Robert Thorpe

Robert (Bob) Thorpe 90 of Norwood died peacefully surrounded by his children, Friday Morning, January 22, 2021 at Atrium-Stanly.

A private family service to celebrate Robert’s life will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, January 25, 2021 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Norview Gardens will full masonic rites and military honors. Services will be live streamed on the funeral home Facebook page

Robert was born August 11, 1930 in Stanly County to the late Walter Clarence and Mary Ada Gatton Thorpe. He was a 1949 graduate of Albemarle High School and a member of Norwood First Baptist Church.

Following High School Robert enlisted in the United States Navy and served four years abord the USS Hamul, AD-20, Destroyer Tender. He served in the Far East in Japan and Korea during the Korean War. He returned to work at Collins and Aikman in Albemarle, and continued his education at Biscayne College and Stanly Community College and Attained an associates degree in Business Administration. He was employed as Dyeing Supervisor in the Dye Department and retired from Collins &Aikman after 41 years of service.

He volunteered at the Norwood Nutrition Site (Meals on Wheels) by assisting his wife in packaging, serving, and delivering meals to the homebound. This was his ministry for 10 years.

In his retirement he worked part time for Norwood Hardware, and took great pleasure in working with people and made many friends.

Robert was member of Pee Dee Lodge #150 where he had served as Past Master and secretary. He was a 33 Degree Scottish Rite Mason a member of Scottish Rite Valley of Charlotte and the Oasis Shrine Club.     

Robert enjoyed participating in the Senior games sponsored by the Albemarle Parks and Recreation Department for many years and received many medals (Disc, Golf, Horse Shoe, Bocce Ball, putt putt and Shuffle board.

He is survived by his wife Helen (Polly) Thorpe of the home. His son Toby Thorpe and wife Kathy of Albemarle. His daughter, Amy Thorpe Edwards and husband Tommy of Polkton. His step-son Mark Poplin and wife Kelly of Norwood. Four grandchildren, Ryan (Heather) of Raleigh, Daniel (Mackkenzie Almond) of Knightdale, Ashley Purser (Kyle) of Monroe and Thomas Edwards of Polkton, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife Nelle Honeycutt Thorpe, grandson Matthew Edwards, brothers Harold, Tom, Ralph and Leroy Thorpe, sisters, Margaret Mesimer, Kathleen Arey and Helen Newton.

Memorials may be made to Oxford Orphanage, 600 College St., Oxford, NC  27565 or the Carolina Senior Games, 4603 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606.

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