Robert Lee Wesbrooks, 71, was born in Lewis County, Tennessee on November 23, 1952 to Sara Christeen Barber Wesbrooks and Billie Robert Wesbrooks, who each predeceased him.

After a long, hard-fought battle due to stroke and years of dialysis, Robert left this earth surrounded by his four girls on January 11, 2024 under the gracious care of Alive Hospice.

He was also predeceased by his wife, Melba Dugger Wesbrooks, with who he shared their six children: Sheila Sewell, Leoma, Tenn.; Joey (June) Reeves, Pensacola, Florida; Scott (Melissa) Reeves, Flatwoods, Tracy (Joey) Fortner, White Bluff, Kristi Tinin-Hodge (Billy), Nashville, and Kayla (Mason) Parnell, Linden. These children gave Robert and Melba 12 grandchildren: Stephen and Ben Sewell; Rebekah Smith, Daniel (Kristin) Reeves; Nicholas (Megan) Reeves, Dustin (Crystal) Reeves; Laston Arnold; Jacob (Emily) Winters, Danielle (Greg) Winters; Cole Tinin; and Ella Claire and Owen Lee Parnell. From those grandchildren, were born six great grandchildren: Lexie, Gavin, Alexa, Nora, Ava, and Lincoln.

Robert grew up the oldest of three children–brother to Chester (Becky) Wesbrooks, of Bon Aqua, and Rita (Ricky) Murray, of Pleasantville, to which he referred to each as little brother and little sister respectively until his passing. He loved his in-laws, James & Earl Dugger, and Nancy Hunt like siblings, and thought the absolute world of each one of his nieces and nephews.

He was a family man deep in his heart, and remained close to his cousins, Maxine Qualls, Betty Brown, and Elaine Crigger.

It was in Robert’s nature to form lasting friendships, to name a few are Pauline Jackson; Lawanda and Ella Trull; Randal Tinin; April Parks; Mendy Boyd; Janice and Scott Terrell; Ramelle and Jerry Wheeler; Cheryl, Chuck and Eli Greeson; Larry Hodge; Theresa Neeley and Brenda Wooten.

The Wildman was a jack of many trades, starting out working in flooring, some factory work (where he met Melba), a little logging in the mix and then, finding his passion in trucking. He could often be heard telling his children, “I’ve backed more miles than you will ever drive forward.”

For those who knew him well, the CB Handle, Wildman, comes as no surprise. But we can all find comfort that in his later years, he fit the tile Mildman, as he dubbed himself much better. He finally settled down with Melba to own and operate R&M Trucking out of Linden, which he proudly was able to work alongside with his two boys. He and Melba also managed to dabble in farm tractor and equipment sales, including opening a variety store, RPM Tractor Sales out of Lawrenceburg, with their late friend, Paul Edinger. He found joy in the simple things – like the many a weekend was spent at the drag strip, or at Davy Crocket State Park, or Fisherman’s Rest in Guntersville; or at the camp in Beechview breaking bread and making memories with friends and family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home in Linden.