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The Reverend Robert Eugene Cruikshank was born Jan. 7, 1931, in Newton, West Virginia; the first child of Gerald and Thelma Hopkins Cruikshank. He departed this life on February 16, 2024, at his home in Greenville.

Robert served honorably for 14 years in the United States Air Force from 1948-1962 before receiving the call to serve the Lord. He became a licensed Methodist pastor on March 25, 1960, and served many churches in the Alabama-West Florida Conference from 1960-1972 then the West Virginia Conference from 1972-1994 before he retired.

Robert received his B.S. from Troy University, Troy in 1964 and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia in 1967; and was a graduate of the Appalachian Regional School for Church Leaders at West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia in 1976.

Robert was a published author. He was a Boy Scout Leader, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and member of the Beni Kedem Shrine Temple and Rotary Club. He was a member of the Sons of The American Revolution, The Somerset Chapter Magna Carta Barons, The Plantagenet Society, the Order of The Crown of Charlemagne, and The Society of the Ark and The Dove.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert Eugene Cruikshank II; daughter Shawn Marie McDaniels; brothers Alan Bradford Cruikshank, Gerald Leo Cruikshank Jr.; sisters Garnet Caroline Stufflebeam, Mary Lou Davisson, and Phyllis Ann Thomas.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years, Sharon Griffin Cruikshank, daughter Deborah Cruikshank Hudson; grandchildren, Robert Gregory (Rosie) Till, Brittany Lynn (Daniel) Miller, Autumn Marie (Ernest) Valine, Joshua Issac Cruikshank, Christina Renee (Caleb) Cruikshank, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Feb. 21, at First United Methodist Church, Greenville. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. with services to follow at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary with the Rev. Joe Lisenby officiating. Interment will be held at Sunrise Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Van Gillem Scholarship Fund c/o First United Methodist Church of Greenville. The family would like to thank Southern Care Hospice for their compassionate care.

For online condolences, please visit www.dunklinfh.com.