Robert Zollars' Obituary
Robert “Bob” L. Zollars of Dallas, Texas, passed away April 20, 2019. He was born on June 21, 1946, in Repton, Alabama, to Marguerite and Leland Zollars. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Catherine Zollars, his sister, Brenda Hancock, and his nephew, Jeremy Hoedebeck.Bob graduated from Wray High School in Wray, Colorado, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from SMU in Dallas, Texas. He was a licensed professional engineer and a registered professional land surveyor. Bob was co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Huitt-Zollars, Inc., a Texas-based professional engineering/architectural firm founded in 1975. He and his business partner, E. Larry Huitt, grew the firm from two employees in Dallas to a nationally ranked firm with over 550 employees in 20 offices across the United States. Bob actively led the day-to-day management of the firm. He especially enjoyed helping young professionals develop their talents, flourish, and grow while embracing new challenges in engineering.He was personally responsible for leading engineering design and/or construction management for many significant projects. These projects helped shape and cultivate not only the landscape of Dallas and cities across Texas and the United States, but also the engineering industry as a whole. Bob served as Principal-in-Charge and Project Manager for a number of the firm’s major civil engineering projects including:· Fort Bliss Expansion Program – Fort Bliss, Texas, one of the largest U.S. public works programs in the last 15 years· Dallas Area Rapid Transit – Dallas, Texas, light rail starter system· DFW International Airport – Dallas/Fort Worth Airport, Texas, East Airfield and Apron Expansion Projects for Terminal 2E and 3E· McKinney Avenue Trolley – Dallas, Texas, planning, design, and construction management of the trolley system in Uptown· Stonebridge Ranch Planned Community – McKinney, Texas, overall project management for the residential development that serves as the standard for master planned communities todayBob was very active in numerous professional and technical societies where he held leadership positions including:· American Council of Engineering Companies· American Society of Civil Engineers· Design Professionals Coalition· Society of American Military Engineers· Texas Society of Professional Engineers· Texas Engineering Foundation· City of Dallas Urban Design Advisory CommitteeHis professional contributions have been recognized by many organizations. For his involvement, leadership, and professional accomplishments, he received numerous awards and recognitions, including:· American Society of Civil Engineers Dallas Branch Engineer of Year· Society of American Military Engineers, Arkansas Post Distinguished Speaker· Southern Methodist University Distinguished Alumni· Texas Engineering Foundation Distinguished Engineer· Texas Engineering Foundation Fellow RecognitionWhile Bob’s dedication to the engineering industry is notable, his fervent commitment to and support of education set him apart. His philosophy of giving back is illustrated through personally establishing scholarship endowments at universities across the country. He encouraged the development of talent among young students by supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education programs at local schools.Bob was very involved in civic activities and he held numerous positions. Some of the organizations he supported and made significant contributions to include:· Greater Dallas American Diabetes Association (ADA), where he served on the Board as Co-Chair of “Stars of Texas,” an event held at Lone Star Park to raise money for diabetes research· SMU’s Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering Executive Board, where he proudly advocated for continued sustainable growth of the Lyle School, especially in the areas of endowments and research· Parkland Hospital Technical Advisory Committee, where he provided engineering oversight of the design and construction of the new Parkland Hospital complexThroughout his life, Bob excelled in sports. He kept that passion alive in his later years by supporting and attending SMU Mustangs and Dallas Mavericks basketball games. As an accomplished owner of thoroughbred race horses, he enjoyed watching several of his horses qualify and run in the Kentucky Derby and other major races across the country.The family appreciates the support and comfort of the many friends who were with us during this time. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Steven Leach for his exceptional medical care and compassion, and to Cliff Wall and John Ho who stood shoulder to shoulder with Bob throughout his illness and lifted him up during the hardest parts of the journey.A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at SMU’s Martha Proctor Mack Grand Ballroom in Umphrey Lee Center, 3300 Dyer Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Steven Leach, M.D. Endowed Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships for UT Southwestern medical students. Donations may be sent to:Southwestern Medical Foundation3889 Maple Avenue, Suite 100Dallas, TX 75219
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