Robert Preston Aswell

Robert Preston Aswell, Sr., 84, of Reidsville, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Wilkerson Funeral Home, with Pastor Matt Norman officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Evergreen Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Wilkerson Funeral Home and at other times at his home.

Robert was born in Isle of Wight Co. VA to the late Daniel Vernon Aswell and Louise Rhae Aswell. He retired as Road Maintenance Supervisor for NCDOT after 33 years of dedicated service. He faithfully served the Town of Wentworth in many capacities, including on the Planning Board beginning in February 2001, the Town Council, and as Mayor for two years. He was also a proud charter member of the Wentworth Fire Department, where he served until his retirement around 2001. His service to his community was something he deeply valued and took great pride in.

Robert always knew how to fill in the gaps and was willing to step in wherever he was needed. Generous by nature, he was always ready to lend a helping hand, offer support, or make life a little easier for those around him.

After Sue passed, he found great joy in baking and made hundreds of lemon pound cakes, which became well loved by many. Once a month, he faithfully took them to Wesley Long Hospital to share with others. Robert found great joy in tending to his garden and could often be found spending time outdoors caring for it. He especially enjoyed taking what he grew and sharing it with others, whether through his homemade pickles or spaghetti sauce made from the fruits of his labor.

He was a devoted member of Northside Baptist Church, where he loved his church family and cherished the fellowship and memories shared with the “Bo Gang” and his closest friends.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by the love of his life, his sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Sue B. Aswell; and sisters, Elizabeth Callis and Becky Powell.

Robert was blessed to find love again later in life with his wife, Shirley Pulliam Cox. In addition to Shirley, he is survived by his son, Robert “Buddy” Preston Aswell, Jr. and wife, Lisa; daughters, Linda Rose Chamblee and husband, Davidson, Ruth Anne Davidson and husband, Ernie, and Jamie Danielle Doman and husband, Eric; special niece, Michelle Garrison and husband, Tommy; grandchildren, Wanda Phillips, Jack Chamblee, Lee Ann Lloyd, Will Davidson, Jacob Key Aswell, Skyler Renae Aswell, Robert “Tripp” Preston Aswell III, and Isaac Jonathan Doman; sister, Barbara Blowe; along with numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family members whom he held dear. Robert was also blessed by the friendship of Phil Conte, who meant a great deal to him.

A special thank you is extended to the staff of Annie Penn Memorial Hospital and the Hospice caregivers for the kindness, compassion, and excellent care they provided to him. If Robert had his way, there would have been a lemon pound cake waiting for every one of them.