Robert Calvin Gunn, Sr.

Mr. Robert Calvin Gunn, aged 97, passed away peacefully at Eden Rehabilitation and Healthcare on October 20, 2022.

Mr. Gunn was born January 15, 1925 to Emma Ellington Gunn and Robert Stuart Gunn in Wentworth, NC, and attended school there until he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II. He served on the ground support crew of the Sixth Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force, on Tinian Island in the Pacific theater. His unit deployed the nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, which ultimately forced the end of the war in the Pacific.

After returning home, he was employed as an auto mechanic in Greensboro, NC, where he met the love of his life, Exie Barker, a nurse. They planned a wedding, but were forced to advance the date when he was recalled to active duty in the U.S. Air Force in support of the Korean Conflict. At its conclusion, they returned to Wentworth, where he farmed and became a volunteer fireman. They raised four sons, and celebrated 63 years together, until her death.

Mr. Gunn became the first Fire Marshal of Rockingham County, and later, the first Fire Marshal of Rowan County.
Retiring in 1987, Mr. Gunn spent his best days fishing in coastal NC with family and friends.

He is survived by his sons, Robert Jr. (Vickie) of Clemmons, Alan (Loretta) of Archdale, Carl (Gay) of Westfield, and Kelly (Stacey) of Reidsville, 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives.

 A celebration of life will be held at Wilkerson Funeral Home on Sunday, October 23, at 3:00pm, with visitation with the family preceding at 2:00pm. Interment at Wentworth Methodist Church will follow. Military and Masonic rites will be observed.