On Aug. 3, 2021 Robert Cunningham Paulk, peacefully surrounded by his family, ran into the arms of Jesus.
Robert “Bobby” Paulk was born in Zuta to James D. Paulk and Willie Cunningham Paulk on Sept. 6 1936. He grew up with Paulk’s Pasture and the marshes of Glynn as his playground. He graduated from Glynn Academy in 1954 and the University of Georgia with a degree in forestry in 1959
He married the love of his life, Vila Browne Paulk, on July 12, 1958. He loved the woods and backroads of Georgia. He had various jobs as a forester and lived in Athens, Vidalia and Waycross and Madison, Florida, until moving to St. Marys in 1969. He worked for Gilman Paper Company and then founded Paulk Timber Company. Robert and Vila opened Century 21 Tri-City Realty in 1979 and worked together for over 37 years serving the housing needs of Camden County.
Robert was the recipient of numerous awards in his real estate career but he would tell you that his biggest accomplishment was his family. He loved to travel with Vila and has wonderful memories of their travels with their friends, Rufus and Merinda Crawford. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved sharing this sport with his family. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus at Our Lady Star of the Sea. He was dedicated to the needs of others and served in various charitable organizations over the years. His ability to tell us all stories of the past was a gift like no other and his stories will live on through his children and grandchildren.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Vila Paulk, and his son, Robert (Gina) Paulk of Woodbine, and daughter, Carrie (Cecil) Gay of Kingsland. His grandchildren and great children were the light of his life: Justin (Ashley) Paulk, Jacob (Lindsey) Paulk, Calli (Logan) Page, Tori (John) Brewer, Alex (Derrick) Humphrey and Tripp Gay; and great grands Blake Paulk, Ava Belle Paulk, John Harris Brewer, Joy Humphrey, Harper Page and Aubrey Humphrey. Robert also leaves behind his loving brother and sisters, James Paulk of Kingsland, Dorothy Paulk McClain of St Simons Island and Rebecca Paulk Gowen of Jacksonville, Florida. His sisters-in-law Cathy (Tommy) Egbert of Flowery Branch and Dolores Dykes of Sanibel Island, Florida, along with many cousins and nieces and nephews. His love of his faith and family were what he will be remembered for.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in St. Marys. The family will be receiving friends one hour prior to service time starting at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.