Robert Osborn Obituary Bob Osborn March 5, 1922 - August 13, 2012 Smithfield, VA - Robert M. "Bob" Osborn, 90, died August 13, 2012 in Smithfield, VA. He was the only son of Robert M. and Eva Gum Batten Osborn of Suffolk, VA. He graduated from Suffolk High School and attended Virginia Military Institute (VMI) before volunteering for service in the US Army in 1942. He served with the Signal Corps in the China-Burma-India Theater establishing and maintaining communications along the Ledo-Burma Road. He was promoted to Captain and was honorably discharged in 1945. Following World War II, Bob completed his formal education at Penn State University, graduating with a B. S. in Forestry. After graduation, he worked with the Virginia Division of Forestry and the US Forest Service s Southern Forest Experiment Station in Birmingham, AL. Beginning in 1952, Bob began working for Union Camp Corporation (later International Paper) in Franklin, VA. He held many positions and was a valued employee. Bob retired from Union Camp in 1984 as Manager, Franklin Region, Woodlands Division. After retiring from Union Camp, Bob spent much of his time volunteering in the communities where he lived. In Smithfield, he assisted Becky Farmer with the Christian Outreach program, repairing homes for people in need. While living in Waynesboro, he volunteered at the Rockfish Gap Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway and was active in the Salvation Army for many years. Bob was an avid swimmer and one of his greatest joys was spending time at the YMCA in Waynesboro and the Luter YMCA in Smithfield. He has many friends who enjoyed his company there. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Shirley Osborn of Smithfield, VA; his son, Christopher Osborn of Baltimore, MD; his daughters, Sallie Justice of Charlottesville, VA and Trina Miller of Galax, VA; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and two step-daughters, Debra Coster and Marianne Hawthorne. He was predeceased by his son, Robert. A gathering of family and friends will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Gatling Pointe Yacht Club and Marina , 903 Gatling Pointe Parkway, Smithfield, VA. Memorials may be made in Bob s name to your local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Wright Funeral Home. Franklin, assisted the family. www.wrightfuneralhome.org. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See also: 1) https://www.wrightfuneralhome.org/obituary/1558676 2) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pilotonline/name/robert-osborn-obituary?id16374700 3) https://www.pilotonline.com/obituaries/robert-m-osborn-smithfield-va/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ## Narrative Summary of the Obituary Robert M. "Bob" Osborn, born on 5 March 1922, passed away on 13 August 2012. He served in the US Army during World War II, later earned a degree in Forestry, and retired from Union Camp Corporation. He was active in community service and is survived by his wife and children. ## Narrative Summary of Funeral Services A gathering of family and friends took place on 22 September 2012. Bob Osborn's burial details are not specified in the available information. ## The Edited Obituary Robert Osborn Obituary Bob Osborn 5 March 1922 - 13 August 2012 Smithfield, VA - Robert M. "Bob" Osborn, 90, died 13 August 2012 in Smithfield, VA. He was the only son of Robert M. and Eva Gum Batten Osborn of Suffolk, VA. He graduated from Suffolk High School and attended Virginia Military Institute (VMI) before volunteering for service in the US Army in 1942. He served with the Signal Corps in the China-Burma-India Theater, establishing and maintaining communications along the Ledo-Burma Road. He was promoted to Captain and was honorably discharged in 1945. Following World War II, Bob completed his formal education at Penn State University, graduating with a B.S. in Forestry. After graduation, he worked with the Virginia Division of Forestry and the US Forest Service's Southern Forest Experiment Station in Birmingham, AL. Beginning in 1952, Bob began working for Union Camp Corporation (later International Paper) in Franklin, VA. He held many positions and was a valued employee. Bob retired from Union Camp in 1984 as Manager, Franklin Region, Woodlands Division. After retiring from Union Camp, Bob spent much of his time volunteering in the communities where he lived. In Smithfield, he assisted Becky Farmer with the Christian Outreach program, repairing homes for people in need. While living in Waynesboro, he volunteered at the Rockfish Gap Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway and was active in the Salvation Army for many years. Bob was an avid swimmer, and one of his greatest joys was spending time at the YMCA in Waynesboro and the Luter YMCA in Smithfield. He has many friends who enjoyed his company there. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Shirley Osborn of Smithfield, VA; his son, Christopher Osborn of Baltimore, MD; his daughters, Sallie Justice of Charlottesville, VA, and Trina Miller of Galax, VA; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and two step-daughters, Debra Coster and Marianne Hawthorne. He was predeceased by his son, Robert. A gathering of family and friends will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, 22 September 2012, at Gatling Pointe Yacht Club and Marina, 903 Gatling Pointe Parkway, Smithfield, VA. Memorials may be made in Bob's name to your local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, assisted the family. www.wrightfuneralhome.org. ## Vital Statistics Summary | Name | Robert M. Bob Osborn | |---------|--------------------------------| | Age | 90 years | | Birth | 5 March 1922; Suffolk, VA | | Death | 13 August 2012; Smithfield, VA | ## Table of Relationships | Name | Relationship | Residence | |-------------------------|-------------------|---------------------| | Robert M. Bob Osborn | Decedent | Smithfield, VA | | Shirley Osborn | Spouse | Smithfield, VA | | Christopher Osborn | Child | Baltimore, MD | | Sallie Justice | Child | Charlottesville, VA | | Trina Miller | Child | Galax, VA | | Debra Coster | Step-daughter | Unknown | | Marianne Hawthorne | Step-daughter | Unknown | | Robert Osborn | Predeceased Child | -- | ## Other Relevant Information 1. Robert M. "Bob" Osborn was born on 5 March 1922 in Suffolk, VA. 2. He served in the US Army during World War II with the Signal Corps in the China-Burma-India Theater. 3. Bob graduated with a B.S. in Forestry from Penn State University. 4. He retired from Union Camp Corporation (later International Paper) in 1984 as Manager of the Franklin Region, Woodlands Division. 5. Bob was actively involved in community service, assisting with home repairs for those in need and volunteering at the Rockfish Gap Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 6. He was an avid swimmer and enjoyed spending time at the YMCA in Waynesboro and Smithfield.