Robert E. “Bob” McMichael Jr., 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 31, 2022 at Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry, Mars, PA.
Born September 23, 1940 in New Castle, PA, he was raised in Wampum, PA, graduating from Wampum High School in 1958. He received a Congressional appointment as a Midshipman to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY, where he served as Battalion Commander. At the Academy, he gained experience in the operation and navigation of ships through voyages to Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, and South America. Upon his 1962 graduation, he was commissioned an Ensign in the US Navy, and completed flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola. There, he met Carol Jean Strand, RN, a US Navy Nurse, whom he married in 1964. He fulfilled his Active-Duty service during the Vietnam War and retired as a Lieutenant. He then joined United Airlines, where he enjoyed a 32-year aviation career, retiring as a Boeing 777 Captain. Bob and Carol raised their family primarily in Orange County, California, and Central Florida, before moving to Culpeper, VA, where they lived for nearly 30 years. Bob was an Elder Emeritus at New Life in Christ Church, Fredericksburg, VA, and was an active member of various other Presbyterian Churches throughout his life.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert E. McMichael, Sr. and his mother, Esther M. (Wilson) McMichael.
In addition to Carol, his wife of 58 years, he is survived by a daughter, Laurie; a son, Robert E. McMichael, III, DO (Rachel); grandchildren, Grace and Ike McMichael; sisters, Janice Brewer (Rich) and Charlotte Householder (Bob), and many extended family members and dear friends.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday August 3, 2022 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home, 341 Main Street, Wampum.
Funeral Services will be held at the Marshall Funeral Home, on August 4, 2022 at 11:00 am with Rev. R. Tod Custer officiating.
He will be interred alongside his parents at Clinton Cemetery, Wampum, PA., which overlooks his childhood home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Wounded Warriors, Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Suite 300, Jacksonville FL, 32256 or Amedysis Hospice, 240 Pullman Square, Suite 255, Butler PA, 16001 or Paramount Hospice, 3025 Washington Rd #201, Canonsburg PA, 15317.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I’ve thought about you both several times the last few months and have lifted you up in prayer knowing full-time caregiving is a hard job. Bob was such a sweet, gentle man who loved the Lord dearly. He leaves such a legacy, Carol. I’m so glad you are surrounded by family. Our sincere condolences.
We had the privilege of meeting Bob and Carol around 15 years ago when we joined together to support a church plant in Culpeper, VA. The McMichaels hosted Bible studies in their home and we enjoyed getting to know them. Bob was always thoughtful, kind, and gentle. And we quickly realized we grew up in the same area. He was one of the sweetest people I’ve met, and his love for the Lord was clearly evident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carol and the family.
Dear Carol and family, what a sad event for you but what a joyous time in Heaven. I enjoyed so much visiting you in Culpeper and hearing about you from your cousin, Nancy. Bob had a special heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Carol,
Only today did I receive word of Bob’s passing; notwithstanding the delay, please accept sincere condolences from the entire USMMA Class of ’62. Bob was a class act and an exceptionally well-liked classmate! He was a genuine shipmate!
Captain Douglas A. Hard, USMMA Class of ’62 Class Rep