Robert "Bob" "Bobby" Franklin Wylie Obituary
Robert “Bob” or “Bobby” Franklin Wylie left this world peacefully at home on April 15, 2025. He lived a long, healthy life before succumbing to dementia after several years.

Bob was born September 4, 1933 in FL and lived most of his life in the grand mountains of WV, spending the last years of his life in Durham, NC near two of his children. In between, he was stationed in Ft. Bragg and Panama while he served in the 82nd Airborne branch of the Army. As a precursor, he attended Greenbrier Military School for high school.

Full of vim and vigor and adventure, he enjoyed life as an equestrian, jumping horses and out of planes, skiing, whitewater rafting, scuba diving, bowling, and driving the country, especially to the beach — just to name a few activities. He was gifted with a green thumb and gardened, learned to make fudge and sourdough bread, and loved music and dancing. He never missed a chance to hit the dance floor and cut a rug. Most of all, Bob was a social butterfly. He never met a stranger. His friendly and outgoing personality formed many friendships during his lifetime. His ability to connect with people made him the perfect candidate to be an educator. Bob earned his Masters at WVU and taught hundreds of students in Herndon, WV and Mullens, WV. He specialized in physical education but is most known for teaching Driver’s Education. He also coached women’s basketball and golf (though he said he was a better coach than player).

Bob lived a majority of his life in Mullens, WV tending to his father’s hospital, “Wylie Hospital” (later Wyoming County General) while he taught school. He spent time at his parents’ renovated resort-turned-residence, Salt Sulphur Springs. From a strong family of Democrats, he ran for the House of Delegates and State Senate but realized politics was not for him. He later moved to MacArthur, WV where he retired, then ultimately to Durham, NC.

To those that were lucky enough to know him, he was funny, fun-loving, genuine, kind and generous. He was a philanthropist that supported various organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Special Olympics, the ASPCA, the Native American Rights Fund, churches and many others. He believed in the spirit of humanity and giving back to the community. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

Bob was a family man. His late parents were Dr. Ward and Anilee “Rosie” Wylie. He grew up with his sister, the late Betty Jack Farmer. He’s survived by his first-born, Robert (Mary) and his later in life children, Krissy (Eric) and Bryan (Janet) Wylie. He also had 4 grandchildren: Andrew (Brittney) and Matthew Wylie of Beckley and Patrick and Lucas Wylie of Durham; as well as a great grandson, Harrison Wylie, of Beckley. He’s also survived by his nephew, David (Kristi) Farmer and niece, Susan (the late Jim) Matheney. He was very close to his cousins, Ward Lefler, and the late Frank (Nancy) Tolliver, among many other close friends and family. He was first married to Robert’s mother, the late Sunny Rollyson, then to Ida Wylie, Krissy and Bryan’s mother. He loved his family, friends, and pets dearly. He will also be greatly missed by his furry companion, Ace (Krissy’s dog).

His family is deeply grateful to his longtime caregiver, Robin; as well as Kamelia of Nightingale Care Services and her most recent team- Elkana, June and Tim; not forgetting the many other caregivers who all helped make it possible for him to live comfortably at home during his last years on earth.

Bob wished to “live and die a Mountaineer” by having his remains scattered in the mountains of Gap Mills, WV near his late mother and father.

A celebration of his life will be planned and announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to any of the listed above causes, your local animal shelter, the Dementia Society of America or any organizations that support Dementia/Alzheimer’s research or the conservation of earth’s resources.