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Robert Bruce "Bob" Fickling II

FUNERAL HOME

Mole Funeral Home - Barnwell

9399 Patterson Street

Barnwell, South Carolina

Robert Fickling Obituary

FICKLING, Bob EDISTO ISLAND, SC - Graveside services for Robert "Bob" Bruce Fickling, II, 89, will be held at 2 PM Tuesday December 16, 2008 at Trinity Episcopal Church on Edisto Island SC. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Monday evening at MOLE FUNERAL HOME, BARNWELL, SC. Born in Blackville, S.C., February 12, 1919, he was the son of the late Clarence Julian Fickling and the late Maude Hair Fickling. He passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2008. He was a1939 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, S.C. 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 passerby, as well as, keeping dogs at bay. In the 1940's 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 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, Ca., 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 is 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. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier on Dec. 15, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Fickling

17 Entries

Penny Still Tarrance

January 8, 2009

Dear Weesie and family, We were so sorry to hear of your (and everyone that knew Bob)'s loss. What a wonderful life he had and he was so proud of you and the happiness you brought him. He was such a good friend to mama and daddy- The obituary was a perfect tribute to a great man. Yall are in our prayers! Penny (Still) and Nolan Tarrance, Beaufort, SC

Ellen Hale

December 16, 2008

To Weesie and Family,
Sincere sympathy to you on the passing of Bob. He was such a gentleman and always charming. He will be greatly missed by us.
Sincerely, Ellen (Dr. Lang's nurse)

PAM (MINNICK) ROAKES

December 16, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ruby Holden

December 16, 2008

Jon and family,
I'm truly sorry to hear about your father,my prayers are with you and the family.Remembering the good times at beach with your father and
you.

He will be dearly missed,

Ruby Williams Holden

Gina & Mark Steedley

December 15, 2008

I remember the first time I met Bob. It was early one morning at Sea Cow during breakfast. It was easy to tell right away that he never met a stranger. He overheard Mark and I talking about real estate and began to tell us about his experience of real estate, land, and dove hunting. All were the same interests as ours. From that point on, we were great friends. Since that time we have had the pleasure of getting to know Weesie and him better. We feel truly blessed to have known him even though it seems a very short time. He now has his "angel wings" and is looking over us all.
God bless to Weesie and the family our prayers are with you.

Love,
Gina and Mark Steedley

Manly Hutchinson

December 15, 2008

Fond memories from Edisto. We'll miss him alot.

Buzz & Betty McNeely

December 15, 2008

What a wonderful tribute to a real gentleman. He led the good life and I'm sure his shadow has been cast far and wide. Love to "Weesie" and all the family.

Larry & Dee Moss

December 15, 2008

We were honored to have Bob as a friend. He was a true gentleman and Christian. We will sorely miss him, but find comfort in knowing he is with the Lord.
Our deepest sympathy to Weesie and their families.
May God bless you and give you comfort.

Earl Grubbs

December 15, 2008

Louise, Robert, Jon and Kay:
As a young man I had the distinct pleasure of meeting your husband and father and I was truly impressed how well he received (and his interest in) me once I told him that I would be attending Clemson in the Fall of 1963! Besides being a devoted father and husband, his willingness to make a difference in his community and the selfless service rendered to his country denotes the mark of a man who truly cared for the well being of others. While that storied meeting with Mr. Fickling was in the early sixties, I did graduate from his alma mater 28 years hence his 1939 graduation, but clearly did not match his being 20 years old and 2d in his class" phenomenon, a feat most Clemson graduates will never meet.
My deepest sympathies and condolences to each of you and that you may fine peace and comfort in knowing that Mr. Fickling made a difference to his community and to a plethora of young folks like me.
For his selfless service to his country during World War II, I salute this most courageous veteran, and say well done my good and faithful military servant.

James McNeely

December 15, 2008

Weesie,
Judi and I are saddened to hear of your loss of Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.
Love,
Judi & Jim McNeely

Bill Reeves

December 15, 2008

Truly a Southern Gentleman never met a stranger, never lacked a friend. Thoughtfully remembered,
Helen and Bill Reeves

Kristy Bodiford-Keadle

December 15, 2008

Mrs. Weesie,
Mr. Bob was a very funny and intelligent man and I am truly blessed to have known him. I truly am sorry for your loss, but just know that he is in a better place and will always be in your heart!!

Brenda Smith

December 15, 2008

Brenda Smith and Grady Lindler. We meet at the Sea Cow while eating breakfast. Brenda (Lexington, SC) Grady (Chapin,SC).

Lucas Padgett Jr

December 15, 2008

Bob was such a dear friend and fishing buddy of my father, Lucas Padgett. I thoroghly enjoyed the many stories they told on the fishing trips.. so much so not many fish were ever caught.. but lots of laughter and companionship. I will miss Bob, as I know my father would also if he were still with us. ... sincerely, Lucas Padgett Jr.

Dalton & Jean Still

December 15, 2008

Weesie,
Bob was quite an accomplished gentleman and an asset to the community. Thoughts and prayers to all.

John Rogers

December 15, 2008

Mr. Bob was an inspiration to all us "younger fellows" who want to get healthy to enjoy our later years. He was a wonderful role model, and will truly be missed.

Maree Ball

December 15, 2008

My prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.
Bob was a wonderful person, the greatest fishing buddy in the world. I have wonderful memories of Edisto Beach.

Love to all, Maree J. Ball

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