May 17, 1950 – May 5, 2021
SOUTHERN SHORES — Robert Darden Bedsole of Southern Shores passed away unexpectedly on May 5, 2021. Bob was born in Norfolk, VA on May 17, 1950 to Annie Ruth and James Bedsole.
Bob attended High School in Chesapeake, VA where he played linebacker on the football team, he went on to attend Old Dominion University and eventually graduated from Calhoon MEBA Engineering School in 1972.
Bob served as Chief Engineer (AKA Chief Gravy) in the Merchant Marines for 34 years, at the time he was the youngest person to hold that position. The beginning of his career started when he had the responsibility of delivering ammunition and various war supplies throughout Vietnam during the war. Towards the end of the Vietnam war, his cargo ship was the last known American vessel to travel through the Saigon River. His ship was hit by two missiles during its travel. In comparison to most of Bob’s life experiences, the missiles could almost be seen as trivial. After his retirement from the Merchant Marines, Bob had a career as Chief Engineer on the North Carolina Ferry System.
Bob was an independent, intelligent and special man who made frequent sacrifices for his family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, scuba diving and beekeeping. Bob was an exceptionally innovative man who had seven patents, one of which is still used in Dyson Vacuums.
We will all miss his dry sense of humor and the countless fascinating stories he had about his travels from around the globe.
Bob, we only have request from you – when the Angelic Highway Patrol pull you over for driving 10,637,628 lightyears over the speed limit in your pumpkin-colored corvette – try to not be too sarcastic.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife, Eileen; daughters Julia Murphy (Will) and Tara Bedsole; Grandson, Vann Murphy; Brothers Jimmy and Eddie and his sister Sylvia (Joe.)
Due to COVID-19, Bob’s Celebration of Life will be postponed to a later date.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
