Robert Neil Medaris' Obituary
Robert Neil MedarisDallas, Texas – Robert Neil Medaris, 89, son of W. Garland and Nancy Hazel Medaris, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 22, at his home in Dallas, with his loving wife Shirley and daughter Leigh Ann by his side. He is survived by Shirley, his wife of 50 years, daughter Leigh Ann McDaniel of Scottsdale, AZ; and his five step children Vickie V. Coates of Rowlett, TX; R. Shane (Deb) White of Austin, TX; Laura (Ken) Cramer of Dobbin, TX; H Shepard (Tammi) Bailey of Allen, TX and M’Lisa (Kurt) Hansen of Centerville, UT. He was preceded in death by his son Robert Michael Medaris.Bob was born December 18, 1929 at Methodist Hospital, and was raised in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas Texas. He graduated from Sunset High School in 1947 where he played on the golf team with future PGA champion Don January, 28 days his senior, together honing their golf skills, although one a bit more than the other, at the renowned Stevens Park Golf Course… proudly declaring of the time, but with regrets later in life, “…we always walked the course, and never wore hats.”Bob and Shirley were married in April 1969 (50 years and 1 month ago) and were sealed for time and all eternity in November 1972 in the Laie Hawaii Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bob having joined Shirley in the Church one year earlier.After receiving his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Southern Methodist University in 1951, he worked with his father, Garland Medaris at Medaris Co., specializing in wholesale appliances and phonograph records distribution. And then in 1963, at the dawn of the Dallas/Ft. Worth “era,” Bob joined a new company formed by Hank Dickerson, one of the three founding fathers, along with Henry S. Miller and Trammel Crow, of the Dallas/Ft. Worth real estate phenomenon. For the next 25 years in commercial real estate, Bob was instrumental in the growth and success of Hank Dickerson & Co., playing lead roles in many notable deals, including the assemblage of “New Town” communities like The Colony. Bob then established Bob Medaris & Co until his retirement.Bob always held himself and others to high standards, but did so with warmth and a gentle classy style that made him both loved and admired by his many friends. He had an unusual ability to form enduring relationships that enriched all those he touched. Bob maintained so many treasured relationships over the years that bumping into friends wherever on the globe he and Shirley happened to be became legendary.Aside from his relationship with God, Bob’s greatest treasure was his family. He and Shirley made marriage look seamless, born of their love for and devotion to one another. Bob’s first concern was always for Shirley and her happiness and comfort. He taught his children to always work hard, to do their best, and to be their best.Bob was tender-hearted, made people feel comfortable and valued, and was sincerely interested in them and their lives. He took time to really think about, and then help those around him. One would be hard pressed to find a more patriotic man, dedicated to his country, to his state, and to his beloved south.Bob exercised deep faith and strong convictions without being judgmental. He did whatever, and everything his leaders and the Lord asked of him. He served willingly and diligently in his church callings, including Bishop and Sealer in the Dallas Texas Temple. He and Shirley served 3 full-time missions for the church. The last ordinance performed by Bob was the marriage and sealing of his grandson Benjamin Bailey to his darling wife Jen in the Los Angeles Temple in 2010. His impact on his community, friends and especially on his family is immeasurable, and will last for generations.Services will be held Saturday, May 25th at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 14740 Meandering Way, Dallas, Texas 75248, preceded by a brief viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Immediately following the funeral, a burial service will be held at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery at 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243.
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