On February 26, 2023, Robert Allen Worley, fondly known as “Bob,” changed his address from Virginia Beach to heaven where he was met by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his beautiful sweetheart, Dora, who predeceased him in 2018.
Bob was born in Towns Country, GA, and grew up on Gumlog Mountain. Deciding at an early age that farming wasn’t for him, he joined the US Navy where he rose from the rank of Seaman Apprentice to Lieutenant. Highlights include serving during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, being stationed at Guantanamo Base, Cuba, where he met the love of his life, and three years as captain of the U.S.S. Junaluska, the only Navy tugboat in Bermuda, which he considered his “tour in paradise.” Following a highly decorated career, he retired as CWO-4 (Chief Warrant Officer) after 30 years of service.
After God, family, and country, Bob loved his second career as a renowned square dance caller. Known as being the “Best Dressed Caller” in square dancing, Bob began calling while stationed in Bermuda in 1965. He took the stage at square dance clubs nationwide from Virginia Beach to California, Alaska, and even the Philippines. He loved challenging his dancers with unique choreography while crooning along to his favorite country tunes. Bob established Crown Records, recording square dance music that has been distributed worldwide, including Japan, Australia, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and many others. He was president of HRCA—the Hampton Roads Callers Association; the co-founder and chairman of VASCA, the Virginia State Callers Association; and a member of CALLERLAB, the national square dance callers association, and was awarded status of “Legend.” Over the years, Bob served as caller for several local square clubs, including “The Thumpers” for over three decades.
He will be greatly missed by his surviving family: daughter, Evelyn Wagoner (Rod); son, Matthew “Matt”; grandson, Jeremy Butler (fiancée Jamie Brandenburg); niece, Betty Clark; “adopted” daughter, Sue Holmes (Clel); sisters Zel Warner, Ruth Worley, and Tina Hooper, and brother Arlin (Marie) Worley, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
“Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Memorial on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 10 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:30AM at Kempsville Christian Church, 5424 Parliament Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
