Robert Merritt Kermon III

1942 - 2021

ROBERT MERRITT KERMON, III Robert "Bob" Merritt Kermon, III, 78, of Wilmington, was surrounded by the love of his family when he passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, February 13, 2021. Bob was born October 4th, 1942 in Wilmington, NC to the late Mary Meares Kermon and Robert M Kermon Jr. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gail Otts Kermon, sister Mary Anne Hughes (Warren), daughter Alma Anne Doehrer (Tom), son Robert Merritt Kermon IV (Maya), son James Clifton Kermon (Caroline). He is also survived by his eight grandchildren who were all very close to him. Bob graduated from New Hanover High School (1960) and enlisted in the US Army (101st Airborne) March 21, 1961. Bob earned his BA in 1968 from Wilmington College and began working for the Pender County School systems. While teaching he also served as an officer for Kure Beach Police Force from 1968 through 1970. He eventually chose to dedicate his life to education. Bob began his career in education as a teacher at Topsail. He was promoted to Assistant Principal for Topsail High School. In 1983 he received his Master's in Education from UNCW. He left Topsail in 1989 when he helped establish and became the first Director of Pender Learning Center in Burgaw. He retired from education in 1998. He was respected and loved by his students, especially those at Topsail. While he was a teacher with Pender County Schools, Bob established the first integrated Boy Scouts of America troop in the Cape Fear Council. In 1971 he established a co-ed Explorer Scouts with the focus in SCUBA diving. Bob and Gail brought up their children at Wrightsville Beach. Bob was the type of neighbor that brought the community together though cookouts, homemade pizza and donuts and swimming parties off their pier. Being teachers, They would always try to make summers fun and vacations that were full of adventure and learning. They traveled extensively throughout the United states, and took many trips overseas. The two had dreams of seeing the world. Bob will be missed for his love, sarcasm, laughter, and knowledge. Thank you to Lower Cape Fear Life Care for their support through this difficult time. We love you Dad. Funeral Services were private and entrusted to Andrews Mortuary, Wilmington. Online Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to either Lower Cape Fear Life Care or Wrightsville United Methodist Church.