Robert P. Gulledge

Robert Perry Gulledge died peacefully late Monday evening in the company of his family. Robert was born in 1934 into the family of James Henry and Mary Elizabeth Burr Gulledge in Mt. Croghan, SC. He had three brothers Floyd, William and James and one sister Rosa Mae – all of whom preceded him in death. He will be greatly missed by his three devoted sons. Robert married his high school sweetheart Celia Carolyn Webb on August 6, 1955 and remained happily married and devoted to her for 55 years until her death in 2010. After completing four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he served on the police force in Greensboro, NC. He then enrolled in Western Carolina University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Appalachian State University. He taught biology, chemistry, physics, and general science at Monroe High School as a student favorite where he inspired many students until he retired in 1985. He also served as a Director of Adult Education for Central Piedmont Community College. Robert enjoyed raising his sons, tending to his “gentleman’s farm” in Union County, line dancing and ballroom dancing with Carolyn until his arthritis forced his retirement from these activities. Facing adversity and health issues with a beaming personality and positive outlook, he was an inspiration to his sons and many others who knew him and cared for him in his final years. After raising their own family, Robert and Carolyn returned to Rockingham in 1999 after 45 years to spend their final years with their close family and lifelong friends. He is survived by three sons Robert Craig Gulledge of Bradenton FL, Perry Vance Gulledge of Jamestown, NC, and Robin Ashley Gulledge of Crofton MD; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Receiving of family and friends will be 6-8pm Friday at Carter Funeral Home in Rockingham. Funeral services will be conducted at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Rockingham Saturday at 2:00 pm with the Reverend Perry Comer officiating. Burial will follow at Richmond Memorial Park in Rockingham. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, or The Arthritis Foundation.