Robert Packer HICKORY Mr. Robert Raymond Packer, 86, of Hickory, died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at Grace Hospital after a period of declining health. Mr. Packer was born Oct. 17, 1926, in Buffalo, N.Y., a son of the late Raymond and Florence Smith Packer. He was a graduate of Saint Lawrence College in Canton, N.Y. Robert served his country as a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II, and retired from the furniture industry as a plant manager. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Lynn Packer, in 2012. Surviving are his children, Terry Rogers and wife, Tonya, Rick Rogers and Shelia Hilton, Gail Lail and husband, Benny, and Pam Greene and Richard Hollar. Also surviving are his sister, Shirley Bloomquist; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grand-children. Graveside services with Military Honors for Robert Raymond Packer will be held at 1:30 p.m. today, (Monday, Jan. 7), at Burkes Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the services in the church. Memorials may be made to Burkes Chapel United Methodist Church, c/o Tom Abernathy, 315 26th Ave., NW, Hickory, NC 28601. An online guestbook and obituary is available at heritage funeralservices.com. Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory is assisting the Packer family.