Robert E. Wingate

Robert E. “Bobby” Wingate, 84, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at home under the care of his loving family and GHC Hospice.

A resident of Jesup since 1964, Bobby was born February 7, 1938, fifth child to the late Thomas Bryan Wingate and Lila Coker Wingate.  He spent his early years in Ludowici where he enjoyed the charm and love of his small-town roots. Everyone loved Bobby.  His family doted on him constantly and when they weren’t around, there was always someone else taking time out to show their love.  After graduation from Long County High School in 1957, Bobby took a job with Rayonier from which he would retire forty-two years later in 2000.  He was a true “jack of all trades”.  After retirement, Bobby enjoyed traveling and had been all over the world with the love of his life. Their explorations took them to many foreign destinations including the Holy Land, Switzerland, Spain, and Germany as well as countless others here in the U.S. and abroad.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman for his entire life and enjoyed camping.  His neighbors say he always had an immaculate landscaped yard.  Bobby was an active member of First Baptist Church, Jesup for more than sixty years.  Of all the things he loved, Bobby loved his family more than anything.  He made time to watch ballgames whenever he could, and he took time out to stop and enjoy the “little things” in life.  In addition to his parents, his sister, Mary Wingate Wasdin (A.D.); brother Billy Wingate (Joy); sister-in-law, June Wingate; and brothers-in-law, Ray Gordon, Wilbur Goff and Graham Laidlaw, all preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-two years, Wilene Goff Wingate; daughter, Leisa Wingate Fennel (Rob); son, Rob Wingate (Melissa) all of Jesup; brother, Tommy Wingate of Ludowici; sister, Elouise Wingate Gordon of Jesup; sister-in-law, Marjorie Goff Laidlaw of Jesup; grandchildren, Brianne Mitcham and fiancé, Mario, Ridge and Hannah Fennel, all of Jesup, Elyssa Wingate Yeomans (Grayson) of Brunswick, Clark Wingate (Ashley) of Brunswick and Jett Wingate of Jesup; great grandchildren, Bristol and Sadie Mitcham, Kash Fennel and Hudson Yeomans, and step grandchildren, Cole, Addi and Tori Davis.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and special friends also survive.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Jesup with Dr. Michael VonMoss officiating.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. prior to the services at the church. 

Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Ridge Fennel, Clark Wingate, Jett Wingate, Philip Laidlaw, Michael Laidlaw, Zane Wasdin, Tommy Wingate, Danny Wingate, Kerry Wingate, Stephen Wingate, Bill Wingate, Mike Wingate, and Tony Gordon.  Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Lance Hendrix and staff, the Howard “Bo” Warren Sunday School Class, and the Golden Rulers Sunday School Class, XYZ Senior Adults all of First Baptist Church, members of the Long County High School Classes of 1956 & 1957, members of the Local 787 Union and the C.C. Rider Camping Club.

Remembrances may be made to the Capital Campaign Fund or the Meals Ministry at First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1115, Jesup, GA 31598.

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