Robert Gorham

Robert Gorham July 23, 1917 – Dec. 26, 2005 Robert Bob Mortimer Gorham, left this world to meet his maker on Monday, December 26, 2005. After a lengthy stay at St. Catherines, Bob was ready to join his wife, Joyce Level Gorham, who preceded him in death on September 19, 2003. Graveside services will be at 3:30 pm Wednesday, December 28, at Bosqueville Cemetery. Bob was born on July 23, 1917, in Bosqueville, Texas to Lone Star cotton seed developers and farmers, Robert Augustus Gorham and Lucille Horn Gorham. Bob graduated from the Bosqueville school system, Waco High school, and Baylor University. Bob met and married the beautiful Joyce Mignon Level, from Nocona, Texas; both chose to make Waco their home. Bob and Joyce had four children, the first of whom died at birth. Son, John Robert Gorham and wife, Marcia Nelson Gorham; son, Ben Giles Gorham and wife, Ann Nicholson Gorham; and daughter, Cindy Joyce Gorham McAtee and husband, James Lee McAtee III, comprise the family Bob and Joyce were so proud of. Bob and Joyce’s joy was further elevated by the birth of their six grandsons: David John Robert Gorham, Austin Taylor Franklin Gorham, Jacob Ben Gorham, Nick Evan Gorham, James Lee McAtee IV, and Robert Gorham McAtee. All children and grandchildren were in Waco to kiss their grandfather goodbye. Bob’s employment began at Clifton Simpson, where he sold furniture and hardware. He then went into business with Frank Jones and formed Gorham Jones Lumber Company, located on Franklin Avenue. His love of people and his ability to excel in sales led him to a career in insurance sales for Fidelity Union Life. Annually he was recognized for his successes by company president Carr P. Collins and wife Ruth Collins, for whom Baylor’s Collins Hall is named. Bob went on to become an independent broker for Fidelity Union Life, Bankers Life, and Principal Life Insurance companies. Bob absolutely loved his work and had he not become ill, would never have retired. Bob’s accomplishments were many. Bob served in the Army Air Corp from 1942 to 1946. He was President of the Waco Rotary Club in the 1960s and an annual member of Fidelity Union Life Insurance’s Million Dollar Club. Bob was a dedicated member of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church for many years where he was a Deacon and Junior One Sunday School superintendent. He also assisted in starting the first Columbus Avenue Boy Scout Troop. Preceding Bob in death were his parents, spouse, and Baby Gorham. Survivors include his children, grandchildren, and brother Giles McWhorter Gorham. Bob is also survived by many loving relatives to include sister-in-laws, nephews, nieces, and cousins. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Austin Taylor Franklin Gorham, David John Robert Gorham, Nick Evan Gorham, Jacob Ben Gorham, Robert Gorham McAtee, and James Lee McAtee IV. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to a favorite charity, the American Red Cross, or Salvation Army. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey