Robert F. “Bob” Jerls, Sr., 71, of Dawsonville passed away Thursday May 4, 2017 at Northside Forsyth Hospital following a period of declining health. Born March 21, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois, he has lived in Dawson County since 1964. Bob retired from General Motors in 2005 after 30 years of service. He was a member of the U.A.W. Local 10, was a member of Chestatee Lodge # 102 F & AM, and was a U. S. Army veteran. Mr. Jerls was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed telling stories and jokes. He was preceded in death by a son, Rusty Berry Jerls; parents, Rufus Jerls and Helen Smock; stepfather, John Smock; sisters, Shirley Jerls, Betty Biebrick; and brother, Jerry Jerls. Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Thelma Jean Jerls, Dawsonville; sons and daughter in law, Robb and Trudy Jerls, Acworth, Rickie Jerls, Columbia, TN; grandchildren, Cory Jerls, Jesse Jerls; stepmother, Jeannie Smock, Garland, TX; brother, Carl Jerls, Illinois; sister, Sherry Delangaro, Wisconsin; and a number of other relatives. Funeral services will be held Saturday May 6, 2017 at 12 noon at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Leonard W. Ridings will officiate. Interment will follow in Sawnee View Gardens. The family will receive friends Friday from 3 until 8 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Masonic Home of Georgia, P. O. Box 4665, Macon, GA 31208. Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com. Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.