Robert William Braff

Robert William Braff, 84, died peacefully on Saturday December 28, 2013 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.

Bob was born in Duluth, Minnesota on August 8, 1929, the youngest of seven children. At an early age, he discovered golf, and although he also played ice hockey and other winter sports, it was golf that became his lifelong passion. His golf swing was poetry in motion and he could strike the ball with amazing precision.

Many of his happiest moments took place on a golf course. Whether it was winning the Minnesota State High School Championships two years in a row, shooting his age at 69, playing world-class courses such as Augusta National, St. Andrews and Troon, or getting a hole-in-one while playing with Masters Champion Tommy Aaron, Bob was a passionate and accomplished golfer. He taught his children and grandchildren not only the fundamentals of the sport but also the importance of being "good sports".

He was a true and loyal friend, generous beyond measure, and he treated everyone he met with the same respect. Most dads teach their children not to talk to strangers, but Bob taught his children how to talk to strangers, and how to build lasting, faithful friendships. His lessons were taught by example, and these will stay with them forever.

He loved grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, popcorn and vanilla ice cream. And he always had a stash of chocolates in a drawer in his desk.

Bob attended the University of Minnesota in Duluth. After graduation, he worked for Standard Oil of Indiana, and when it became Amoco Oil Company in 1961, he was transferred to Miami, Florida. From there he was transferred to Atlanta, Georgia in 1963.

In 1974, he and his business partner, Tom Bower II, bought Clipper Petroleum and developed the chain of Circle M Food Marts in Northeast Georgia. He was involved in many community activities, including Kiwanis Club, Chattahoochee Country Club, Chattahoochee Golf Course, Chicopee Golf Course, Georgia Oilmen's Association, Boy Scouts of America and St. Michael Catholic Church where he served as usher and finance chairman.

In his final days, Bob was blessed by the presence of his devoted wife, children, grandchildren and many dear friends who filled his hospital room with love, faith and good humor.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Kathleen Braff; daughter and son-in-law Kimberly & Kent Igleheart of Roswell; son Michael Braff of Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law Kathleen & Kevin Brown of Gainesville and their children Carson, Parks, Davis and Grace; daughter & son-in-law Kourtney & Simon Harper of London, England; his brother and sister-in-law John & Gwen Braff of Minneapolis, Minnesota; his sister-in-law Marian Braff of Duluth, Minnesota; and a large loving extended family.

The family invites friends to join them for an informal gathering at their home on Monday December 30, 2013 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Michael Catholic Church in Gainesville on Tuesday December 31, 2013 at 11:00 AM. This will be followed by a burial service at Alta Vista Cemetery and a reception afterwards at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends to consider a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society (c/o St. Michael Catholic Church, 1440 Pearce Circle, Gainesville, Georgia 30501); Centerpoint (1050 Elephant Trail, Gainesville, Georgia 30501); or Big Red Junior Golf (c/o Chattahoochee Golf Club, 301 Tommy Aaron Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30506).

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW., Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.