Robert William Nolan

Bob was born July 10, 1938, in Easton, PA, son of the late Freda and Charles William Nolan.

Bob and Shirley met at a Sunday pre-school class at the sweet age of 3. They have been married for 68 years.

His career was in textiles. He worked for 2 companies, Blue Ridge Winkler, Bangor, PA and Guilford Mills in Greensboro and Kenansville, NC. Bob retired as executive Vice President of the automotive division in Kenansville. Though Bob worked in Kenansville, he lived in Wilmington, an hour away.

On days off, he enjoyed working outside planting flowers and other yard work. He would grill many good meals several days a week. Meeting many of their friends for dinner was very enjoyable. Bob and Shirley attended First Presbyterian Church in the historic district.

Bob was an avid walker. Wherever they lived, usually with a cup of coffee, he walked, especially at Wrightsville Beach.

Moving back to Greensboro when he retired in 2007, Bob did the same walking every day. He stopped at Circle K, got his coffee and walked at nearby Country Park, in all kinds of weather.

Bob was a member of First Presbyterian Church YMBC. His Sunday School class was very special to him. He looked forward to serving coffee and donuts every first and fifth Sunday of the month.

Bob attended John Willett’s Bible Study in Greensboro and continued after moving to River Landing, a retirement community in Colfax, NC. John was his Bible study teacher and friend for many years.

Bob and Shirley moved to River Landing 6 ½ years ago and have been very happy there. Again, he walked! He enjoyed many activities, including playing golf with two of his friends every week, playing ping pong with two lovely ladies, singing in the wonderful chorus, always looking forward to Sunday Vespers and sitting with 2 special neighbors who saved him a seat. The Friday men’s “coffee” group was always a great time in Harvey’s garage. He also enjoyed reading history biographies, always had a jigsaw puzzle going, read scripture and listened to all kinds of music. He was a great sports fan of the Tarheels, Washington Commanders and LA Dodgers.

After going to church later in the day, Rob, Juan, Holly, Bob, Shirley and Rob’s beloved dog, Fletcher, would have dinner together. This was every Sunday for months. It was a very special time for talking and laughing.

Bob loved his family. One of his greatest joys was taking Holly to the mountains and beach every year. He always looked forward to Holiday visits from Rob and Juan. Bob was a devoted husband and wonderful dad, and we will miss him so very much.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Barry Nolan. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Nolan; daughter, Holly McPherson; son, Rob Nolan and Juan Rios, who was like a son; brother-in-law, John Knerr and wife, Sandy; sister-in-law, Brenda Maxey and husband, Berle as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bob was a friend of Bill W for 46 years.

As we respect Bob’s wishes, there will be no public services. The family wishes to thank the community of River Landing for their love and support during this time.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262 or to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hayworth Cancer Center, 601 North Elm Street, High Point, NC 27262, Pink Ribbon Community or Loveline Support Program, or River Landing Resident Assistance Fund, River Landing at Sandy Ridge, 1575 John Knox Drive, Colfax, NC 27235, Attn: Michelle Jones.