Robert "Bob" Bruce Fickling, II, of Edisto Island, passed from this life December 13, 2008.
He was the son of the late Clarence Julian Fickling and the late Maude Hair Fickling.
Bob was a 1939 graduate of Clemson A&M College with a degree in agronomy. He graduated second in his class at the age of twenty.
He returned to his hometown of Blackville to pursue a productive career in farming in Barnwell and Bamberg counties, after serving in Germany and France with the U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force during World War II. Being appointed to the first State Development Board proved invaluable as lifelong friendships and connections were spurned there. Because of his continuing interest in the progress of his community, Bob served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Blackville Public Schools. He was instrumental in building the Blackville Farmers Market, as well as, the Blackville Country Club.
In later years he moved to Barnwell where he opened Raft Realty Company specializing in the sale of large tracts of land. Bob was on his own personal self-discipline exercise program long before such a routine was fashionable. This handsome gentleman was easily recognizable when taking daily walks donned in his L.L. Bean attire, sporting a broad brimmed hat for sun protection while toting a handled walking stick used to greet passerby, as well as, keeping dogs at bay. In the 1940's this Fickling was readily a role model for others with regards to taking vitamins and exercising daily.
Heartwarming memories include his being a big tipper in restaurants; for never meeting a stranger and for admiring beautiful ladies. This Clemson man's positive attitude and willingness to lend a helping hand encouraged many a high school student to attain success beyond their dreams. A generous nature was his signature.
At age 60, Bob's sister Sara Fickling Dewitt implored him to retire, to enjoy life. This he did on Edisto Island in 1979. This avid golfer, fisherman, hunter (regarded as The Dove King), health nut, and poker player considered each day a gift, each meal a feast, and each child a pure blessing. It was he who repeatedly stated over the years with much sincerity and humility, "I am the most blessed man I know." When thinking of Bob Fickling, one can't help but smile. He was truly a Southern gentleman with a beckoning smile and an exhausting zest for life. Bob was a giver. Bob was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Edisto Island where he previously served on the vestry.
Surviving are: his wife, Louise "Weesie" Holland Fickling of Edisto Island; sons, Robert B. Fickling III of Cathedral City, CA, Jon Barry Fickling of Blackville; a daughter, Kay F. Buzby and husband Milton of Spartanburg; sons by marriage, Dicky Mitchum and wife Tammy of Holman's Bridge, Scott Mitchum and wife Francina Mitchum of Blackville; grandson, Rob Lawrence of Hendersonville NC; granddaughter, Sara Lawrence of Raleigh, NC; grandsons by marriage, Ross and Alex Mitchum of Holman's Bridge.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 51 years Kathryn "Kitty" Plexico Fickling, a grandson, Brian Lawrence and eight siblings.
Interment was in Trinity Episcopal Church Cemetery, Edisto Island.
He was the son of the late Clarence Julian Fickling and the late Maude Hair Fickling.
Bob was a 1939 graduate of Clemson A&M College with a degree in agronomy. He graduated second in his class at the age of twenty.
He returned to his hometown of Blackville to pursue a productive career in farming in Barnwell and Bamberg counties, after serving in Germany and France with the U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force during World War II. Being appointed to the first State Development Board proved invaluable as lifelong friendships and connections were spurned there. Because of his continuing interest in the progress of his community, Bob served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Blackville Public Schools. He was instrumental in building the Blackville Farmers Market, as well as, the Blackville Country Club.
In later years he moved to Barnwell where he opened Raft Realty Company specializing in the sale of large tracts of land. Bob was on his own personal self-discipline exercise program long before such a routine was fashionable. This handsome gentleman was easily recognizable when taking daily walks donned in his L.L. Bean attire, sporting a broad brimmed hat for sun protection while toting a handled walking stick used to greet passerby, as well as, keeping dogs at bay. In the 1940's this Fickling was readily a role model for others with regards to taking vitamins and exercising daily.
Heartwarming memories include his being a big tipper in restaurants; for never meeting a stranger and for admiring beautiful ladies. This Clemson man's positive attitude and willingness to lend a helping hand encouraged many a high school student to attain success beyond their dreams. A generous nature was his signature.
At age 60, Bob's sister Sara Fickling Dewitt implored him to retire, to enjoy life. This he did on Edisto Island in 1979. This avid golfer, fisherman, hunter (regarded as The Dove King), health nut, and poker player considered each day a gift, each meal a feast, and each child a pure blessing. It was he who repeatedly stated over the years with much sincerity and humility, "I am the most blessed man I know." When thinking of Bob Fickling, one can't help but smile. He was truly a Southern gentleman with a beckoning smile and an exhausting zest for life. Bob was a giver. Bob was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Edisto Island where he previously served on the vestry.
Surviving are: his wife, Louise "Weesie" Holland Fickling of Edisto Island; sons, Robert B. Fickling III of Cathedral City, CA, Jon Barry Fickling of Blackville; a daughter, Kay F. Buzby and husband Milton of Spartanburg; sons by marriage, Dicky Mitchum and wife Tammy of Holman's Bridge, Scott Mitchum and wife Francina Mitchum of Blackville; grandson, Rob Lawrence of Hendersonville NC; granddaughter, Sara Lawrence of Raleigh, NC; grandsons by marriage, Ross and Alex Mitchum of Holman's Bridge.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 51 years Kathryn "Kitty" Plexico Fickling, a grandson, Brian Lawrence and eight siblings.
Interment was in Trinity Episcopal Church Cemetery, Edisto Island.
Robert "Bob" Bruce Fickling, II, of Edisto Island, passed from this life December 13, 2008.
He was the son of the late Clarence Julian Fickling and the late Maude Hair Fickling.
Bob was a 1939 graduate of Clemson A&M College with a degree in agronomy. He graduated second in his class at the age of twenty.
He returned to his hometown of Blackville to pursue a productive career in farming in Barnwell and Bamberg counties, after serving in Germany and France with the U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force during World War II. Being appointed to the first State Development Board proved invaluable as lifelong friendships and connections were spurned there. Because of his continuing interest in the progress of his community, Bob served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Blackville Public Schools. He was instrumental in building the Blackville Farmers Market, as well as, the Blackville Country Club.
In later years he moved to Barnwell where he opened Raft Realty Company specializing in the sale of large tracts of land. Bob was on his own personal self-discipline exercise program long before such a routine was fashionable. This handsome gentleman was easily recognizable when taking daily walks donned in his L.L. Bean attire, sporting a broad brimmed hat for sun protection while toting a handled walking stick used to greet passerby, as well as, keeping dogs at bay. In the 1940's this Fickling was readily a role model for others with regards to taking vitamins and exercising daily.
Heartwarming memories include his being a big tipper in restaurants; for never meeting a stranger and for admiring beautiful ladies. This Clemson man's positive attitude and willingness to lend a helping hand encouraged many a high school student to attain success beyond their dreams. A generous nature was his signature.
At age 60, Bob's sister Sara Fickling Dewitt implored him to retire, to enjoy life. This he did on Edisto Island in 1979. This avid golfer, fisherman, hunter (regarded as The Dove King), health nut, and poker player considered each day a gift, each meal a feast, and each child a pure blessing. It was he who repeatedly stated over the years with much sincerity and humility, "I am the most blessed man I know." When thinking of Bob Fickling, one can't help but smile. He was truly a Southern gentleman with a beckoning smile and an exhausting zest for life. Bob was a giver. Bob was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Edisto Island where he previously served on the vestry.
Surviving are: his wife, Louise "Weesie" Holland Fickling of Edisto Island; sons, Robert B. Fickling III of Cathedral City, CA, Jon Barry Fickling of Blackville; a daughter, Kay F. Buzby and husband Milton of Spartanburg; sons by marriage, Dicky Mitchum and wife Tammy of Holman's Bridge, Scott Mitchum and wife Francina Mitchum of Blackville; grandson, Rob Lawrence of Hendersonville NC; granddaughter, Sara Lawrence of Raleigh, NC; grandsons by marriage, Ross and Alex Mitchum of Holman's Bridge.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 51 years Kathryn "Kitty" Plexico Fickling, a grandson, Brian Lawrence and eight siblings.
Interment was in Trinity Episcopal Church Cemetery, Edisto Island.
He was the son of the late Clarence Julian Fickling and the late Maude Hair Fickling.
Bob was a 1939 graduate of Clemson A&M College with a degree in agronomy. He graduated second in his class at the age of twenty.
He returned to his hometown of Blackville to pursue a productive career in farming in Barnwell and Bamberg counties, after serving in Germany and France with the U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force during World War II. Being appointed to the first State Development Board proved invaluable as lifelong friendships and connections were spurned there. Because of his continuing interest in the progress of his community, Bob served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Blackville Public Schools. He was instrumental in building the Blackville Farmers Market, as well as, the Blackville Country Club.
In later years he moved to Barnwell where he opened Raft Realty Company specializing in the sale of large tracts of land. Bob was on his own personal self-discipline exercise program long before such a routine was fashionable. This handsome gentleman was easily recognizable when taking daily walks donned in his L.L. Bean attire, sporting a broad brimmed hat for sun protection while toting a handled walking stick used to greet passerby, as well as, keeping dogs at bay. In the 1940's this Fickling was readily a role model for others with regards to taking vitamins and exercising daily.
Heartwarming memories include his being a big tipper in restaurants; for never meeting a stranger and for admiring beautiful ladies. This Clemson man's positive attitude and willingness to lend a helping hand encouraged many a high school student to attain success beyond their dreams. A generous nature was his signature.
At age 60, Bob's sister Sara Fickling Dewitt implored him to retire, to enjoy life. This he did on Edisto Island in 1979. This avid golfer, fisherman, hunter (regarded as The Dove King), health nut, and poker player considered each day a gift, each meal a feast, and each child a pure blessing. It was he who repeatedly stated over the years with much sincerity and humility, "I am the most blessed man I know." When thinking of Bob Fickling, one can't help but smile. He was truly a Southern gentleman with a beckoning smile and an exhausting zest for life. Bob was a giver. Bob was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Edisto Island where he previously served on the vestry.
Surviving are: his wife, Louise "Weesie" Holland Fickling of Edisto Island; sons, Robert B. Fickling III of Cathedral City, CA, Jon Barry Fickling of Blackville; a daughter, Kay F. Buzby and husband Milton of Spartanburg; sons by marriage, Dicky Mitchum and wife Tammy of Holman's Bridge, Scott Mitchum and wife Francina Mitchum of Blackville; grandson, Rob Lawrence of Hendersonville NC; granddaughter, Sara Lawrence of Raleigh, NC; grandsons by marriage, Ross and Alex Mitchum of Holman's Bridge.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 51 years Kathryn "Kitty" Plexico Fickling, a grandson, Brian Lawrence and eight siblings.
Interment was in Trinity Episcopal Church Cemetery, Edisto Island.
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