Robert Eugene "Bob" Priest Jr., 67, of Spring, TX, passed away surrounded by the loving presence of God and his family on June 8, 2018 in The Woodlands, TX after a short stay in the hospital.

Bob was born February 8, 1951 in Trenton, New Jersey. His family soon relocated back to his mother's native Louisiana, where he found his love of the great outdoors at a young age, growing up in Pearl River. He graduated from Slidell High School in 1969 and soon after hitchhiked to Houston with a few dollars in his pocket to begin his career as an electrician.

He completed his electrician apprenticeship in 1978, winning the outstanding apprentice award for outstanding achievement in all phases of electrical apprenticeship. He continued to maintain the highest work ethic and quality of work, moving from apprentice, to journeyman, to foreman, and eventually general foreman. Bob was a lifelong member and staunch supporter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 716. In 2001, he began a new career as assistant business manager at the local union hall, where he fought tirelessly for workers' rights until his retirement in April 2016. Bob worked hard to support his family throughout his entire life, and they are eternally grateful.

Bob married his wife Terry Lea Price in 1981 in Houston. He was the devoted father of Allison Nicole and loving grandfather of Hunter Reece. Bob and his family moved throughout the Houston area before settling in Spring in 2001. He was an avid sportsman and accomplished hunter, fisher, and marksman who enjoyed all things outdoors, be it camping, boating, or a good crawfish boil.

Bob is survived by his wife of 37 years, Terry Priest, and daughter Allison (Ian) Leonard, grandson Hunter McKinnon, sister Jamie (Leonard) Torres, and brother David (Bernadette) Smith, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Eugene Priest Sr. and Helen Joy (Boudreaux) Smith and grandparents, Homer and Lucille Boudreaux and Harry and Estella Priest.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on July 1, 2018 at IBEW Local Union 716, 1475 North Loop West, Houston, TX 77008. In memory of Bob, contributions may be made to the Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Fund. Contact Local Union 716 at 713-869-8900 for more details.

"Win, lose, or draw, my opponents know I was there!"