Robert Overton “Bob” Wyne passed away peacefully Tuesday following a courageous struggle with a prolonged illness. He was 86 and spent his final days surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Bob was born in February 1928 in Kansas City, Mo., where he developed an early passion for aviation and aerospace. He turned that passion and an engineering degree from the University of Kansas into a long, accomplished career spanning the foundational years of the U.S. missile program in Huntsville through development of the Army’s Hellfire missile — one of the most successful defense programs in military history – in service from 1984 through today.
He served his country with distinction during the Korean Conflict. An Army engineer in the early ‘50s, Bob was a member of the elite team led by Werner von Braun that developed the Redstone missile, and later supervised installation of Redstone’s advanced guidance system in deployed missiles in Germany.
In 1956, Bob joined Rockwell International as manager of the Huntsville electronics business, beginning a career of more than 40 years and a range of leadership positions, including spearheading the marketing effort that secured the Hellfire program for Rockwell.
He was a licensed commercial pilot who owned multiple planes and held ratings for flight instructor, multi-engine aircraft and instrument flight. He also was a certified pilot for Rockwell.
Friends remember his abiding devotion to his family, and the joy that golf, and his golfing partners, brought him. He leaves a void that will be felt profoundly by everyone who knew him.
Bob Wyne is survived by his loving wife, Pat; his daughter Chris Wyne Harris; his son, Robert “Bo” Wyne; and four grandchildren.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Bob’s caregivers, Beverly Sutton and Tracy Ryan for the kindness and compassion shown during his illness.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at Latham United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church with Dr. Hughey Reynolds officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Latham United Methodist Church.
