Robert "Bobby" Forrest Waller

Robert Forrest “Bobby” Waller, 78 entered his heavenly home on May 22, 2018. 

Bobby was born in Lenoir County on August 13, 1939, to A. Forrest and Ruth K. Waller.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Albert Waller, and two brothers-in-law, L. G. Grady and George Donald Buchan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Marie Buchan Waller of the home, daughter Cathie W. Swingle and husband Wayne, granddaughters Savanna C. Swingle and Sara E. Swingle, all of Florida.  A brother, Freddy L. Waller and wife Carolyn of Morehead City and sisters-in-law Lillie Buchan Grady of Seven Springs and Violet Buchan of Wichita Falls, Texas.  He is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews whom he cherished and they thought the world of him.

Bobby attended Southwood School, Atlantic Christian College and North Carolina State University and for many years, farmed the land that he loved. Upon their retirement, Bobby and Marie enjoyed traveling across the United States in their motor home.  They were able to see many wonderful places and visit family and friends through their travels.  Bobby and Marie were members of the Sudan Camping Club and spent many hours with this cherished group of friends.

Bobby had a strong belief that he should use his life to serve others and took that opportunity as often as he could and in many capacities.  He was a lifelong member of Armenia Christian Church in Kinston, he served as a deacon and elder, served and led many committees and provided leadership and guidance.

Bobby served the people of Lenoir County and the State of North Carolina through his years of service to the Lenoir County Board of Elections.  He was a former board member and served several terms as chairman. 

He was a member of  St. John's Masonic Lodge #4  A.F. & A.M. in Kinston, the Sudan Cart Caravan, the Sudan Motor Patrol and Sudan Shriners in New Bern.  In 2008, Bobby and Marie were honored to serve as Potentate and First Lady of Sudan Shriners.  During his work with the Shriners, Bobby took great pride in being able to offer children the opportunity to receive needed medical care through Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

Bobby continued to serve his community and others as a member and former board chair of the Lenoir Community College Foundation Board.  Until a recent decline in health, he was continuing to provide support to ensure that scholarships were available for individuals that wanted to attend LCC. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to caregivers Denise Wisener, Lauren Williams and Taffie Butler for their understanding and loving commitment they made to him and Marie over the past few months.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to one of the following loves of Bobby’s life - Sudan Shriners, 403 E. Front St., New Bern, NC  28560, Armenia Christian Church, 1817 Hwy. 70 E, Kinston, NC  28501 c/o Judy Stroud or the LCC Foundation, PO Box 188, Kinston, NC  28502.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 2:00 PM, at Lenoir Community College Briley Auditorium located in the Waller Building, Kinston, NC with Pastor John Brick officiating.  Private graveside services will be held at a later date.