Robert Stormy Irving Weathersbee

Lt Robert I. Weathersbee passed away from his family and friends February 19, 2015 with his children by his side. His passing followed a traumatic brain injury and slow decline from Alzheimer’s disease. Robert was a very honorable, strong-willed, well respected, tenacious, caring, and loving man. He enjoyed talking to everyone he met and never met a stranger. Robert was known for his large smile, courteous nature and readiness to help those around him.

Robert was a loving and faithful husband to his late wife Janet and an extraordinary father to his three children Rhonda, Lee and Lynn. He lovingly taught them responsibility, values and independence, which sculpted them into successful adults that made him and Janet very proud.

Robert joined the North Carolina State Highway Patrol in February 1956, completed basic training and was assigned to the Elizabeth City, North Carolina area from 1956-1967. It was there he met and married his beloved wife Janet Glenn. They began a family that would include three children. Robert was well known throughout the area and many of his closest and most enduring friendships were from his years in Elizabeth City.

After being promoted to Corporal, Robert was assigned to the Henderson, North Carolina area from 1967-1973. During this time, he was also promoted to Line Sergeant. In 1973 Robert was promoted to First Sergeant and appointed Commandant of the Highway Patrol’s Basic Training School at the UNC Institute of Government in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where he simultaneously conducted two Basic Patrol Schools . Recognizing his abilities to organize, direct and teach, the NCSHP provided opportunities for Robert to attend North Western University Traffic Institute in 1975, and Southern Police Institute for Administration of Police Training and Administrative Officers Course in 1976. Robert also graduated from the 112th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (FBI), Criminal Justice Education at Quantico, Virginia in 1978. He was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned as the Executive Officer and Commandant of In-Service and Specialized Training for the NCSHP. He served in this capacity at the Highway Patrol Training Center until his retirement in 1985.

Robert was pre-deceased by his wife Janet Weathersbee, his brother William Weathersbee, his sister Lois Ollis and her husband, Roy Ollis; his son-in-law Charles Williams. He is survived by his three children Rhonda Smith (husband Mark), Lee Weathersbee (wife Sheila) and Lynn Williams; his sister Josephine Blowe; three grandchildren: Sarah and Holly Smith, Renee Weathersbee; One great grandchild Alicia Scoggins, along with many nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held on March 6, 2015 from 6pm to 8pm at Mitchell’s Funeral Service, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina (919-783-7128). An Honor Guard Memorial Service will follow at the same location on March 7, 2015 at 11am. Private family inurnment will take place on Sunday, March 8, 2015.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are being accepted at The North Carolina Troopers Association. Please mark donations “In memory of Lt R. I. Weathersbee”. www.nctroopers.org