Robert Peel Cameron, Jr., PhD, of Lynn Haven died unexpectedly in his home on Friday September 16, 2022.  Born in New Orleans to Robert P. Cameron, MD and Sue Curtis Cameron, the family moved to Panama City when Robbie was 5 years of age. He graduated from Bay High School in 1976. As a young man, he was the drum major for the Bay High Band and was a competitive billiards player. Robbie attended Tulane University and the University of Southern Mississippi, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from USM in 1983. He attended University of New Orleans for graduate school, earning a PhD in physical chemistry in 1990 with a minor in inorganic chemistry.

Robbie had a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Center for Macromolecular Crystallography on graduation.  He then began a distinguished career as a dynamic and popular chemistry professor for 23 years at Samford University in Alabama. In a "Statement of Teaching Philosophy," he wrote, "I strongly believe that class should be a learning experience, not the old adage that a lecture consists of the notes of the professor becoming the notes of the student without passing through the brains of either."

In 2014, Robbie transferred to Florida State University, and in 2018 returned to Bay County, where he taught at Merritt Brown Middle and Bay High Schools.

Robbie loved living in the Panama Country Club, where he played golf as often as possible. He also served on the board of directors, as he had at his Birmingham club, Hoover Country Club. He organized the "Courthouse Crew" of golfers every morning. He was very attentive to his mother, who also lived and golfed in PCC, until her death in April 2022.

Robbie's fierce intellect drove his wicked sense of humor. He loved football, especially the New Orleans Saints. Codenamed "Whodat," he organized "Grant Propo$al" football pools each fall. He devoted himself to his beloved pets throughout his life. He enjoyed cooking for friends and was well known for his Killer Burgers and Cajun popcorn.  Robbie spent many evenings socializing with friends.

Robbie leaves behind his sister, Mary Cameron Hulgan and husband Jim, and his babies Roxi, Spot and Mama Kitty. He was predeceased by his mother, father, and brother, William Curtis Cameron. He will be dearly missed by his many friends, including his very close and special friend, Susan Balk Kradel.

Although a spiritual man, he also put his faith in science and the energy of matter. He wrote, as his motto for life, "It is not so much a matter of finding the right way to do it as it is the non-systematic elimination of all the wrong ways." While his physical body will eternally lie beside his mother, rest assured that even after death he will somehow find a way to cheer, "Go Saints!"

A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, October 4 at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow at the Panama Country Club in Lynn Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lucky Puppy Rescue, 1255 Lee Road, Bonifay, FL  32425.