Bob Wildermuth

Robert “Bob” Wildermuth, 72, Orange Park, Florida, passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021.

Born June 8, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, spending his early childhood in Keiser, Arkansas, where he was raised by his grandparents.

Bob graduated from Memphis Technical High School in 1967, enlisting in the U.S. Navy later that December. Shortly after finishing boot camp at Great Lakes, Bob met the love of his life, Eileen on February 17, 1968.

Given that he was going on deployment, Bob asked Eileen if she would be his pen pal. After writing for two years, they were married on July 25, 1970, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Bob traveled the world, taking multiple deployments so his family wouldn’t have to move once settling in Orange Park, Florida, in 1976. He worked his way up through the ranks, becoming commissioned as an officer in 1982, where he earned the rank and title of Gunner. After 28 years, he retired from the military on January 1, 1996.

While in the Navy, Bob pursued his college education and after retirement, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration on August 15, 1998, from Jones College graduating Summa Cum Laude. Degree in hand, Bob eventually landed at the Department of Revenue’s Jacksonville office, enforcing the collection of sales tax.

His career at the DOR was cut short though, due to continued health problems related to the service of his beloved country. Retiring, again, in the early 2000s, Bob took on his most precious role as full-time grandfather. Known to his “grands” as Opa, Bob supported all his grandsons and granddaughters in each of their pursuits.

From soccer, gymnastics, swimming, baseball, softball, football, cheerleading, dance, and lacrosse, to going to music concerts and plays and helping with school projects and Scouting badges, Opa’s calendar was full of activities.

Over the years, Bob enjoyed many activities including woodworking, golfing, gardening, cooking, and, of course, fishing.

A lifelong fisherman, Bob was involved in bass clubs and fishing tournaments locally as well as with his Navy buddies. He shared his passion for fishing and his love for the outdoors with his three girls and later with his grands.

Bob was a life member of the VFW Post 5968 located in Orange Park, Florida, a member of The Association of Aviation Ordnancemen, Chapter 9, in Jacksonville, and a Plank Owner of the USS Nimitz. He enjoyed meeting up with other veterans, especially fellow AOs, swapping stories, and helping anyone navigate government bureaucracy. I Y A O Y A S

Bob is survived by his wife, Eileen, of 51 years; daughters Eileen (Scott Straub), Rebecca (Jason Swan), and Kim (Craig Tees); grands Christopher “CJ”, Eileen Kristin (Zach), Nicholas (Mackenzie), Molly, Seth, Emerson, and Grady; great-grands April, Eli, and Baby Henry (due 12/23).

Bob was loved by many especially best friends Gary Beale, John Sorrell, and Don & Grace Watson; sister-in-law Mary “Mrs. Lubner” Myers, cousins, nephews, nieces, and the friends of his daughters and their children. Leaving a legacy to many kids who would see him traveling as “Opa Claus” with his red shirt and beard grown every December.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Friday, August 6, 2021 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel. Funeral service will begin 11:00 am with Dr. Tim McDaniel officiating and military honors rendered.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Bob’s name or plant a tree in his memory.