Robert Holder Gallimore

Robert “Bobby” Gallimore passed away May 7, 2016. He was born in Max Meadows, Virginia on July 24, 1935 to Edith Gallimore. He attended school in Galax, Virginia. He was athletic and received many awards during his school years. He attended Ferrum Junior College in Ferrum, Virginia. With the help of his grandfather, Norman Estel Gallimore, he joined the United States Navy in August of 1951. He served mostly with the Achelous Fleet as a boat coxswain. His last duty assignment was the landing ship, tank and personnel carrier, U.S.S. Minos. During his time in the Navy, he received the Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal for his service in Korea, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation.

Bobby joined the United States Air Force in May of 1956 and served at many stateside and overseas locations. He retired in 1979 as a Senior Master Sergeant. He received many awards during his career, including the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak clusters, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device, the Vietnam Service Award, and many others.

After Military Service, Bobby worked in the car business for two years and received recognition as a National Car Salesman. He was an avid bowler, bowling for over 50 years and received many awards from the American Bowling Congress. He also played golf for over 30 years with his “cronies” as he called them, and was a member of the YMCA on State Street for over 40 years and rarely missed a day. He was also a lifelong Washington Redskins fan.

In 1980, he went to work for the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier. He walked many miles and served his customers with a smile for over 22 years. He received many recognition awards for his service. He was life member for the VFW, serving four years as Commander at the Martin Denson Post 6873. He was also a member of the NCOA, Chapter Chairman, the DAV, Air Force Sergeants’ Association, Military Order of the Cooties, and the American Legion. Bobby was a great volunteer, doing Meals on Wheels for over 10 years, assisting in Veteran’s Day Parades, and working the annual Thanksgiving dinner for over 20 years. He also coached Little League Baseball, helped clean our local highways, and he put together Thanksgiving baskets for needy families. If something needed to be done, he was always there to help. He received a 1000 Hour Volunteer award from the VFW.

On May 13, 1960, Bobby married the love of his life, Carol Jean Bailey, in Washington, D.C. They were blessed with three daughters, Debbie, Sherry and Lisa, and two sons, James Robert and Timothy. His son, James Robert “Bobby” Gallimore, preceded him in death in September of 1984. His wife, Carol and all of his kids are nurses and are all very successful. He and Carol have 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild. He is preceded in death by his son Bobby; his mom, Edith Suddith of Virginia; and his brother, Clifton Donald Compton, also of Virginia. Bobby is survived by his beloved wife; his daughters and son; his dear daughter-in-law and caring sons-in-law; his grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchild. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Peggy Keys Ledbetter and her husband, Marvin of Concord, Virginia; many nieces, nephews, cousins, loving friends, his cats, donkeys and chickens. We Love You Dad! Go Redskins!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meal on Wheels or the VFW Post 6873 Charities and Benevolence Division. Online condolences can be made at www.elliott-hamil.com

Visitation will be at Elliott-Hamill Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South, On Wednesday, May 11, 2016 from 5:00PM until 8:00PM. Services will be on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the same location, with burial to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery.