Robert Lloyd Thaxton

Robert Lloyd Thaxton April 2, 1934 – September 20, 2020 Robert Lloyd “Bob” Thaxton, 86 of Wilson passed away Sunday. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Warren Dale Cemetery in Norlina. The Rev. Tuck Taylor and Rev. William Holiday will officiate. Bob retired from serving his country with honor and pride in the U.S. Army where his services included the National Guard, 82nd Airborne Division, 5th Special Forces, 11th Air Assault Division (1st Air Calvary) and he served two tours in Vietnam as a Gunship Pilot and he retired from North Carolina Division of Veteran Affairs as a District Officer. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star for Valor, two Purple Hearts, twenty-five air medals, Army Commendation Medal and the Distinguished Service Medal. Bob was a graduate of Oak Ridge Military Institute and Wake Forest University. Bob was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Breakfast Optimist, Elks Club, Five Points Task Force and the Wilson City Council from 1992-1996 and 1998-2010. Bob was a long-time member of West Nash United Methodist Church. Bob is survived by his daughter, Laura Jane Whitehead and husband, Rickie of Wilson; sons, Robert C. Thaxton and wife, Robin of Goldsboro and William B. Thaxton and wife, Jennifer Lynn of Kinston; grandchildren, Lauren Frails and husband, Errol, Allison Whitehead, Travis Thaxton, Kelly Mercer, Chris Thaxton, Harrison Thaxton and Madison Mercer. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jane Floyd Thaxton; grandsons, Trent Thaxton and Tyler Thaxton; parents, Brindle and Mamye Lloyd Thaxton and his brother, James “Dinky” Thaxton and wife, Dorothy In lieu of flowers, please consider Community Home Care and Hospice of Goldsboro, 2309 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, North Carolina 27534; West Nash Methodist Church, 2200 West Nash Street, Wilson, North Carolina 27896 or Kitty Askins, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, North Carolina 27534. Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.