Robert Paul Terbet Jr.

Robert Paul Terbet Jr., a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on December 30, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina, with Ida, the love of his life, by his side.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, on December 15, 1935, to Robert Paul Terbet Sr. and Coreen Young Denning, Bob grew up with his siblings Betty Jane Terbet Watson and Chuck Denning (wife Barbara) and step-siblings Paul Denning (wife Roxie) and the late Patricia Denning. He graduated from high school in South San Francisco in 1953 and had a lifelong passion for aviation that began in childhood.

Bob's journey into the skies began in the parts department of Arata Pontiac, where he worked until qualifying for Aviation Cadet Training in 1956. Graduating at the top of his class at Squadron Officers School, Bob embarked on a distinguished Air Force career, flying over 3,000 hours in aircraft such as the T-34, T-28, T-33, F-86, F-100, and F-5. His service took him to bases worldwide, including Greenville AFB (TX), Nellis AFB (NV), Clark AB (Philippines), and George AFB (CA), with deployments to Taiwan, Italy, Alaska, Germany, Okinawa, Japan, Turkey, and Vietnam. Among his numerous honors were the Distinguished Flying Cross and eight Air Medals, a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication.

In 1966, Bob transitioned to a remarkable 30-year career with American Airlines, flying over 15,000 hours. He began his civilian aviation career flying the Electra out of Chicago (ORD) before moving on to the 707, 727, and 767 while based in San Francisco (SFO). In 1986, he moved to Raleigh when the airline opened a hub at RDU in 1988, where he served as captain of the 727. As the #1 pilot, Bob retired in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and excellence.

Bob’s personal life was as rich as his career. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Van Gordon, for 20 years, and together they raised four children. In 1977, he met Ida on a blind date that turned into a love story for the ages. When Bob came to pick Ida up, her daughter Colleen came down the stairs, extended her hand, and said, “How do you do, my name is Colleen.” Bob was immediately charmed, and from their very first date, he had a feeling Ida was the one. It was love at first sight, and they married just seven weeks later, on January 28, 1978. Nine months and five days later, they welcomed their son Michael into the world.

The family moved to Raleigh in 1986, where they built their dream home, raised their family, and became deeply involved in the community. Bob was a passionate San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and Duke basketball fan. He began golfing as a caddy at California Golf Club at the age of 13 and later became an avid golfer at North Ridge Country Club, where he and Ida joined as members in 1988. During this time, Ida began her successful real estate career. Bob was also honored as an honorary member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, Kappa Kappa chapter, at UNC-Charlotte.

Trips to their Myrtle Beach condo with family and friends created cherished memories, as did Bob’s adventures abroad to France, Germany, Belgium, and Austria. Among all their travels, his favorite was their time in Italy.

In addition to his beloved wife, Ida, Bob is survived by their blended family. Daughters, Lisa Provost, and her husband, Mike, Leigh Ann Medeiros, and her husband, Mark, Lori Colvin, and her husband, Mark, Colleen Sain, and her husband, Kelly; Sons, Robert Paul Terbet, III, Michael Terbet, and his wife, Leslie; Grandchildren, Sean, and his wife, Lynsey, Nathan, and his wife, Kendra, Katelyn, and her husband, Dustin, Makenna, and her husband, Brayton, Shane, Anna, and her husband, Chad, Danielle, and her husband, Derek, Kelsey, and her husband, Richard, Matthew, Ashleigh, Alivia, Cooper Robert, Jessica, Jacob, and Jenna; Great-Grandchildren, Zoe, Maximus, Stella, Ezekiel, Jaden, Acelynn, Noelle, Eli, Josiah, Myriah, Miles, Chase, Shelby, Penelope, Arlo, Barrett, Jettson, Ben, Isaac, Dylan, Brody, Lily, Colton, Rip, and Zane.

A visitation was held on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 5:00 - 7:00pm at Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh. A funeral service was held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 10:30am at Celebration Church, 8700 Capitol Boulevard, Raleigh, with a graveside service with military honors immediately following at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue.

Bob’s life, guided by his Christian faith, was a testament to love, loyalty, and perseverance. He lived with honesty, calmness, and pride in his family, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Flowers are welcome for the service, or donations can be made in Bob’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, by using the links below, under 'Donations'.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Bob, or a message of condolence for his family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.