Robert Frank Grosley

HAMPTON - For eight years we watched as Robert Frank Grosley fought an incredible battle against cancer. Diagnosed in 1995 with Multiple Myeloma and then in 2003 with lung cancer, his determination to fight never waivered. His strength, dignity and courage were surpassed only by his faith that God would welcome him home at the right time. On Oct. 2, 2004, Bob closed his eyes peacefully. No greater battle has ever been fought. He was our hero, our inspiration, and love. He left us with the assurance that he will always share in our joys, hopes, tears and dreams. Bob was born on Sept. 26, 1938, in Durango, Colo. He grew up loving to fish and hunt in the majestic mountains surrounding his home. Immediately after graduation he joined the Air Force and served in Okinawa, Japan, Hawaii, Viet Nam and Germany. Bob was most proud of his time spent with the Air Commandoes at England AFB, Louisiana, for three years where he and Judy were married. Together they spent two years in Turkey, where he was assigned to NATO, followed by seven years with Joint Combat Support Element at MacDill AFB, Fla. Their last assignment brought them to Langley AFB, where Bob retired in 1979 after 22 years of service. He began a new career with Warner Cable during which time he attended Thomas Nelson Community College and earned a degree in Occupational Safety. He continued to work for Cox Communications until Sept. 2000. Bob's positive attitude, loyalty and work ethics earned him the respect of everyone who knew him. His stubbornness was legendary, his strength and character were admired by anyone that was fortunate enough to know him. Bob leaves behind with loving memories, his wife of 37 years, Judy. He also leaves his daughter, Johanna Carpenter and husband, Kevin, along with his son, Robert and his wife, Nicole. Left with wonderful memories of 'Papa Bob' are grandchildren, Emily, Michael and Matthew Carpenter and Robbie Grosley. Bob is also survived by his mother, Viola Kees of Durango, Colo.; his sister, Mary Louise Koch of Hemet, Calif.; and his in-laws, Roy and Dorothy Curtis of Hampton, Va. A life celebration service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 5, at Bethany United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens with full military honors. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethany United Methodist Church Sound System Fund, 1509 Todds Lane, Hampton, VA 23666. Friends are encouraged to visit www.mem.com to share words of comfort with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton.