Robert Erwin Colley

Robert Erwin Colley, son of Callie Sue and Erwin Rudolph Colley, passed away on May 13, 2026, in the presence of his beloved wife, Patricia, and his two children, Jeremy and Amanda. Bob, as he was known, was a force of nature. In his best moments, he was always on the right side of compassion, and his personality filled any space, no matter how large.

Bob began life in his hometown of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma—a small town big of heart, where he learned the meaning of community and service. He graduated from Pauls Valley High School in the spring of 1967, attended Westminster University in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated from East Central University. Concurrently, he pursued his passion for aviation.

Following in the footsteps of his father Erwin—who had been a World War II aviator commanding glider planes in Normandy and Berlin—Bob became a pilot in the Air Force and served our country during the Vietnam War. Upon returning to the States, he received national recognition for his "planned" crash landing of a C-141 Starlifter at Christchurch, New Zealand. Bob’s quick thinking, and that of his crew, set a new standard for what was possible in aviation safety—a truly remarkable accomplishment.

Upon his exit from the Air Force, Bob became an airline pilot, first working with Hughes Air West, followed by Republic Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and Delta Airlines. He retired among the most senior captains of the Delta fleet.

While his travels took him across the globe, he was best known for his leadership in the cockpit and as a trusted colleague. One of Bob’s most beloved treasures were his flight memories, which he honed, retelling them year after year. He often recalled the fun times of the job—singing “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin and dancing for his flight attendants up and down the aisle before takeoff, or handling belligerent customers with his signature blend of accountability and humor.

His accomplishments as a veteran and pilot are innumerable, and the source of his pride came from the family for whom he provided selflessly year over year. He met his wife, Patricia Jane, in 1975. A stunning man with a sharp wit and sense of humor, he boldly invited her to meet him in the bar of a hotel inn in Fairfield, CA. She was reluctant to meet him without a chaperone, but she took a risk, and the rest is history. They were married, quickly welcomed their children, and started a family.

In 1983, Bob and Pat made a bold move, leaving the comfort and certainty of Oklahoma, where they were both born and raised, and planted new roots in Memphis, Tennessee. During this time, Bob cultivated one of his greatest loves, golf. He formed a fast group of close friends at Windyke Country Club, and when he wasn’t flying, he was on the links.

Once the kids were raised and off to college, Bob and Pat made another move together. Drawn west to California, where they first met, they settled in El Dorado Hills and became members of Serrano Country Club. Many rounds of golf ensued, and another string of friends was made. Bob volunteered time with First Tee, an organization committed to developing character for young people through the game of golf. Bob was especially passionate about ensuring that young people with disabilities were given access to the joy the game could bring.

Bob was remarkable because of the myriad kind things he did without anyone noticing. If he was in a restaurant and saw a young couple fretting about buying a steak, he would order it for them and pay the bill, without an expectation of gratitude. When he saw a young athlete with potential, he would provide tuition payments. Generosity was his currency, a habit inherited from his parents and those who preceded them.

His signature was his love for his family. His greatest source of pride was the education of his children. His son, Jeremy, graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Chemistry and later received his medical degree from Columbia University. His daughter, Amanda, graduated from Tulane University and later earned her master’s degree in School Leadership from Harvard University.

In the wake of his passing, Bob’s legacy lives. It’s one of grace, humor, and care. He was a mentor to many and had a way of teaching life lessons in 10 words or less. During his speech at his daughter’s wedding, he issued the most important lesson: the only thing you can’t buy more of is time.

Truer words were never spoken.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, Sue and Erwin Colley, as well as his brother, Joe Colley.

Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, Jeremy and Amanda; his grandsons, Jackson, Grayson, and Kellan; as well as his son-in-law, Edmund, and his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth.

He also leaves behind a beloved nephew, Reid Colley, who was a second son.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Tee.