633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs –
U.S Air Force (Ret.) Col Robert Avon Ator of Valdosta, Ga., died at age 78 on March 9, 2017, in Gainesville, Fla. Ator was born July 31, 1938, in Washington District of Columbia to the late Henry A. and Claudine C. Ator.
While growing up in Washington, D.C., Ator worked hard from the age of 8 delivering the Washington Post newspaper.
He attended Woodrow Wilson High School where he was active in student government and the Boy Scouts of America, where he attained the highest rank for a child, the Eagle Scout. He remained involved in Boy Scouts his entire life and ultimately received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest Boy Scout award for an adult.
He also loved his cars and was a member of the Synchronizers Auto Club.
Ator graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a degree in Economics. Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Air Force, and faithfully served his country for 26 years. He is a graduate of all levels of Professional Military Education that include Squadron Officers School, Navy Command and Staff College and NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy.
During his Air Force career, he served at bases in the U.S., Vietnam, England, Italy and Germany. He was a pilot with over 2,500 hours in fighter aircraft, and flew combat missions in Vietnam.
Prior to retirement he advanced to the rank of Colonel and was the base commander at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., and Langley AFB, Va,. During Ator's time at Langley AFB, the base received their first ever overall ‘Outstanding’ rating during their Operational Readiness Inspection.
Following his retirement from the Air Force, he chose Valdosta, Ga., as his home. Not only did he love the city, but he also loved the citizens.
During his time in Valdosta, he served as Vice President of Delta Petroleum Services. Later becoming the Executive Director of Valdosta Regional Airport, and served as airport manager until he retired.
Ator was also a key member of various community organizations such as the Park Avenue United Methodist Church Valdosta Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce's Moody Support Committee. The committee was successful at protecting Moody AFB from the Base Realignment and Closure in 1991.
Ator leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Sylvia C. Ator of Valdosta, daughter and son-in-law, Stacey and David Klinkicht of Goldsboro, N.C.; son and daughter-in-law, Robert Avon Ator II and Michelle of Little Rock, AR; son and daughter-in-law, William H. and Susanne Ator of Sumter, S.C.; brother and sister-in-law Wayne and Cassie Ator of Palm Island, Fla.; sister and brother-in-law Jeanne and Jim Costello of Port Townsend, Wash.
He also leaves behind his seven grandchildren: Jessica Klinkicht of Oklahoma City, OK, Ryan Klinkicht of Goldsboro, N.C., Taylor Ator of Sumter, S.C., Bob Ator of Sumter, SC, Robert Avon Ator, III, Colorado Springs, Colo., Katie Ator, Sumter, S.C., and Lauren Ator of Little Rock, Ark.; several nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Bandit.
The Memorial Service for Ator was be held at 10 a.m. on March 14, 2017 at Park Avenue United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com <http://www.mclanecares.com/> Carson McLane Funeral Home.
For more information, visit http://obituaries.valdostadailytimes.com/story/robert-ator-col-usaf-ret-1938-2017-889723672#sthash.sB98iNOp.dpuf.