Robert Glenn Wilder

Mr. Robert Glenn Wilder, 82, formerly of 103 Ronaldbsy Drive in Cary, died peacefully on Saturday, September 8, 2012 surrounded by family. He passed away at Sunrise of Cary where he had been residing for the last 2 ½ years.

Bob was born on January 24, 1930 in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by his extended family. As a boy, Bob enjoyed frequent family gatherings for both meals and music. His parents and most of his relatives played instruments. Bob sang in his church choir and school chorus and continued to sing throughout his life in various choirs and in musical theater productions.

Bob had an enviable combination of being incredibly smart and curious. He was fearless when it came to new adventures and his professional life was a reflection of that. He was drafted into the Army in 1950 and was stationed in Germany. Upon returning to the states he started classes at the University of Arkansas where he majored in Fraternity parties. He soon got a job at a local radio station writing jokes and commercials. He made his way to Oak Ridge, Tennessee where he got a job with Union Carbide, met his wife Edna Jean Flynt and went back to school at night to earn a degree in statistics from the University of Tennessee.

Bob's career in statistical analysis and quality control took him across the country to lead projects and training programs. He last served as Deputy Director of Research Programs with Northrop Services, Inc., before retiring in 1994. Upon retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively. When they were home he spent his time gardening and enjoying his grand kids. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his seemingly unending patience, and his ability to relate every situation in life to a song.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jean Flynt Wilder; and his two sisters, Barbara Jean Wilder and Bettye Lou Wilder. Surviving are his children, Stephen Flynt Wilder and Leigh Ann Wilder; his daughter-in-law, Kathy Wilder; and his grandchildren, Stephen Jordan Wilder and Robert Andrew Wilder.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 13, 2012 in the Chapel at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 S.E. Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511. Burial will follow at Wake Memorial Park, 7002 Green Hope School Road, Cary, NC 27519.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given in his honor to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).