Robert E Ailes

Robert E. "Bob" Ailes, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Delmar Villas Hospice Care in Delmar, Maryland, after a prolonged illness. He was born on August 13, 1944, in Washington, D.C., to the late Charles C. Ailes Sr. and Margaret Mey Ailes.
Bob was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Carol Phillips Ailes; by two older half-siblings, Charlotte A. Ingram and Charles C. Ailes Jr.; and by his nephew, Benjamin Ailes, who was killed in Korea.
Bob attended Catholic schools in his early years before enrolling at Staunton Military Academy, where he graduated. He later attended North Carolina State University before entering the United States Army, where he served for six years.
A proud veteran, Bob completed two tours in Vietnam with the 1st and 11th Air Cavalry. His decorations include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and numerous campaign medals.
Following his military service, Bob spent 25 years with Maryland Police Supply and later worked with Fabrique Nationale (FN), Browning, and Colt, serving agencies and sporting communities across Maryland. He was widely respected for his expertise, professionalism, and the long-term relationships he built throughout the firearms industry.
An avid outdoorsman, Bob loved hunting, skeet, trap, and sporting clays. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, and raising Labrador Retrievers with Carol. His passion for the outdoors created many lifelong memories and friendships.
Bob cherished Maryland's Eastern Shore, where Carol was born and raised. After her retirement, they fulfilled their longtime dream of settling in Quantico, Maryland, where they became part of the close-knit Phillips family community.
He was active in several sporting and conservation organizations, including the National Skeet Shooting Association, the Amateur Trapshooting Association, the National Rifle Association, and Ducks Unlimited.
Bob is survived by his brothers-in-law, P. D. Phillips III (Jo) of Woodstock, Georgia, and John P. Phillips of Salisbury, Maryland; and by his nephews, Pratt D. Phillips IV (Sara) of Roswell, Georgia, J. Price Phillips Jr. (Megan) of Salisbury, Maryland, and Christian S. Phillips of Salisbury, Maryland.
A graveside service will be held at Parsons Cemetery on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. A reception and gathering will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's memory to the NRA Foundation or Ducks Unlimited.