Robert B. Fickling

EDISTO ISLAND - Graveside services for Bob Fickling, 89, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2008, at Trinity Episcopal Church on Edisto Island, SC. Visitation will be from 6-8 Monday evening at Mole Funeral Home, Barnwell, SC.

Born in Blackville, SC, February 12, 1919, he was the son of the late Clarence Julian Fickling and the late Maude Hair Fickling. He passed away Saturday, December 13, 2008.

He was a 1939 graduate of Clemson A&M College with a degree in agronomy. Mr. Fickling graduated second in his class at the age of twenty.

Bob returned to his hometown of Blackville, SC, to pursue a productive career in farming in Barnwell and Bamberg counties, after serving in Germany and France with the U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force during World War II.

Being appointed to the first State Development Board proved invaluable as lifelong friendships and connections were spurned there. Because of his continuing interest in the progress of his community, Bob served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Blackville Public Schools. He was instrumental in building the Blackville Farmers Market, as well as the Blackville Country Club. In later years he moved to Barnwell where he opened Raft Realty Company specializing in the sale of large tracts of land.

Bob was on his own personal self-discipline exercise program long before such a routine was fashionable. This handsome gentleman was easily recognizable when taking daily walks donned in his L.L. Bean attire, sporting a broad brimmed hat for sun protection while toting a handled walking stick used to greet passersby, as well as keeping dogs at bay. In the 1940s this Fickling was readily a role model for others with regards to taking vitamins and exercising daily.

Heartwarming memories include his being a big tipper in restaurants; for never meeting a stranger and for admiring beautiful ladies. This Clemson man’s positive attitude and willingness to lend a helping hand encouraged many a high school student to attain success beyond their dreams. A generous nature was his signature.

At age 60, Bob’s sister, Sara Fickling Dewitt, implored him to retire, to enjoy life. This he did on Edisto Island in 1979. This avid golfer, fisherman, hunter (regarded as The Dove King), health nut, and poker player considered each day a gift, each meal a feast, and each child a pure blessing. It was he who repeatedly stated over the years with much sincerity and humility, “I am the most blessed man I Know.” When thinking of Bob Fickling, one can’t help but smile. He was truly a Southern gentleman with a beckoning smile and an exhausting zest for life. Bob was a giver.

Bob was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Edisto Island where he previously served on the vestry.

Surviving are: his wife, Louise “Weesie” Holland Fickling of Edisto Island; sons, Robert B. Fickling III of Cathedral City, Calif., Jon Barry Fickling of Blackville; a daughter, Kay F. (Milton) Buzby of Spartanburg; sons by marriage, Dicky (Tammy) Mitchum of Holman’s Bridge, Scott (Francina) Mitchum of Blackville; grandson, Rob Lawrence of Hendersonville N.C.; granddaughter, Sara Lawrence (Rick Carlile) of Raleigh, N.C.; grandsons by marriage, Ross and Alex Mitchum of Holman’s Bridge.

Mr. Fickling was predeceased by his first wife of 51 years, Kathryn “Kitty” Plexico Fickling, a grandson, Brian Lawrence and eight siblings. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Regency Hospice, 105 Summerwood Way - Suite D, Aiken SC 29803 or to a charity of one’s choice. Thank You.