NORWICH – Robert “Bob” Wightman, 62, most recently of Raleigh, N.C., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, at the VA Medical Center of Durham, N.C.
The son of W. Lyle and Evelyn White Wightman, Bob was born in Norwich in July of 1947. Following his 1966 graduation from the South New Berlin Schools, he moved to Albany where he worked as a draftsman designing bridges for a year. In 1967, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army and, after basic training, was sent to Viet Nam. He served two tours of duty on the front line, then received his honorable discharge and returned to Norwich. Bob worked as a mechanic for Smith Ford while concurrently running his own small engine business out of his Oxford home. He later worked as a mechanic at Bud’s Garage in South Plymouth until moving to Raleigh, N.C., where he resided al the tune of his passing. While Bob lived in Raleigh, he enjoyed carpentry and handiwork. His boss, Grady “Buddy” Mercer Jr., was also Bob’s landlord and became one of Bob’s best friends. In his earlier years. Bob was a coon hunter. He enjoyed showing his game birds, and his two daughters and grandchildren were the love of his life.
While living in Oxford, Bob met Diane and they had two daughters. Bob is survived by his daughter Cassie Clipston and her husband Bob of Norwich, and their children Samantha, Malry, Zachary, Thia, Sammy, and Billy; his daughter, Bobbi Jo and her husband Roger of Zebulon, N.C. and their son Zeegan; and his brothers and sisters: Yvonne Hannon and husband Ron of Inverness, Fla., Bill Wightman of Norwich, Walt Wightman and wife Sue of Norwich, Linda Martin and husband Lee of New Berlin, Brenda Wheeler and husband Paul of Norwich, Mike Wightman and wife Rhonda of Norwich, Candy Moyer of Arizona, Luke Wightman and wife Carla of Hutchinson, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Jim, and sister Pat.
Graveside services with full military rites for Bob will be held at noon on Tuesday from Mt. Hope Cemetery. The Rev. Barry Davis, pastor of the First Baptist Church of South New Berlin, will officiate. There will be no calling hours.
Please consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.
The family requests that friends and family join them for a celebration of Bob’s life at the home of Walt Wightman, 234 Holmesville Hill Road, Norwich, part of the family homestead, following the graveside service.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.