Robert P. Paine

Robert Parson Paine, 62, died suddenly, Tuesday January 8, 2013, at his Salem residence. Delivered by his great-uncle Dr. Algie Davis, he was born Nov. 14, 1950, at the old Lewis-Gale. He graduated from Georgia Tech with two engineering degrees, and earned his MBA from U.Va.s Darden School of Business. (Smartest one in the family, his mama said.) Bobby remained a proud Andrew Lewis High School Wolverine and even flew home from his HCA / Saudi Arabia hospital administration job for a reunion. He was an ace member of the tennis team, and was varsity basketball team manager. After years in industrial management he ran an Atlanta landscaping business. An Eagle Scout, he enjoyed camping, and canoed a week on the James River. He loved: Family, even our exes. Colors, after his Arabian sand years. Fireworks. The farm. The beach. Gardening. Campfires. Christmas and July 4th. Good food and bad puns. Sun and snow. Games and toys (his slot-car track covered a whole room). Old dogs. New tricks. Roanoke Colleges ElderScholar. His ideas for inventions. And stories and movies: His book Hollywood Ate My Brain chronicled his movie ideas and Salem memories. A longtime member of Salem Presbyterian Church, he attended St. Pauls Episcopal with his parents. He was predeceased by beloved Aunt Babs Paine, and Parson and Paine grandparents. He is survived by parents Dr. Bob and Alice Parson Paine; sister Emily Paine Carter; nephew Erik Paine Brady; niece Caroline Brady Velasquez (Mario); great-nephews Lennon Robert and Collier David Velasquez; great-niece Adeline Parson Velasquez. He enjoyed volunteering with Friends of the Salem Library and the Salem Food Pantry; memorials would be welcomed. Or plant a tree, do a good deed, or kick a bad habit. A time of visitation will be held on Friday January 11, 2013 from 2-5 PM, at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem, a family graveside service will be held at a later date at Evergreen Burial Park, Roanoke, with Rev. Dr. David Dixon; will officiate.