Robert Edwin Wilson, known as Bob to friends and family, CFI Master Installer #1249 of Aberdeen, Kentucky passed away peacefully on Friday evening, January 8, 2010 after a long illness. He was admitted to the hospital on December 25 and was moved to the Southern Kentucky Hospice Center in Bowling Green, KY. He was born on August 11, 1943 in Whittington, IL.
Bob was the owner of R.E. Wilson Carpet for over 20 years and also worked as a certified EMT. He was the first CFI Certified Master Installer in the state of Kentucky and was a member of the International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI). He was an ambassador for the organization and wrote articles for The CFI Professional. He was well known in his area for his pride and professionalism and dedication to the finest customer service.
He attended every annual Convention and brightened the room with his fun-loving spirit and installation "stories." Bob was a driving force behind the CFI Kentucky Chapter; investing many personal funds as he would say, "to tell the CFI Story." Even though this meant driving many miles to attend the meetings, he never missed until he became ill.
The last two years, he was unable to attend the Convention, but always sent a note to be shared with others. His main focus was always to enlist young installers for the organization who would serve their customers in a proud and professional manner.
In honor of Bob, the CFI Kentucky has established an annual $500.00 scholarship in his name to be awarded to a young installer of less than 25-years of age and less than 3 years of active installation experience. The scholarship will be awarded as a credit toward CFI Certification or training fees or to be used for lodging and traveling expenses to attend the annual CFI Convention. The Convention fees are included with the scholarship.
According to Rod Von Busch, Chapter President, "Candidates for the scholarship can be submitted by dealers and commercial contractors in the Kentucky area to the local chapter at least two months prior to the Convention. The selection will be announced one month prior to the Convention. It is our intention to honor Bob because of his commitment to CFI and especially, to the Kentucky Chapter. He will be greatly missed."
Bob and his devoted wife Pam lived in the Dexterville community of Butler County. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Pamela J. Wilson; three children, Patti Frederick of Atlanta, GA, Robert Wilson Jr. of Morgantown, Ky. and Larry Wilson and his wife, Brandy of Severn, Maryland. He was especially proud of the military service of each of his children. One of Bob's greats joys was his six grandchildren; Christy Meyer and her husband, Adam of LeMoore, CA, SSGT Robert Price of Hamilton, OH, currently serving in the Army and his wife, April of Beaver Dam, KY; Sydney Wilson of Clarksville, TN and Amber and Lauryn Wilson of Severn, MD. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Wilson and his wife, Shala of Bowling Green, KY.
He also leaves behind his loyal canine companion, Katie. Bob was an avid Harley rider and remained close to his biker friends even when he was no longer able to ride. He was preceded in death by his best friend and riding partner, Don Elmore. There was no public funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Robert E. Wilson to Hospice of Southern Kentucky at 5872 Scottsville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104. Funeral arrangements by the Jones Funeral Chapel and online condolences can be made at
www.jonesfuneralchapel.com.
