ROBERT “BOB” DAVID WOTRING
1937-2021
Robert “Bob” David Wotring was born in Rowlesburg, West Virginia on the 11th of June 1937. He was the third of 4 children born to Phyllis and James Wotring. He attended Kingwood High School in Kingwood, W.V., and then received the degree of BSChE in 1960 from
West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.V.
Following graduation from West Virginia University, Bob joined Exxon at the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Refinery and Chemical Plant. He held a number of positions ranging from entry level production engineer to group head of the Chemical Plant Process Design Group. In 1967, Bob transferred to Exxon Chemical’s U.S. Headquarters, then in New York City, as part of the Chemical Investment Evaluation Group and then to a district sales manager assignment in Chicago, Illinois, with responsibility for Exxon Chemical’s polypropylene sales in the 28 western states. In 1972, he transferred back to New York City as a senior advisor to Exxon Chemical’s executive in charge of the Worldwide Plastics businesses. In 1974, he was appointed polypropylene technology manager and in 1977 became the general manager of the U.S. Polypropylene business. In 1985, Bob was appointed president of Al Jubail Petrochemical Company in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia. He was president of this polyethylene business joint venture that was owned 50 percent by Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corp. and 50 percent by Exxon Chemical. In 1990, Bob was appointed to the dual position of president of Exxon Chemical’s Japanese Affiliate in Tokyo, Japan, and general manager of
Exxon Chemical’s Asia Pacific Polymers business. In 1994, Bob returned to the U.S. to serve as president of Paxon Polymer Company, formerly a joint venture between Allied Signal and Exxon Chemical. Paxon, headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is one of the largest high density polyethylene businesses in the United States. Bob remained active in the Society of Plastics Industry and was a member of the executive committee of the Polymeric Materials Producers Division of the Society.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and his older brother James William “Bill” Wotring. Bob is survived by his wife Billye, two siblings, four children, seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He will be remembered for his funny stories, love of golf, discussions about politics, and mostly his love for his family.
The family will gather for a private memorial service at a later date.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed toward St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Attn: Robert Wotring Fund, ALSAC/ St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis,TN 38105 ( www.stjude.org).
Please visit Mr. Wotring’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.