News Summary
Colonel (Ret.) Robert Arthur Mangum, a dedicated family man and Army veteran, passed away peacefully at the age of 90. Born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia, he excelled both academically and athletically. Mangum served multiple tours in Vietnam and Germany, retiring after over 25 years of commitment to the U.S. Army. He is remembered fondly for his contributions to his family, community, and the aviation industry. A celebration of his life is scheduled for late October, with memorial donations requested for charitable causes in his honor.
Williamsburg, Virginia – Colonel (Ret.) Robert Arthur “Bob” Mangum passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on October 7, 2025, surrounded by family at Patriots Colony. His contributions to his family and country are fondly remembered by those who knew him.
Born near Nebo, North Carolina, on September 21, 1935, Mangum was the son of Arthur and Mallie (Cowan) Mangum. He spent his formative years in Newport News, Virginia, where he graduated from Warwick High School. Bob furthered his education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), where he earned both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Engineering.
On June 21, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Cary Davidson, in a ceremony at Hilton Presbyterian Church. Known for living life with “reckless abandon,” Bob was passionate in all facets of his life, whether as an athlete at Warwick High School and Virginia Tech, a pilot, a soldier, a husband, or a devoted father. He served honorably in the U.S. Army, completing multiple tours in Vietnam and Germany as an Army Aviator and Acquisitions professional.
Mangum retired from the Army in 1984, following over 25 years of dedicated service, with his final post at Fort Eustis, Virginia. After his military career, he worked in the aviation industry, serving as the Hampton Roads representative for Hughes Helicopter, McDonnell Douglas, and Boeing. His commitment extended beyond professional duties; he was actively involved in the community and supported several local and aviation-related organizations. Additionally, he devoted time to coaching youth sports teams for his children.
Not only was Bob a family man who supported his children, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Kevin (Angel) Mangum, Keith (Katherine) Mangum, and Katherine Mangum, but he also showcased his pride in his alma mater as a supporter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association and the Corps of Cadets. His legacy is carried on by his sisters, Joy Oliver of Viera, Florida, and Sharon Bertsch of Cocoa, Florida, as well as his grandchildren, Captain Anela (Seamus Murray) Mangum and Ned Mangum.
A celebration of Bob’s life is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Bucktrout of Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Night Stalker Foundation or Virginia Tech’s Corps of Cadets program in Bob’s honor.
Colonel (Ret.) Robert Arthur “Bob” Mangum’s life was marked by a profound commitment to his family and his country, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered by all who knew him.
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HERE Resources
Colonel Bob Mangum Passes Away, Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Robert Arthur “Bob” Mangum
- Legacy: Christine Janke
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aviation History
- Legacy: Joan Baumbach
- Google Search: U.S. Army History
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