WILMINGTON — The world has lost another child from the Greatest Generation when Robert “Bob” Clark Failing, 100, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024, at his home in Wilmington, NC, surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 25, 1923, in Canajoharie, NY, a son of the late Fred C. Failing and Ellen Jones Failing.
Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife of 76 years, Doris F. Failing, his eldest son, Bruce “Sparky” R. Failing, his two brothers, Richard Failing and Johnny Failing, and his sister, Mary Ellen Wilson.
He is survived by his two daughters, Linda J. Clover of Wilmington, NC, and Barbara A. Failing of Monroe, NC, and his son, Brian R. Failing of Charlotte, NC.
Bob exemplified the core values of the Greatest Generation, which are patriotism, a strong work ethic, duty, and responsibility.
He graduated from Draper High School on a Thursday and went to work with G.E. on Monday in Schenectady, NY’s Control Department as a drill press operator in 1942. Bob had been working only 3 months when he was called into World War II. He joined the U.S. Army January 9, 1943, and was honorably discharged July 5, 1945. He returned to G.E. Schenectady, NY in 1945 as a machinist apprentice, then as a toolmaker. In 1951 he became a Foreman in the machine shop. He transferred to Waynesboro, VA in 1954, where he continued as a Foreman and later became a tooling and assembly specialist. Bob came to Wilmington, NC during the plant start up in 1968 as Tools and Maintenance Manager. Bob earned a reputation for his belief in the “work ethic”. His belief was people should “run into work like they run out”.
There was a source of pride in the contributions he made during his 42-year career at G.E. He considered his patent for a relay header used on Polaris missiles as his single greatest achievement. He retired from G.E. in March 1984.
Bob volunteered his time for years to the United Way Woodlot Program which provided the needy with wood for heat during the winter months. For his efforts and service he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor James Hunt, Jr. December 30, 1984.
Bob was a member of the American Legion, Post 10, Wilmington, NC. One project he took on was peddling magnets for the Raleigh-based charity, Help Wounded Tar Heel Troops. The charity paired up with the American Legion to sell magnets to raise money. Bob bought 33 of the $3.00 magnets and turned around and sold them to his family and friends for $5.00 a piece raising $520. for the charity. He always liked helping people especially anything related to the military and veterans.
Bob was an avid outdoorsman; he loved to hunt and fish. He bought 28 acres of land in Pender County which he called his “Ponderosa”, which he farmed planting a big vegetable garden every year.
The family would like to thank the VA Home Bound Care Program for their excellent care of our father the last few months of his life and Dr. Justin Miller who cared for our father for years and helped him live to be 100 years old.
The funeral service will be held January 7, 2025 at Windermere Presbyterian Church where Bob was a member since 1968. The service is at 12 Noon and visitation will be an hour prior at 11 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
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