In Memoriam: Robert Ambrose Wicker

Robert Ambrose Wicker

October 18, 1944 – April 7, 2025

Robert (“Bob”) Ambrose Wicker, 80, of Greensboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, with his wife Judy and three children by his side.  Born October 18, 1944, in Sanford, North Carolina, Bob was the eldest of six children of the late J. Shelton Wickekr and the late Clarice Burns Wicker.

Bob graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1966 and UNC School of Law with Honors in 1969 where he served on the North Carolina Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif.  He later received an Executive Education Diploma from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School in 1977, making hm a triple Tar Heel.

After graduating from law school, Bob served as a Captain, U.S. Army, Judge Advocate General Corps, where he served as trial counsel defense counsel, and military judge.  He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in ground operations against hostile forces (1st Oak Leaf Cluster) and Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Cluster).

Since Bob’s first stop in the JAG Corps, he led the legal and business communities in many ways.  He first joined the firm of Smith Moore Smith Schell and Hunter and had over 20 years of experience as a litigation attorney.  He later served as General Counsel for Burlington Industries, Inc. and joined General Parts International, Inc. where he retired as the executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary.

Following Bob’s retirement, Governor Roy Cooper appointed him as chairman of the North Carolina State Ports Authority in May 2018 for a six-year term.  He resigned in January 2024 due to health issues.

In addition to his career accomplishments, Bob was a leader in organizations he had a passion for:  past chairman of the Young Lawyers Division of the North Carolina Bar Association, past president of both the North Carolina State Bar and the UNC Law Alumni Association, and member of the UNC Board of Visitors.  He recently received the Distinguished Alumni award from the law school.

Bob’s commitment to the North Carolina community was recognized in 2012 when he was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Beverly Perdue and in 2024 when he again received the award from Governor Roy Cooper.

The consummate Southern gentleman, Bob always had the highest ethical standards.  He had a curiosity that fed his love of the outdoors, his passion for traveling, and his enjoyment of a good book – which was his favorite way to relax.  He cherished his role as a convener of his beloved book club.  Bob valued friendships, giving back to others, and supporting community projects. He was loyal, respectful, considerate, an animal whisperer, could take a nap anywhere, and never turned down ice cream. 

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judith White Wicker, and by his three children:  Davidson Sterling Wicker (Fabrienne) of Apex, Elizabeth Burns Wicker of Greensboro, and Andrew White Wicker (Lacey) of Fall City, Washington.  His favorite name was “Pop” to Mayla, Grant, Sophia, Emery and Gabby.

Bob is also survived by his sister Sharon Wicker Johnson (William) and brothers, Mike Wicker (Cynthia), Dennis Wicker (Alisa), James Wicker (Teresa), and John Wicker (Connie).