Robert E. ‘Bob’ Wink, loved the Lord
Robert E. "Bob" Wink, 88, of Greenwood peacefully went home to be with the Lord Monday, July 2, 2018, at his home.
Bob was born in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Robert E. and Marion (Campbell) Wink. He graduated as salutatorian of his class in 1946, at the age of 16.
When Bob was 17, he took the position of manager for Acme markets in Chincoteague, Va. He traveled, and was a relief manager for various ACME markets locations up and down the shore, until the love of his life, Nancy, agreed to marry, only if he settled in one place. They married in 1949 and moved to Milford, where Bob became the manager of Milford's ACME market, until he retired in 1986. Not one to stay still for long, Bob decided he needed a new venture to keep himself busy, so he opened the Bonanza Family Restaurant in Milford; his success in Milford led him to open three more locations, Pocomoke, Md., Millsboro and Delmar, respectively, each constructed by his eldest son Gary. Along with his other two sons, Gerry and Terry, he continued operating the restaurants for 21 years before his second retirement in 2006. Even after his retirement, he remained active, having a passion for fishing (especially rockfish), traveling, and spending time with his wife, Nancy - whom he adored - and family at their Chance, Md., beach home. He especially loved the visits of family and friends, and sharing his life stories and experiences with them.
Bob was a caring, community-minded, kind and compassionate man who never met a stranger. He loved meeting new people and making new friends, and never missed a chance to spread the gospel.
Knowing the love of his Lord and Savior, Bob had a passion for spreading the word of God and winning souls to the Lord. As a founding member of the Berean Community Church in Milford, he was an active member and elder, who served faithfully for many years. His service, however, extended far past the walls of his church, and into a ministry. Bob poured his heart and soul into making CDs and cassette tapes of John McArthur messages, which, with a seemingly endless supply of study Bibles, he faithfully handed out to everyone he met. (There wasn't a nurse who did not receive a Bible). For Bob, this ministry was an extension of his service to the Lord and his commitment to showing others the love of Christ that he so clearly aimed to model. The legacy of his commitment to Christ and his devotion to others reaches far beyond those closest to him, and will be remembered for eternity in his new home in Heaven, and here on Earth. Bob Wink was one of a kind, and those lucky enough to have known him can attest to this testament.
In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Cordrey.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Nancy L. (Ring) Wink; three sons and daughters-in-law, Gary Wink and Carol of Princess Anne, Md., Terry Wink and Marianne of Lincoln, and Gerry Wink and Sharon of Greenwood; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Lois Simpkins of Seaford; a brother-in-law Bobby Cordrey of Greenwood; and a special sister and brother-in-law, Julia and John Mills of Laurel.
A funeral service will be held Friday, July 6, at 4 p.m., at Crossroad Community Church, 20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, with a time of visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. A time of visitation will also be held Thursday, July 5, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Berean Community Church, 2709 Milford Harrington Highway, Milford. Burial will be held privately at St. Johnstown Cemetery in Greenwood.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob's memory are welcome to be made to the Berean Community Church Building Fund, Milford, DE 19963.
Arrangements in the care of Berry-Short Funeral Homes, Milford.
