Robert E. “Bob” Wilson dedicated his life to business, philanthropy, and service. He is remembered as a man whose leadership, integrity, and generosity left a lasting impact on his family, colleagues, and community. Those who knew him described him as steady and dependable, someone who valued people over recognition and who believed that hard work and kindness could accomplish great things.

He was born in Terre Haute on January 7, 1926, and died one day after his 92nd birthday on January 8, 2018, leaving behind a legacy of service and generosity that still resonates in Huntington and beyond.

Wilson began his career with a corner grocery store in Muncie. Though modest in size, the store became a proving ground for lessons that would guide him throughout his life. He realized that business success was not achieved by transactions alone but by relationships, trust, and attentiveness to the needs of others. From his earliest days as a grocer, Wilson understood that business could be a form of service — a belief he carried into every venture.

By the 1960s, Wilson had expanded well beyond his original store. He acquired eight supermarkets across Indiana, each becoming an important part of each community they served. His businesses provided employment opportunities, helped sustain families, and gave customers a sense of confidence that they would be treated fairly. Wilson was known as a businessman who understood that customers placed their trust in him, and he worked to earn that trust each day.

After selling his supermarket chain, Wilson created a new enterprise that reflected his personal values more directly. That vision became Bob’s Finer Foods in Huntington. The store quickly gained recognition for its high standards of service and its welcoming atmosphere. Shoppers came not only for the quality of the products but because they felt respected and valued. Bob’s Finer Foods became more than a supermarket; it was a reflection of Wilson himself.

Many young people in Huntington got their first work experience at Bob’s Finer Foods, learning lessons of responsibility, respect and customer service. A number of those who started by working a cash register, bagging groceries or stocking shelves took those initial lessons and became local business leaders and professionals, giving back to the Huntington community and passing on what had been instilled in them by Bob Wilson’s mentorship.

Wilson’s commitment to service extended beyond business. A 32nd Degree Mason and active Shriner, Wilson devoted time and resources to organizations grounded in fellowship and charity. He supported youth sports teams, community programs, and local nonprofits with steady generosity. Much of this giving was done quietly and without fanfare, as he believed helping others mattered more than recognition. Friends and neighbors often remarked on his ability to notice a need and step forward without hesitation.

Wilson also had a lifelong passion for the arts. While he collected with care, his greatest satisfaction came from supporting creativity in others. He believed art had the power to broaden horizons, inspire imagination, and strengthen community identity. His long support of Huntington University’s art program resulted in the naming of the Robert E. Wilson Gallery, which continues to serve students and visitors today.

Although his professional and civic accomplishments were significant, Wilson always placed family at the center of his life. His daughter, Nancy Wilson of Muncie, was his pride and joy. Their relationship was marked by warmth and mutual respect, and his devotion to family extended into every stage of his life. He also carried a spirit of adventure, earning a private pilot’s license and enjoying the freedom of flight. Aviation reflected his personality: steady, confident, and precise, yet open to new experiences.

In later years, Wilson divided his time between Fort Wayne and Naples, Florida. In both communities he was known for his approachability and thoughtfulness. Whether in a store aisle in Huntington or in conversation with neighbors in Florida, he carried himself with quiet dignity and a readiness to listen. His presence was felt not through grand gestures, but through consistent kindness and reliability.

The scope of Wilson’s contributions is difficult to measure. His legacy can be seen in thriving businesses, cultural institutions that continue to inspire, and community programs that benefited from his support. It can also be found in smaller, less visible acts — assistance quietly offered to a neighbor, encouragement given to a young athlete, or a contribution made to a cause in need. These unrecorded acts of generosity reflected his belief that improving the lives of others was its own reward.

Bob Wilson’s life was one of purpose, discipline, and kindness. He is remembered with gratitude for the opportunities he created, the institutions he supported, and the individuals he helped along the way. His enduring influence continues to inspire, offering a clear example of how one person’s integrity and commitment can shape communities for generations to come.