Robert Jerome Putnam, 86, of Hattiesburg, passed away on December 26, 2017, at Forrest General Hospital. He was born on April 23, 1931, to William and Carrie Putnam in Alva, MS. Mr. Putnam attended Draughon`s Business College where he earned a 2-year business degree and later worked in and managed a print shop. He also worked as a musician, playing the steel guitar and entertaining thousands of people through the years until he retired in his 70’s.
Mr. Putnam is preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Louise Ware Putnam; three children: Sandra Thomas (Tim) of Beasley, TX; David Putnam (Paula) of Terry, MS; and Shelley Burge (Donny) of Hattiesburg; a step-son, Brian Stevenson, of Orlando, FL; nine grandchildren: Jason (Megan) Boulette and Jennifer (Brandon) Way of Austin, TX; Dallas (Meghan) Thomas of San Diego, CA; Lauren (Matt) Krzyzanski of Houston, TX; Justin (Millie) Putnam of Brandon, MS; and Carrie, Lillie, Ellie, and Abbie Burge of Hattiesburg; one sister, Mary Pennington of Myrtle Beach, SC; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 1-3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 29, 2017, at Forrest Funeral Home with a service to follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer`s Association, or to Dixie Baptist Church in memory of Mr. Putnam.