OCALA, Fla. — Robert Leonard Bee, 79, former owner and president of Cobern Furniture and former national accounts trainer for Serta Simmons Bedding, died on April 27, surrounded by family.

Bee was born Sept. 13, 1944, in Marietta, Ohio, to Benjamin and Margaret Bee. He graduated in 1963 from Norland High in Miami and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1963 to 1967, with service in Vietnam.

He was president and owner of Cobern Furniture in Augusta, Ga., for 15 years, working his way from retail sales associate, sales manager and vice president before becoming president. He bought the store in 1988 and ran it until he closed it in 2000. Bee was elected to the Georgia Home Furnishings Assn. in 1987.

Later, he spent 2000 to 2006 with Southeast bedding dba Loving Care in Columbus, Ga., in sales and as CFO. From 2006 to 2016, he was the national accounts trainer for Serta Simmons Bedding and was known as “The Legend ” for his ability to connect with people with his charismatic personality filled with enthusiasm, humor and wisdom.

He was an active member and leader in the Nazarene community and loved to fish, play guitar and sing country and gospel music.

He was preceded in death by his parents and Janice Bee, his spouse of 49 years. He is survived by his wife, Dale Donovan Bee of Ocala, two children, a brother and sister, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to KW Cares.

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