Robert Paul Sofge Sr's Obituary
Robert P Sofge Sr (Bob), 95 went home to be with the Lord July 14, 2022. He was born in South Jacksonville, FL to John Thomas & Beatrice Sofge. After graduating from Landon High School in 1944, he served with the Army until 1946. After discharge he returned to Jacksonville, to work and attend school. As he wrote around this time: “I asked for God’s guidance and direction. This did not come instantly but over time this guidance refined my path until I recognized and felt the call to ministry.”
He met the love of his life in 1949, Nancy Lee, at Swaim Memorial Methodist Church in Jacksonville. They were married in 1951 during his studies at the University of Florida. He began his ministry as a student pastor for two churches in Levy County.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Southern College. He served at Methodist churches in Kendrick, Zolfo Springs, Lake Butler and Raiford, FL. He continued his formal education at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania receiving a Master of Divinity degree. While at Temple, he served two churches in Lancaster County, PA. He and Nancy began their family, eventually having two daughters and two sons.
They returned to Florida, where he oversaw the move of an Ocala congregation from meeting at public facilities through the building of the Druid Hills United Methodist Church. After five years in Ocala, he answered a call to the chaplaincy. He served at Florida State Hospital in Chattahoochee, FL for almost 32 years, beginning as the only chaplain for a population of over 8,000. His response to an inpatient population with many beliefs was to encourage faith leaders in surrounding areas to provide their services. His persistence in seeking legislative help resulted in the first chapel ever built at the institution.
He also served on a local circuit, including Mt Pleasant United Methodist Church. He was often called to fill in for vacationing pastors at a number of churches in Gadsden County.
Bob was a loving husband of 65 years, a beloved father and a caring friend to many. A man of many talents and interests that included working as an EMT, scuba diving, photography, wood working, and scout leader.
Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife, Nancy, parents Tom and Beatrice, his brother John Thomas Sofge Jr, son-in-law, Mike Frye and brothers-in-law Larry Lee and Richard Martin.
He is survived by his children: Bob Sofge (Donna), Elaine Sofge Foshee, Steve Sofge (Lek), and Judy Gornicki (Phil). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Micah Sofge (Christi), Karen Sofge, Kyle Sofge & Samantha Mossburg (Justin) and great grandchildren Brenton, Emiliana, Isla, Kalina, Leia, and Lola. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Lucille Sofge and Gentry Martin, and brother and sister-in-law George and Christine Lee.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 9:30 am at Killearn United Methodist Church. A graveside service will be held afterwards at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Highway 90, Chattahoochee, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to either the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home - Madison Youth Ranch, 51 Children’s Way, Enterprise, FL 32725 or Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee FL 32308.
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