GUSTAFSON, Dr. Robert R., went home to be with his Lord, January 2, 2016 at the age of 70. He is preceded by his faithful wife, Dana and daughter, Ruth Tindale.

He is survived by his precious daughters Rebecca McKeen & husband, Barry, Rachel Robbins & husband, Chris. He will be greatly missed by his beloved grandchildren, Paul, Grace, Josie, Joey, Joshua, Joel, Jonah, Josie Liu, and Jones.

Dr. Gustafson was the brother of Rae Lynn Smart & husband, Larry and son of the late Ralph & Mahama Gustafson. He graduated with a B.A. from Rollins College where he was the Student Body President; he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and played three years in their farm system; received a M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary; Th.D. from Luther Rice Seminary.

Since moving to Brandon in the early 1970's "Pastor" and "Miss Dana", as they were lovingly called, began Grace Community Church. He was the president of Hillsborough County Christian Educators Association and past vice-president of the Hillsborough County Association of Academic Non-public Schools. He was the founder & administrator of Grace Christian School which began in 1975. His legacy of leading children to Christ and providing a quality Christian education continues to this day.

A memorial celebration will be held Friday, January 8 at 6:00 p.m. in the Grace Christian School Gymnasium, with a reception following in the dining hall. In lieu of flowers, a gift may be given to the school as we raise funds to build and dedicate a new building that will bare his name.