Robert Wayne Wilford

Robert Wayne Wilford, 80, of Jacksonville, Florida, was called to his eternal home on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Robert was born in Jacksonville Beach, Florida on March 1, 1945 to John and Alma Wilford. He was then raised in Birmingham, Alabama graduating in 1963 from West End High School.

Robert enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after graduation where he spent the next twenty years. His Naval career included multiple duty stations in Japan and the United States along with a 2 ½ year assignment in Guam. Robert spent 16 of his 20 years in Cryptology/Signal and Information Intelligence transitioning to working with the Chaplain Corps his last 4 years. During his 20 year service, he received many commondations as well as writing two training manuals for those assigned to the Chaplain Corps. He retired from the United States Navy in 1983 with the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. He was affectionately known to his shipmates as, “Tuba.” Robert remained a proud Veteran and ardent Patriot until his passing.

After his military service, Robert spent the majority of the next 30 years as an Executive Director for many non-profit agencies. The advocacy and outreach programs he managed included: Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation, Domestic Violence, the children’s Head Start initiative, and Prison Ministry, to name a few. Toward the end of his professional career, Robert, who always had an interest in politics, was elected as a City Commissioner for the City of Alachua, Florida. He held his seat for 12 years, with 3 of those also serving as the Vice Mayor, until his retirement in 2022.

Robert always had an intense thirst for knowledge which led him to achieving multiple college degrees. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of West Florida. He then went on to earn 3 Master of Science degrees from Troy University in various fields of study.

Those who knew Robert would consider him a very gracious man who always did his best to help anyone in need. He was a very empathetic, sincere, compassionate, loyal, grateful, forgiving, and especially, generous person. He had a knack for charm and humor with a quick wit about him. A devout Catholic, he had a deep-rooted faith in God which allowed him to have an unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness. He always treated everyone he met with dignity and respect. Robert’s favorite moto was: “God, Family, Country,” and he lived by the dedication to those three words each day.

Robert’s hobbies during his earlier life included being a very good and avid bowler along with playing softball, both of which he participated in during his naval career. He also enjoyed playing golf. A diehard University of Alabama sports fan, he rarely missed watching a BAMA football game. 

Robert is survived by: His adoring wife of 54 years, Diane Boxx Wilford; his son, Scott Wilford; his granddaughters, Natalie Wilford and Caroline Wilford; and his sisters, Dorothy Wilford and Francis Lynn Ashley.

Robert, or “Bubba” as he was affectionately known by his family, is preceded in death by: His older brother, Charles Thomas “Tommy” Wilford.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests donations made in Robert's honor to The Wounded Warrior Project or St Jude Children's Research Hospital.