Robert R. Bidwell, Sr.

Robert R. Bidwell, Sr., of Lillington, NC, passed away on March 18, at his home following a brief illness. He was born on March 11, 1941, in London, OH, to the late Harold and Kathryn Bidwell. He was a graduate of London High School and a 22-year veteran of the United States Army. While in the Army, Robert (Bob) received his BS in Criminal Justice from Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC, and his Masters in Forensic Pathology from George Washington University, Washington, DC. In addition, he graduated from the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology at Walter Reed, Washington, DC, and the FBI Academy, Quantico, VA.. He followed his military service with a long and successful career in the public sector. Bob was the Director of Public Safety and Physical Plant at South Georgia College in Douglas, GA. He finished his career teaching criminal justice and homeland security at South Georgia College, Isothermal Community College, Spindale, NC, Shaw University branch, Asheville, NC, Central Carolina Community College, Sanford, NC, Boston University online, Boston, MA, and his beloved Alma Mater, Campbell University.

Bob was a member of the Lillington United Methodist Church and enjoyed visiting the Sharon Methodist Church while vacationing at Holden Beach, NC. He was also an active member of the Buies Creek Lions Club and an avid fan of ALL Campbell University sports. He dearly loved his students and attended as many of their extracurricular activities as possible on almost a daily basis. He also loved spending time with his family, visiting the beach, and reading, reading, reading!!

Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Brenda M. Bidwell, Lillington; one son, Robert (Paige) Bidwell, Jr., Jasper, GA; three daughters, Ane Bidwell, Valdosta, GA, Delores (Dave) Bryan, Lillington, and Marie Bowers, Spindale, NC. He has 6 grandchildren: Bren (Ethan) Bidwell, Broc Bidwell, Adam Bryan, Donovan Moore, Sadie Moore, and Gannon Bowers. Bob is also survived by his sisters, Linda (Bobby) Chambers, Cleveland, OH, and Celia Diamond, Yellow Springs, OH, and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 1:00pm at Harnett Memorial Park, 50 E Cornelius Harnett Blvd, Lillington, North Carolina.

The family would like to express our sincere thank you for the wonderful help and care provided by Duke University Cancer Center, Central Harnett Hospital, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, and Transitions Hospice Care.

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