Robert Clinton Blount Jr.

Robert Clinton (Bobby) Blount Jr., 78, of Virginia Beach, Va., passed away quietly with family members at his hospital bedside Monday afternoon, August 30, 2010. The son of the late Robert and Dorothy Blount was born in Roanoke, Va., on February 22, 1932. Bobby grew up in Roanoke, graduated from William Fleming High School in 1950 and later joined the Marines, serving 24 years. Wrestling was his high school sport in which he continued to participate as a coach for Marine Corps teams and later refereed competition including Olympic trials. Following retirement he was actively engaged in a number of activities which included obtaining an associate's degree in Park Management, managing a park and developing a successful locksmith business in Havelock, N.C., which he eventually sold. The highlights of his later years revolved around comradeship with good friends, Ron Loy, Charlie Smith, and fellow military retirees, and often sharing meals with friends in local Havelock restaurants. Twice married, both wives, Patricia Maria Horacek and Norma Jean Motter, predeceased him. He was survived by children of Maria, son, Robert Timothy Blount and his wife, Laura, Ellen (Blount) Marcinowski and her husband, Mark, and their two children. Also, he was survived by the children of Norma Jean, daughters, Nancy Welch and husband, Larry, with their two children, and Melissa Sword and husband, Jerry, with their two children; his brother, Donald Blount and wife, Shirley; as well as six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Bobby was cremated and ashes will be placed with those of Norma Jean in Ohio. No memorial service will be held. Friends and relatives of Bobby are asked to revisit memories and offer prayers. Gifts in his memory may be made to Bobby's church Wheels of The Promise, 209 Snead Road, New Bern, N.C. 28560 or to your favorite charity.