Robert Bennett Everette passed away peaceully on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in Baytown, Texas at the age of 93. Robert will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 18 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Donald Daniel officiating at Carver's Creek Methodist Church in Council, North Carolina alongside other members of the Everette family.

Robert was born in Bladen County, North Carolina to Rosa Mae Grimsley (Everette) and Chester Everette on January 11, 1933. He graduated from Elizabethtown High School and joined the U.S. Navy. Robert worked his way up through the ranks to 1st Class Petty Officer and received a direct commission to Naval Officer Candidacy School. After becoming an officer, he earned his wings and became a Naval Aviator. He retired with the U.S. Naval Reserve with the rank of Commander. Robert also served during the Korean and Vietnam War.

Robert graduated from NC State University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He worked with the Department of the Navy as a Special Weapons Engineer, U.S. Corps of Engineers as a Design Engineer and NASA as an Aerospace Engineer. Robert worked on the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, then retired from NASA in 1998 as Program Manager of Special Projects.

Robert is preceded in death by his brothers Lawrence (Denny), Sammy, George and Jack, sisters Nan and Theda and his dear cousin Glenda. He is survived by his loving wife Betty, daughter Janette Everette, step-daughters Janice Stone (Tommy) and Jennifer Kerckhoff, grandson Austin Coates, step-grandchildren Victor Kerckhoff and Abby Hoefnagels, niece Linda, and nephews Dave, Tommy and Ralph (Jerry). The family wishes to thank FL neighbors April and Scotty for watching over his home and the exceptional care provided to Robert by caregiver Delmi, Crissy and Gold Star Living and Personal Care Home owners Kristania and James, and their staff .

Throughout his life, Robert cultivated many hobbies including aviation, duck and dear hunting at Carver's Creek Hunting Club, attending NASCAR races and traveling the world. He was a lifelong learner, and appreciator of nature. He was never without a project, and spent many afternoons tinkering in his garage. His family will remember his resilience and inner strength, as well as his infamous motto “Press On!”.

His funeral service will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, April 18, 2024 at Carvers Creek United Methodist  Church with Rev. Donald Daniel officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charitable organization of your choice.