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Robert “Bob” Hilliard Wright, 100, of Lakeview, formerly of Troy, died Jan. 2, 2016, only five days away from being 101, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Jan. 7, 1915, in Radnor, to Floyd Renè and Mabel Gertrude Hilliard Wright.
On Feb. 14, 1946, in Alhambra, Calif., he married the former Mildred Frances Hybarger, who preceded him in death May 1, 1981. He also was preceded in death by his brother, Richard “Dick” E. Wright of Plain City.
Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His family was the light of his life, and in reflection he was the pillar of strength for them.
He is survived by his daughter, Marsha L. Wright of Lakeview; granddaughter, Michelle R. “Micki” Wright Slife of Sidney; great-grandchildren, Mariah, Mallory, Mia and Easton Slife; nephews, Ray (Maxine) Hybarger of San Jose, Calif., Bob (Janet) Wright of Grand Island, Fla., Dick (Nancy) Wright of Piqua and Jack (Marie) Wright of Plain City, and their families; and his cousin, Patricia (Rod) Collins of Harrisburg.
He was the last surviving 1933 graduate of Plain City High School. Prior to the war, he and his beloved brother, Dick, owned a butcher shop in Plain City. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving from August 1942 to January 1946, during which time he was the head cook at the Army Air Corps headquarters in Stone, England.
In 1948, he started his career with the Scotts Company of Marysville. Starting with his first position as the first salesman for O.M. Scotts, he held 16 titles within the company in which no one had held before him. After 32 years, he retired in 1980 as the international manager of marketing development.
Bob was an avid golfer for more than 75 years during which he golfed on the most famous courses all over the world, including his favorite, Ballybunnion in Kerry, Ireland. He collected bag tags from every course he had ever golfed, and when he retired he had more than 1,300 bag tags. Bob never saw a sport that he didn’t like.
He loved tending his beautiful gardens and lawn. His love of cooking always kept him close to the kitchen and he enjoyed his daily walks with his dogs. Bob’s life reflected his positive attitude toward life.
The Rev. Ted Schneider officiates a celebration of life at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Unity Church of Christianity, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, followed by a fellowship gathering at the church fellowship hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to Universal Hospice Care, 701 S. Main St., Bellefontaine OH 43331.