Robert Bumbarger

Bob enlisted in the US Navy during World War II immediately after high school graduation at age 17. After Basic Training, he volunteered to serve on a PT boat in the Atlantic Theater of Operations patrolling coastal shipping lanes to detect enemy submarines that were tasked with sinking American ships transporting men and equipment to Europe. Following an Honorable Discharge from the Navy he attended Davidson College, where he was member of the golf team. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1950. Bob returned to Hickory and began working in the family business, Bumbarger's Inc. He joined the Hickory Rotary Club in 1951, served as President from 1963-1964 and was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by club members for his service. He served as President of the United Way and the Hickory Merchants Association. He was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army, Board Member of NCNB and was awarded "Man of the Year" by the Hickory Jaycees. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church. Bob was an avid golfer and was a six-time club champion of Lake Hickory Country Club. He was also a huge sports fan, especially enjoying Davidson basketball. Bob loved nothing more than sharing funny stories with his family and friends.