Robert Bradley Root, 86, passed away on Wednesday, June 17th at Grayling Nursing and Rehab where he received excellent, compassionate care for the last year of his life.

Robert was born on July 17th, 1939 in Flint, Michigan to Irvin Root and Emma McLeod. He was their 4th child with two more to follow. His parents divorced when he was young and he stayed with his father in Cadillac. After securing a home, his mother was able to get all of her children together again, but life was hard for the family. Robert left school in 8th grade to help provide for his family. In 1960 he joined the Army and was stationed in Germany for three years. Letters took so long to arrive at the time that he was honorably discharged in 1963 that he had to walk from Detroit to Flint because no one knew he was coming. He met and married Nancy in 1964. Soon to follow was the birth of their first child Tina, with Gina following 3 1/2 years later. His daughters were the loves of his life. He became a store manager in 1964 at 23 Supermarket in Flint. He worked there until 1977 when he and Nancy opened a small convenience store called B&N Market in Auburn, Michigan. During this time Robert joined the National Guard and after receiving his GED he served for 30 years. He sold the store in 1986 and moved to Grayling where he started working at Camp Grayling. He retired in 2010.

Robert enjoyed deer hunting, camping and taking his girls fishing. He loved playing cards with all of his grandchildren and sharing his never empty drawer of candy with all of them. Robert was very thoughtful when it came to his daughters. He was a wonderful Girl Dad! He was very proud of the legacy of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob's love for his family was HUGE and is showed throughout his life.

Robert will be missed by his daughters Tina Myers-Lancaster (Joe) and Gina (Robert) Ahrns; 5 grandchildren, Robby (Fabiola) Ahrns, Jacob (KayLee) Myers, Jessica Myers, Jeffrey (Breanna) Myers, and Jordyn Myers; and 13 great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Colton, Scout, Jeffrey, Bradley, Peytan, Isabella, Rachel, Olivia, Rebecca, Gianna, Grayson, and Jacob; sister, Norma; and sister-in-laws, Phyllis and Faye. he is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Root; parents, Irvin Root and Emma McLeod; siblings, William David, Duncan, Mary; and niece Tracy.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home on Saturday, June 27th, 2026 from 11am-2pm with Military Honors at 12:00 pm.

Condolences can be shared at www.sorensonlockwood.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.