Robert A. Fleck, Jr., of Columbus, Georgia, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, July 6, 2026 at Grace Presbyterian Church with Pastor Chuck Hasty officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00PM, July 5, 2026 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. A private interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery.

Bob devoted his life to education, innovation, service, and helping others succeed. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Ripon College, followed by an MBA and Ph.D. in Business from the University of Illinois.

Throughout his career, he was recognized as an outstanding teacher, researcher, mentor, and administrator whose influence extended to thousands of students and countless colleagues. His work in information systems, technology, online learning, and business education resulted in four published books, nearly 100 scholarly articles, conference presentations, and research grants around the world.

Beyond the classroom, Bob believed deeply in serving his community. He was an active leader of the Rotary Club (Georgia Will Watt Fellow), and held additional leadership positions in the Association of Information Technology Professionals, the Association for Computing Machinery, the Presbyterian Church, the Springer Opera House Board of Directors, the Sons of the American Revolution Coweta Chapter, Master Mason of Mt Hermon #304 F&AM, Past Patron of Columbus Chapter #261 the Order of the Eastern Star, the Mayflower Society, Bi-City Woodturners. Bob proudly served as an elected member of the Clarion (Pennsylvania) Borough as a councilman and participated in numerous other civic and professional organizations.

Bob had a true passion for exploring the world, but his favorite place to spend time away from Columbus was his lakehouse in Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert A Fleck, Sr, Helen Acroyd Fleck, nephew David Fleck, and sister-in-law Judith Potts Paulsen.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years: Ruth Ann Potts Fleck, children: Julie Fleck Hobbs (widow of Gordon), Jeannie Fleck deVries (Wietze), Allyson Fleck (David Perry) grandchildren: Andrew (Stephanie) Perez, Christina Perez, Adrienne (Gary) Hart, Michelle de Vries, Nickie de Vries, Robert de Vries, Jacob Alexander, Elijah Alexander, great-grandchildren, Leo Owens, Vincent Perez; India Hart, brother, John Fleck (Judy), and other nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

The family sends extended appreciation to Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama for their care and support, especially Bridgett, Olivia, and Ashley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Grace Presbyterian Church of Columbus or Ripon (Wisconsin) College, reflecting Bob's lifelong commitment to church, education, service, and community.