Robert Rex, was born on December 21,1940 in South Philadelphia. He was born to Annebelle Lewis and John Bullock. He is the 3rd of ten siblings. He peacefully went to sleep in his home in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia on January 2, 2021. In the days leading up to his death he was encouraged and comforted by many prayers, bible dramas, phone calls and the sweet sounds of singing of his grandchildren, all under the loving care of his dear wife.

All of his siblings called him Bobby. Bobby’s jokes amongst his siblings made him fun to be around. While visiting his younger sister he would often say, “if you walk me down to the corner, I have some money to give” She excitedly agreed! He’d then say “ok open your hand” he would place money in her hand and say “now if you open your hand before you get home it will turn into a penny”. He would use his wit and sense of humor in unconventional ways for instance when he was at a gathering with his sister, a brother asked him “O is this your wife? “ He said “now you know I wouldn’t marry no ugly woman”. We will miss his comical nature. We loved and were proud of his talents and his insatiable appetite for learning. He helped his baby sister cultivate a love for words. He would give her words such as (obsequious, gregarious) and tell her “now when I come back to visit, I want you to be able to define and spell those words. He balanced his jokes with loving attention.

The best decision of his life was made when he was 13 years old when he decided to get baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on September 19,1954. He had the privilege to serve as a ministerial servant. He placed a high value on personal study. He would be excited to download and update the Watchtower CD ROMs. When he learned new features and skills, he enthusiastically shared it with friends and family. He was instrumental in aiding and encouraging others to cultivate a personal relationship with Jehovah God including family, workmates and people he met in the ministry. He showed tenacity when encouraging his Aunt Virginia. Often before attending his meeting he would stop by and encourage her to come with him. Finally, one night she accepted his invitation and attended the meeting. Aunt Virginia became one of Jehovah's Witnesses, pioneered for many years and never looked back. Bobby's prayers were beautiful to listen to, sensing his humility and love for  Jehovah and others.  Touchingly, days before his passing, with family at his bedside we heard him pray over his food. Although some was inaudible he still showed his effort and the importance of prayer. We will miss his sincere heartfelt prayers.

At a circuit assembly in Buckingham, PA in 1975 he met his best friend and soon to be wife Connie. He was curious and captivated by her mild disposition. One of the first things that Connie noticed was his pleasant smile and she thought he reminded her of a “cuddly bear”. Convincingly falling in love, they were married ten months after they met. He was betrothed by her submissive and peaceful character. She was impressed with his genuineness. Bobby never fronted for anyone.”Two years later they had their first child, India. Shortly following was Erick and April. He taught his children truths from God’s Word the Bible.

Our dad wanted the best for us. He made us think that if we ever wore pleather shoes that they would fall to pieces the first time we wore them. He wanted us to have a quality life from the shoes to everything else. We frequently visited IHOP, Strawbridge's and Clothier and The Corinthian Restaurant on the sixth floor where we had to be on our best behavior. Our dad loved reading. We are not sure which he had more of books or ties. Yearly summer vacations were important to him and he always made sure we got a souvenir. He gave us culture. His love of music and art was apparent in our lives. We remember it as if it were yesterday, screaming downstairs at my dad at 2AM “can you turn that music down!” As he worked on perfecting his craft. Unbeknownst to us it was teaching us through his example how much pleasure and solace you can attribute to music. We appreciate that he gave of his time to teach and encourage his children in the arts, whether it be through instructing, in reading music, playing an instrument or being entertained by watching him sketch a bystander. We appreciate having front row seats of his many talents. He enjoyed visits from his grandchildren! The icing on the cake was when they came over, he liked having ice cream for them, so they enjoyed that together. My dad was “in his world” as he would say with a bowl of butter pecan or rum raisin Haagen Daz, of course, ice cream.

His eldest daughter mournfully exclaimed “dad was a good friend.” She reminisces on how much time and attention he gave her on countless occasions. His baby girl remembers when they would go to Pennslanding and she would get tired and he would lift her up onto his shoulders and carry her she states " one day in paradise he will have his strength again and his body will allow him to do everything his heart desires. A time when we will not need his protection and we can just enjoy the real life." His son stated "dad fiercely protected us, I remember the love he showed". In being a good friend to his children, not many times did he hestiate to visit the school when he saw fit especially if he knew of any incidents involving the safety of his children. His son inlaw stated "I've always admired the love and concern he gave his family, he was always easy to be around and I always felt I could be myself. We compared our favorite musicians Louis Armstrong and his favorite Miles Davis,I am going to miss the good laughs we had and his big smile." One of his oldest friends which whom he worked secularly with for over 10 years stated jovially “It was me and Rex against the world.” His friends will miss sharing a cup of coffee with him and discussing life’s woes.

He worked secularly in his younger years as a taxi cab driver. Later he worked at John Wanamaker for several years. He retired working for Philadelphia School District in transportation. Bobby was a teenager when he started to learn how to play his favorite instrument, the trumpet. He attended Granoff Music School in Philadelphia. Bobby played the flute, flugelhorn and the trumpet. He enjoyed playing at various gigs, his and other wedding receptions with his band “Focus” and even posted up on the streets of Philly. Bobby also studied art at Fleishers Art School.  He enjoyed painting with acrylics and oil paint.

Robert’s personality was genuine and endearing. Unconventional some would say. We will miss his love, smile, sincerity, him saying “Connie can you get me some coffee” his protective nature, his talents and his beautiful prayers. We know that in just a little while longer we will see his pleasant smile again. (John 5:28,29)

Left to honor and remember his love are his wife Constance Rex, three children India Rex, Erick Rex, April Gamble and son in-law Tyrique Gamble. Two grandchildren Jamin and Isaiah Gamble. Seven siblings Jackie, Irene, Allen, Patricia, Cookie, Adrienne and Deborah. Preceded in death by his mother Annabelle Lewis, father John Bullock and two brothers Jesse and David. Also cherishing his memory are a host of nieces,nephews,cousins and dear friends.