Robert “Bob” Germain Houghtlin

Robert Germain Houghtlin, Jr., age 79, died peacefully on March 20, 2017 at his home in Nashville, NC, where he has lived since 2013. Bob was born in Jackson, Mississippi in 1938 to Jane Gaddis Sanders and Robert Sr. He grew up in Evanston, IL and graduated second in his class from Evanston Township High School where he played sports, notably basketball. He attended Princeton University on a naval scholarship, played basketball, was a member of Cap and Gown, and graduated in 1960. He entered the Navy as Ensign on active duty for three years. He resigned his regular commission as a Lt. Jr. Grade and accepted a Reserve Commission for 8 years. He left the service as a Lt. Commander. In September 1963, Bob went to work for Leo Burnett Advertising in Chicago, IL. He started as a media trainee and worked his way along as a media buyer, media supervisor, and media director, finishing out his career as a Vice President Media Director. Except for 1970-71, working for Inter Public agencies in New York City, NY he spent his entire career at Burnett until 1992 when he took early retirement. Leo Burnett was at the forefront of an emerging advertising industry creating famous icons like The Marlboro Man, Tony the Tiger for Kellogg, The Dough Boy for Pillsbury. Over the years, Bob worked on Pillsbury, Green Giant, United Airlines, AC Spark Plugs, Samsonite Luggage, and Mattel. In one capacity or another Bob worked on the Phillip Morris business, Burnetts largest client, and was ultimately made a Vice President and headed the media group that worked entirely on the Phillip Morris business. It was the golden age of advertising when shaking a persons hand was his bond, and loyalty to the company was a given. Bobs reputation in the business has lived on and he remained grateful for the life style, perks and friendships Burnett provided him and his family. Bob moved to a home overlooking the 4th hole of the Jack Nicolas designed golf course at Governors Club, Chapel Hill, NC and pursued the love of the game. A fine golfer all his life, competing and winning along the way, with a hole in one in Hawaii to his credit, Bob contributed long hours to the Board of Directors at Governors Club, 1997-2001, and was elected President of the board for several years. It was a time in his life when he exercised the accumulation of his years in business and leadership skills. Bob, a lifelong Episcopalian served as a boy chorister and acolyte while growing up. He served as an Acolyte master twice, and Senior Warden twice. He headed a Liturgical Commission committee, served on the search committee for a new rector and a discernment committee for a candidate for holy orders. He enjoyed the designation as the oldest acolyte in the diocese serving at the altar for many years. He is survived by his wife, Stepheny Forgue Houghtlin; his brothers, Charles Benjamin Houghtlin of New Lebanon, NY; David Christopher Houghtlin of Atlanta, GA.; John Jeffery Houghtlin (deceased) and their families; his children, Deborah Ann Houghtlin Roesner; Robert G. Houghtlin, 3rd; Elizabeth Whitney Houghtlin Barboro; Claire White Greer; Mark G. White; Robert W. White, Jr.; his sons-in-law, John Roesner, Jr.; Rev. George Greer, Jr.; Joseph Barboro; his daughters-in-law, Sherry A. White; Michelle M. Houghtlin, Shari M. White; his Godson, Thomas Potter Smith; his grandchildren, Sarah Katherine Rollings; Andrew Holeman Greer; Sally A. Roesner; Chelsea R. White; Kelsey M. Houghtlin; Meghan M. Roesner; Macy E. Houghtlin; Taylor M. Houghtlin; Samuel William White; Emily Ann Roesner; Madeline Whitney Barboro; William Robert Barboro; and his great-grandchildren, Annaclaire Rollings and Bjorn Holeman Greer. A Funeral Service for Bob will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 2:00 PM at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 301 South Circle Drive, Rocky Mount conducted by his son-in-law, Reverend George Greer, Jr. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service. Interment to follow service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your heart or Hospice Care, 2479 Hurt Dr., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 301 South Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 would also be a lovely gesture Bob and his family would find blessings in. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 301 S. Circle Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2070 --> | Saturday 4/1, 1:00 pm Service St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 301 S. Circle Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2070 --> | Saturday 4/1, 2:00 pm