Obituary: Robert Sullivan of Southwire

Robert R. “Bobby” Sullivan, Southwire’s former vice president of sales and marketing, passed away Tuesday, March, 3. The following obituary prepared by the company asks all his industry friends and business associates to remember his family in their thoughts and prayers.

 “Bobby joined Southwire in 1965. He left to serve in the United States Air Force Reserve and returned to the company in 1971 as the general manager of Senator Wire and Cable, a division of Southwire. He served in many different roles throughout his career at Southwire before retiring in 2003 as V.P. of sales and marketing for the Electrical Division. During his tenure, he was a mentor to many and a friend to all.

“During his career at Southwire, Bobby Sullivan continued the legacy that Jim Griffin created,” said Jack Carlson, executive V.P. and president of North American business. “He was extremely focused on customer relationships and passed that legacy on to future generations. Bobby understood that it was about more than just selling a product, and he cultivated a sense of family even among his customers. He knew — and taught others — that if you could form a relationship first, results and performance would follow. Even after retiring, Bobby remained in touch with customers he used to serve. He will most certainly be missed by all who knew and loved him.”

 “Bobby was an active participant in the Electrical Distributor’s Futures Group, and he was also a member of the National Electric Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA). In 1991, he earned the J.H. Griffin Award, the company’s highest sales and marketing honor, and upon his retirement, Southwire dedicated a room at the old firehouse to recognize Bobby and his many years of service.

“He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the State University of West Georgia in Carrollton and an associate’s degree in industrial engineering at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Ga.”