OBITUARY: Robert ‘Bob’ D. Rorick

Robert “Bob” D. Rorick’s love of life didn’t end with his death at the age of 91. Bob passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 19, 2023, after a long, hard-fought battle against medical issues surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy of faith, family, and patriotism by living out the lessons he readily shared through his many stories.

Born on October 19, 1932, Bob was raised on a farm in Davenport, IA. After graduating high school, he served in the 24th Infantry Division of the US Army in the Korean War as a non-commissioned artillery officer. Following his discharge from the Army, he returned to Iowa working in his father’s garage repairing cars, tractors, and whatever else needed fixing.

He went on to a successful career as a plant manager in steel/aluminum manufacturing which led him to California, and eventually to Mt. Juliet, TN. Retiring from manufacturing, Bob then volunteered for the next seven years with the Senior Citizens Awareness Network (SCAN) run by the Wilson Co. Sheriff’s Department.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Rorick; children from his marriage of 20 years to Emma Lou Lindor (d.1974): Patti (Fred) Price, Nancy (Max) Watson, and Robert “Jack-(Becky) Rorick. Bob was a wonderful step-father and loved dearly by his step-children: Lori (Mitch) Holmquist, Cristi (Brian) Legg, and Jeff (Cheryl) Helie. He was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren: Jennifer Slamer, Diana Skowronski, Greg Rorick, Robert Rorick II, Ryan Legg, and six great-grandchildren. Numerous special friends, church family, and neighbors held a special place in Bob’s generous heart.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Everett Rorick; his mother, Opal Rorick; and his brothers Phillip Rorick and William “Bill” Rorick.

Upon retiring, Bob could usually be found riding around the yard on his lawnmower, fishing for catfish on his boat named “Fishing Barge”, telling stories of the good ‘ole days growing up on the farm, tinkering or repairing all sorts of things, helping out his neighbors and friends, or cutting down trees with his favorite power tool, his chainsaw. He was rarely idle and did everything with a smile and quick wit.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 3:00 -6:00 PM, and Friday, December 1, 2023, from 9:00 -10:00 AM at Bond Memorial Chapel. Funeral services immediately following at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 1, 2023. Interment with military honors will follow at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 P.M.

ln lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Samaritan’s Purse.

Arrangements by Bond Memorial Chapel, N. Mt. Juliet Road and Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN. 773-2663. www.bondmemorial.com

For more obituaries visit https://wilsoncountysource.com/obituaries/

Share on Facebook

Tweet