob’s love for his family and friends was always clear. He was present for everything he possibly could be. The last 18 years, his most treasured title was Papa. He was the best papa to his three precious granddaughters. He enjoyed telling them stories and watching TV shows with them. He also love to tease them and since moving to the mountains, he would ask them every day. “Have you seen any wild zebra lately?” Just to hear them laugh and say, papa. It always made him laugh.

He is survived by his wife, Kathi Christian of Cleveland; daughter and son in law, Juliana Christian Hampton and Chris Hampton of Cleveland and daughter, Justina Christian of California; brothers, John Y. (Staci) Christian of Ashburn and Bill Christian of Cleveland; grandchildren, Natalie, Olivia, and Ana Hampton. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Kirby Christian and Florence Ruth Coker Christian, and his brother, Jim Christian. He leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment to family, which will continue to resonate among all who knew him. 

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. 

His joyful spirit, kindness, and genuine affection for those around him made a profound impact on the lives he touched. Bob's memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, who will hold him dear as they navigate life without his guiding presence.