Robert Anderson Wilson, 82, of Lynchburg, Va., died on Monday, January 25, 2021. The third of four sons of the late Moena Hand Wilson and Lowry Reed Wilson, he attended public schools in Lowell, N.C., became an Eagle Scout, and grew up in the Presbyterian church. Summer visits with his family to Montreat Conference Center were formative.
He earned degrees from Davidson College, Columbia Theological Seminary (M Div), and McCormick Theological Seminary (D Min).
During 39 years in the ministry, he was Associate Presbyter for Blue Ridge Presbytery and served churches in N.C. and Va., Westminster Presbyterian in Lynchburg, Va., Second Presbyterian in Salisbury, N.C., Shiloh and Dixon Presbyterian in Grover, N.C., Unity and Machpelah Presbyterian in Lincoln County, N.C.
An active volunteer, he served terms as Trustee at Davidson College and Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg and served on many synod and presbytery committees.
He was a founding board member of the Free Clinic of Central Va., for many years a weekly volunteer at Lynchburg General’s Cardiac Rehab unit, a longtime board member of Lynchburg Literacy Council as well as Churches for Urban Ministry and its Timothy Club. He received a NCCJ humanitarian award in 2002 in recognition of these activities.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Martha Goodwin Wilson; three children, Lynn Watkins (Gordon), Susan Schaumburg (Eric), and Andy Wilson (Michelle Day); four grandchildren, Kate Watkins, Sarah Watkins, Conrad Schaumburg, and Mattie Schaumburg; one brother, John Wilson (Anne); and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers and a sister-in-law, Parks Wilson and his wife, Kitty, and Lowry Wilson Jr.
The family will plan a memorial service for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, the Free Clinic of Central Virginia or a charity of your choice.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com.
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