Robert Flippin

On March 25, 2026, Robert Samuel Flippin, Jr. of Wilson and Morehead City, NC passed away peacefully.

A service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Wilson, NC at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 28th followed by a reception in Asbury Hall.

Born in Kinston on June 6,1934 to Robert Samuel Flippin and Hazel Davis Flippin, Robert attended Harvey Elementary and Grainger High Schools in Kinston. In childhood, he met many of his life-long closest friends, forming the Class of 1952. Robert was always proud of his high school achievements and contacts and enjoyed holding this group close. He and several classmates ventured on to Duke University.

Following graduation from Duke in 1956, Robert married his childhood sweetheart Linda Ann Leigh. The first chapter of their 55-year marriage was spent living in beautiful Forest Hills, New York while Robert was a student at Parsons School of Design. He was honored to be voted by his peers to serve as President of the ASID student chapter. Upon graduation, Robert pursued his design career in Wilson, NC forming Barnes and Flippin Interiors with Wade Barnes in 1960. This life-long passion he pursued until his final days.

Robert took great pleasure in planning the homes and often offices of his many clients. He was proud to be known as a designer who, in addition to leaving his mark, decorated around his customers’ family treasures and personal preferences, reflecting the individuals. He was fortunate to serve generations of some families and to have many clients become personal loving friends.

Robert and Linda enjoyed spending time with friends and relatives in the Flippin family home in Morehead City. The home on Bogue Sound was his favorite place on earth – the house being largely designed by him as a teenager.

A lifelong Methodist, Robert participated in choirs and other activities at Queen Street Methodist Church in Kinston, Duke University, and First United Methodist Church in Wilson. He had a love for piano and singing. He also enjoyed serving on various boards within his churches and communities including as charter board member of the Country Doctor Museum, as multi-term board member of the Barton College / Wilson Symphony Orchestra, and within American Society of Interior Designers.

Sadly, Robert’s wife Linda died in 2011. He was also preceded in death by his father and mother who died in 1967 and 1992, respectively.

Robert is survived by daughter Elizabeth Leigh Flippin Krause and husband Kenneth Charles Krause of Raleigh, NC and granddaughters Elizabeth Ann Krause and Katherine Leigh Krause, both of New York City, NY. As an only child, he cherished relationships with numerous cousins around the state. Surviving cousins include Joyce Wilkins Gilmour (Sanford), Betty Patterson (Mount Airy), and Gay Williams (Morehead City). Nephews are Robert E. Leigh III (Mabel) of Cambridge, MA and Thomas Leigh (Angela) of Minneapolis, MN. Robert is also survived by exceptional friend Michael P. Smith of Morehead City. Only with Michael’s care could Robert continue to live in his Morehead City home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the FUMC Music Fund, PO Box 1423, Wilson, NC 27894.

Arrangements are by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, NC 27896, www.wilsonmemorialservice.com, (252) 237-7171.