Robert Wesley Sheats, or Bob, to those of us with the fortune to know him best, was a carpenter, but he was more than that, he was a Maker. He could always make you laugh, with a silly voice, or with a funny story about his youth. He made you feel like a world class chef when he complimented your cooking, even if it wasn’t good. He was generous and kind and always made time for a friend in need. If you ever worked with him, he’d MAKE you learn to read a measuring tape!
But Bob also made history come alive, spending hours removing layers of grime to reveal pieces from a time long forgotten. His eyes would twinkle when he’d tell you how he’d revealed a tiger oak mantle piece or heart pine floors. He made homes whole again and returned family heirlooms to their former glory. Slowly, meticulously, and with a reverence for the hands that came before his, he made broken things beautiful again. Bob was a true craftsman whose heart belonged to the historic homes of Old Decatur and Albany. Two of the homes he restored (651 East Moulton Street and 506 Ferry Street – his all time favorite) were featured in the Christmas Tour of Homes in 2014 and 2015.
Bob didn’t speak much about his faith, but the light of Christ shone through every day in his kind and generous spirit. Bob certainly made a mark on this earth and to say he will be missed is an understatement.
We will have a celebration of his life at his home at 645 East Moulton Street on Saturday, May 21st, at 6 p.m. All those who loved him are welcome.
