Robert Wilson

Robert Kenneth Wilson, 88, husband of Ricardia Dale Wilson for sixty-four years, father of James (Jym), Deborah Jean (Paulsen), and Sandra Lee (Holcomb) died suddenly Monday morning, July 19, 2021 in Albemarle, NC.

He was born in Burlington, Vermont on Aug. 3, 1932 to Arthur and Miriam Wilson.

Robert, Willie, Bob, Dad, Grandpa, Pop-Pop loved his wife, his family, his country, (especially Vermont), and automobiles of every sort (especially those manufactured in the US before 1955).

He served at Stewart Air Force Base in Newburgh, NY from 1952-1956. During his enlistment, he met his future wife, Ricky, (who was serving in the Women’s Army Corps as a medical technician at West Point), on a blind double-date.

They were married in Middleboro, Mass. on Aug. 18, 1956. They soon moved to South Burlington, Vt. where they raised their family and lived until his retirement.

He began work at the Vt. Air National Guard in 1956, retiring with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant in 1988. For many years he ran the flight simulator section where pilots were required to receive monthly flight training time. More than one pilot thanked him for the emergency training scenarios after safe landings during similar situations in flight.

Following his retirement, Bob and Ricky moved to her hometown of Albemarle, NC where they spent 33 happy years together.  During retirement Bob stayed busy volunteering with NARFE, OASIS, and spent thousands of hours celebrating antique cars with the members of The Hornets Nest chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America.

In addition to his children and their families he is survived by a sister, Marjorie Hancox, of Worcester, Mass. and many fine nieces and nephews.

There will be a visitation at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 pm. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Hartsell Funeral Home's Lefler Memorial Chapel on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 3:00pm.  The service may be viewed at www.hartsellfuneralhomes.com/webcasts.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to the charity of your choice.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Wilson family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com