Robert Ferrell

BRISTOL, Va. – Col. Robert L. Ferrell (USAFR retired), 84, prominent local business man and noted pilot, died Tuesday at his home.
Col. Ferrell was born in Dothan, Ala., the son of Mattie Lou Schuyler Ferrell and Leonard Thomas Ferrell. During World War II, he was shot down over Poland and held as a P.O.W. He served in the Dominican Republic uprising and the Vietnam War and earned 24 awards and decorations while accumulating 6,182 military flying hours and 2,383 civilian hours. Col. Ferrell flew for the CIA in the Nigerian/Biafran War in Africa for the Biafran side. Col. Ferrell was a 1968 honors graduate of the War College at Maxwell Field, Ala. He held a BSME from Auburn University, a MSME from the University of Alabama, a MSIA from George Washington University, an MSIP from the Air University, an MBA from California State University, as well as a PhD from California State. Col. Ferrell was a former assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Auburn University. He was the Owner of Farnsworth Heating and Plumbing Co. He was an Eagle Scout with 24 merit badges and the former Scoutmaster of three different Scout Troops. He was a member of State Street United Methodist Church, where he formerly taught Sunday school and served four times on the Administrative Board. He had been a member of Rotary International for 50 years.
Col. Ferrell is survived by two sons, Maj. John Schuyler Ferrell of Tucson, Ariz., and Capt. Thomas Michael Ferrell of Abingdon, Va.; three grandchildren, Weldon Ferrell of Tucson, and Sarah and Spencer Ferrell of Abingdon; a younger brother, Thomas Freeman Ferrell (USAF retired) of Bristol Tennessee; as well as his long-time, constant loving companion, Ms. Nancy Carole Steele of Bristol Virginia.
The family will receive friends from 3 until 6 o'clock Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, at Blevins Funeral and Cremation Services. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon, Aug. 31, 2008, at State Street United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Mike Jackson officiating. Family and friends will go in procession to Mountain View Cemetery for the committal service and interment. Military rites will be presented by the Bristol VFW Honor Guard.
Pallbearers will be Col. Don Carty (USAF), Col. James Grayson (USAF), Col. Chris Johnson (USMC), Lt. Col. Robert Nicar, (USAF), Rex Eades, Kenny Ellis, Col. Jack Musgrove (USAF) and Fred Thrasher.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed by visiting www.BlevinsCares.com.
Blevins Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 417 Lee St., Bristol, Va., (276) 669-6141, is serving the family of Col. Ferrell.