Robert Norwood Gidley Jr., 79, of Kingwood, passed away Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, with his loving wife of 55 years, Linda Poling Gidley, by his side. Robert, son of the late Robert Norwood Gidley Sr. and Nettie Dixon Gidley, was born July 29, 1941, at the old tannery in Lenox (Preston County).
An Air Force veteran and reservist, Robert married Linda on June 19, 1965. Robert is survived by his wife and their three children, Robert Norwood Gidley III and wife Jody, of Albright, Dia Worrell, of Fredericksburg, Va., and Dustin Gidley and wife Sunshine, of Reedsville. Robert was a devoted husband, supportive father and the loving Pap of four grandchildren, Roby, Joey, Heidi and Lauren.
He was a graduating member of the Kingwood High School Class of 1959. The oldest of his siblings, Robert is survived by his brother, Jessie Darwin and wife Erma, of Leland, N.C., brother, Donald, of Harpers Ferry, and sister, Aleta Albright and husband Roy, of Tunnelton. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kathy Hauger; brothers-in-law, Gary and wife Sue Poling, David Poling and Fred Poling, all of Terra Alta; along with several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Also known as Butch to family and friends, Robert was a Preston County businessman and former long-time operator and owner of Preston Memorial Gardens. His love for tracking family history began with a booklet he co-authored in 1972 commemorating the life of his then 100-year-old great-grandmother Louisa Bell Hamer Dixon. Intrigued by genealogy, Robert spent years compiling more than 500 pages of information chronicling the family history.
Robert had a great passion for local education, politics and volunteering in his community. A former high school athlete, Robert continued to be part of local athletics with his children while serving as announcer and videographer for youth league sports.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Charlotte Gidley; grandparents, Richard and Maude Gidley and Jess and Amy Dixon; and nephews Greg Gidley and Allen Poling.
Friends may call at the Browning Funeral Home in Kingwood from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, from 2-8 pm Monday, Dec. 7 and from noon Tuesday, Dec. 8 until 1 p.m., the funeral hour, with Pastor Barry Adkins officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens where military rites will be accorded by the Preston County VFW Posts and the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.
Social distancing and masks are required.
Condolences:
www.browningfuneralhomewv.com
