McCollough

Robert G. "Bob" McCollough, 83, died March 31 in Lauderdale by the Sea, Fla., after a brief illness.

A resident of East Greenwich for more than 50 years, he was born in Chicora in 1924.

He was the beloved husband of Joan (Vance) McCollough.

Mr. McCollough was a retired naval aviator whose 23-year career began in WWII as a carrier fighter pilot in the Pacific theater. Subsequently, he served tours of duty as commander of carrier squadrons, flag officer on aircraft carriers and Head Flight Test Officer at Quonset Point Naval Air Station. For his service, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal (with Silver Star), the Presidential Unit Citation and numerous other awards.

After his retirement, he obtained bachelor and masters degrees from the University of Rhode Island and taught elementary school in North Kingstown for more than 25 years. His lifelong interests included music, as an organist in church and member of the Lafayette Band, Warwick Symphony Orchestra, North Kingstown Players and Shrine Band; aviation, he owned several airplanes and held multiple private and commercial ratings; and golf. Mr. McCollough also was a member of the East Greenwich United Methodist Church and Manchester Lodge 12 F&AM.

Besides his wife of 62 years, he is survived by one son, W. Vance McCollough and his wife, Marjorie of Tiverton, R.I.; one daughter, E. Ann Caldwell and her husband, David, of Seekonk, Mass.; two brothers, Brice McCollough of Harleysville and James McCollough of St. Clairsville, Ohio; one sister, Margaret McGuirk of Butler; and nine nieces and nephews.

<B>McCOLLOUGH</B> — Funeral services for Robert G. McCollough, who died Monday, March 31, 2008, were at the <B>Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home</B>, 659 East Greenwich Ave., West Warwick, on Saturday, April 5.Burial with military honors was in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter.Information and condolences are available at www.carpenterjenks.com.