Robert Michael Ballinger, a life member of Chippenham Town Football Club, died at the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton on October 31, aged 86.

Mr Ballinger was born, raised and educated in Chippenham.

His mother died when he was just 18 months old, leaving his father, Walter Ballinger, to bring up Robert and his three siblings Margaret, Walter (Tony) and Alfred.

Mr Ballinger attended Lowden Church of England Primary School before moving to Chippenham Secondary School, when he captained the school football team. On leaving he went on to the technical college.

Following college, Mr Ballinger started as an electrical engineering apprentice with Westinghouse Brake and Signal Company.

He was called away from Westinghouse for military service, training in electronic communications for the Royal Corps of Signals.

Mr Ballinger saw active service in Belgium, Holland and Germany and said he would never forget the destruction, devastation, suffering, pain and despair sustained by local populations.

Mr Ballinger regularly attended Royal Signals Association throughout his life to keep in touch with old comrades.

He was also a member of the Probus Club of Wootton Bassett and was privileged to be elected president for their centenary year in 2000.

Always a fan of team spirit, Mr Ballinger later played football and cricket for local clubs, eventually playing for Chippenham Town FC. After his retirement, he moved into the administration side of the game as an elected general secretary.

He held this role in the 1960s and 1970s and his great nephew Luke Ballinger plays for The Bluebirds now.

Mr Ballinger was married to the late Doris, his best friend and companion.

Mr Ballinger had one son Tim, 60, two step daughters, Dianne and Denise and two step sons, Ian and Ron.