Dr. Robert E. Wilfong

Robert Edward Wilfong of Winter Park, Fla. Dr. Robert E. Wilfong, 91, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2011 at the Mayflower Health Center. He was born in Rinard, Illinois and received his PhD. in physical chemistry from the University of Wisconsin. He was a successful scientist and business leader at DuPont for almost forty years and managed the start up operation of the world's first polyester manufacturing plant. While at DuPont he also helped create and commercialize a variety of innovative man-made fibers and materials including Kevlar. Dr. Wilfong was conscripted by the government during WW II and worked on various classified projects including bazooka propellants and deep water sonar. He received a personal letter of commendation from President Roosevelt for his contributions to the war effort. He was a devout Christian and lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene serving as its Chairman for several years. His loving wife of 69 years, Miriam Horner Wilfong, preceded him in death. He was a loving father to five children and was blessed with sixteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren who loved him dearly. Survivors include his daughter, Sharon Walters of St. Cloud, Fla., his son, Dr. Robert Wilfong and wife Frances of Kure Beach, N.C., his son, Jonathan Wilfong and wife Janet of Atlanta, Ga., his daughter, Miriam Mitten and husband Brian of Carlisle, Pa., his son, David Wilfong and wife Donna of Kinston, N.C. and Reverend Bill Allshouse and wife Lydia of Irapuato, Mexico. A memorial service was held at the Mayflower Health Center on May 9 th. Arrangements for a celebration of his life service have not been finalized. Interment will be in Hampstead, N.C. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Gideon's International, PO Box 140800, Nashville TN 37214. Funeral arrangements are by Baldwin Fairchild of Winter Park, Fla. www.baldwinfairchild.com.