Robert McDonald Eyerly II

Robert McDonald Eyerly II peacefully left this earth in the early evening of February 22, 2026, after a short time in hospice at the Williams E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home. He was surrounded by his daughters M. Rene Eyerly of Santa Barbara, CA, and Karen Elizabeth Eyerly of Salt Lake City, UT, lifelong friend Bob Poole, and Andrew Merrill.

Born June 4, 1945 to Francis Lewellyn Eyerly and Marie Katherine Wolff in Baltimore, MD, Bob grew up along the eastern shore of Maryland, and Myrtle Beach, SC. Beginning in the seventh grade, he attended Carlisle Military School in Bamberg, SC, becoming the top ranking cadet his senior year. He attended Wofford College, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1965. He was stationed at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, as air crew certifying squadrons for carrier duty. He is a Vietnam-era veteran who received an honorable discharge in 1969, and was in the Navy Reserves until 1971.

While at Pax River, he met the love of his life, Gloria Barraza Eyerly, a Navy WAV. They were married for 52 years. In addition to their cherished daughters, the light of their life was their grandson Luka Eyerly. Bob’s great joy was telling stories of his daughters and grandson. Bob and Gloria also were avid animal lovers, with a long list of beloved cats and dogs filling their home with energy and love.

Bob spent many years working as a sales engineer and manager for Burroughs Corporation in the Maryland area, eventually leaving the computer industry to move his family back to Myrtle Beach, SC and shifting careers to real estate. He loved the beach and salt air, and has many good friends remaining in the area even after he and Gloria moved to Salt Lake City, UT in 2007 to be closer to family.

His love and memory will live on with his family including his daughters Rene and Karen, grandson Luka, friend Bob Poole, Andrew Merrill, his sister Susan Harrison, brother-in-law Paul Harrison, nieces Shannon Harrison, Michele Eyerly, and Samantha Eyerly, and nephews Butch Harrison and Craig Eyerly, along with his many friends.

Those that left this earth prior to Bob include his adored wife, Gloria Barraza Eyerly, both of his parents, uncle Robert McDonald Eyerly I, aunt Winnie Ruth Eyerly, brother Louie Eyerly, sister-in-law Rita Smith, brother-in-law Ray Smith, many cherished kitties and a few good dogs.

Special thanks to the William E Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home and their staff for their wonderful care and companionship over the last four months, including Jeff, Hector, Annie, Karen, Sarah, Jasmine, Eric, Jenny, and truly the entire crew.