ROBERT JOSEPH FORDHAM

Robert Joseph Fordham was born in Kinston, North Carolina, on December 15, 1931 to Rebecca Croom and Henry Clay Fordham. As Henry passed away two months before the birth of Robert, it left Rebecca, a single mother raising Robert and his two siblings Eleanor and Henry. Robert served in the National Guard while in high school and proceeded to graduate from Grainger High School in 1951. He then joined the US Navy serving on the USS Bairoko and the USS Princeton during the Korean War and he was part of Operation Castle. After his honorable discharge from the US Navy, he went to school at the Electronic Technical Institute and was then offered employment by the Federal Aviation Administration. He retired after 28 years of service in 1986. After his retirement he stayed busy doing the things he most enjoyed, camping, fishing, square dancing, woodworking, and family and friend gatherings. He was married to the love of his life, Sharon, for 43 years before her passing in 2023. They lived life to the fullest together. He is survived by his sons Dan, Monte, Joe, Gary, Kenny and 2 daughters Lorene and Debbie, and multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren. And of course his loyal dog Lizzie. He will be remembered as a patient, kind hearted, soft spoken man who spread his love to all who knew him. He passed away at home on November 23, 2024. He was a great man, husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed!