Mr. Robert Alan Wabnitz

Robert Wabnitz
Pickens, SC

We are sad to announce the sudden passing of Robert Alan Wabnitz after a courageous and well-fought battle against cancer. On December 2nd, 2022, Robert entered the ER, & after receiving the difficult prognosis, bravely decided it was his time to go. With the caring support of the hospice medical staff at Greenville Memorial Hospital, Robert passed away peacefully with his longtime partner Chila Kraft by his side.

Robert was born in sunny Casselberry, Florida on March, 21st 1964 to Robert L. & Josephine A. Wabnitz. He was the youngest and had 3 siblings: Edith (Bobette), Deborah (Debbie), and Carl Wabnitz. With his next oldest sibling being roughly 10 years older, Robert loved meeting new people and though he could be shy, he had a way with people.

Robert grew up in central Florida and developed interests and hobbies that continued into his adult life. It was rare to see him not playing baseball, teeing off, shooting pool, going bowling, riding his motorcycle or spending time with friends. Robert had a gift of never meeting a stranger and making others laugh. This charm finally paid off in 1987 when Robert met his future wife, Robin Abbott, through a mutual friend.

On March 1st, 1988, they welcomed their first child, Justin Tyler. Justin had some health complications at birth, and Robert learned what true unconditional love was. On January 1st, 1989, Robert & Robin married, and on May 11th, welcomed their second child, Lindsay Renee, who now goes by Elijah. Robert settled into his role as a father, and in 1993, the family relocated from Florida to North Carolina. Living in a small mountain town, Robert was able to flourish in his career as a landscape technician and opened his own business. During these years he also became even more interested in his hobby of HAM radios, going as far as attending FCC Licensing tests in Raleigh & building all of his own antennas. These successes were shadowed by his proudest accomplishment: coaching his kids as well as numerous others the game of baseball. Robert was a well-loved, respected, and dedicated coach to many players in the Little League around Waynesville, NC.

In 2002, Robert and Robin ended their marriage and Robert relocated to South Carolina, though he maintained close ties with his kids and the connections he had made in NC. After establishing himself and his business in SC, Robert met the woman that became his best friend and longtime partner, Chila Kraft. Along with Chila, Robert developed a bonus family with Lenora Kraft, Chila’s daughter and Lucille Johnstone, Chila’s mother, enriching the life of all three of them. Robert met many wonderful people in his community in SC and he was loved by many. He continued with his hobbies of HAM radio, pool, motorcycle riding, and golf. He got his 1st ever Hole- in- One on Mother’s Day 2022, while pulling his oxygen tank around with him on the course. He never gave up.

Robert is preceded in death by his mother & father, Robert L. & Josephine A. Wabnitz; his sisters, Edith & Deborah Wabnitz, and his brother, Carl Wabnitz. Robert is survived by his children, Justin & Elijah Wabnitz, his longtime partner & best friend, Chila Kraft, mother to his children, Robin Abbott, as well as his brother’s wife, Maureen Wabnitz, his nieces, Ashley Wabnitz, Heather Byrne: Bobette’s children, Steph Howard, James Howard, and Dawn,: Debbie’s daughter, Diana Gonzalez.

A celebration of life will be held after the first of the year. The formal announcement will be available here when plans are finalized.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

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