Robert “Bobby” Wayne Wilcox, 77, of Salem, Virginia, went to be in the arms of the Lord on Saturday, June 30, 2018.
He was born in Enid, Oklahoma, on June 10, 1941. He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. Wilcox and Goldie Wilcox Navarro; stepfather Augie Navarro; and siblings, Bonnie Navarro, Carma Jo Pritchard, Virginia Stuart and Danny Smith.
Bobby was a true fighter having overcome polio as a child. He proudly and honorably served his country in the US Marine Corps. Bobby found his calling first as a volunteer with the Salem Rescue Squad and later as a paramedic that flew with Life Guard 10. He received a Certification of Valor for his rescue efforts during the flood of ’85. He retired from the City of Salem after 34 years of service.
Retirement offered Bobby the chance to enjoy his love of fishing, gardening, cooking and baking, bowling, picture taking and rooting for the Dallas Cowboys. He was a member of Team Outlaw Fishing Club, and enjoyed time on the water with his boys. He loved his family dearly and cherished their many adventures together.
Surviving is his loving wife of 90 years (45 for him and 45 for her), Margaret “Maggie” Barnett Wilcox; sons, Christopher Wilcox and Scott Wilcox (Jennifer); grandchildren, Dustin Wilcox (Danielle), Kasey Wilcox (Joe Bassett), Joshua Wilcox, Mason Wilcox, and Sarah Wilcox; great-grandchildren, Sylas Bassett and Ruth Wilcox; a brother, John Wilcox (Carleen Weisz); sisters, Beverly Cunningham, Gloria Navarro Lynn, and Karen Navarro Learue (Mike); step-mother Pauline Fincham; nieces and nephews, Andrea Deaton, Joey Cunningham and Jim Cunningham, and many, many friends.
Many thanks to Dr. Andrew Peterson-Urologist, Duke Medical Center, Dr. Mark Kochenderfer-Blue Ridge Cancer Center, and the nurses at Good Samaritan Hospice.
The family received friends Monday, July 2, 2018, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at First Christian Church in Salem.
Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 3, at First Christian Church in Salem with Pastor Daniel T. Netting officiating. Interment followed in East Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Salem Rescue Squad, First Christian Church- Salem or Good Samaritan Hospice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
