Robert Anderson Comer

Robert “Bob” Anderson Comer, age 95, of Stoneville, NC, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

A memorial service will be held at 11am Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Fair Funeral Home Chapel in Eden. Burial will follow at Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 10-11am, at Fair Funeral Home Chapel.

Born on October 25, 1929, in Rockingham County, North Carolina, to the late William Henry and Lula Knight Comer, Bob grew up in Stoneville and graduated from Stoneville High School in 1949.

Bob joined the military on January 6, 1948. He spent 8 years serving in the United States Marines where he first spent time in the Pacific during postwar cleanup efforts. He served in the Korean War as a liaison between the Army and First Marines Division, before being transferred to Albany, Georgia, at the request of a Captain he served with in Korea. It was in Albany where his two sons, Robert & Barry, were born. After finishing 8 years in the Marines, he decided it was time to get out and his retirement led to a brief career change working for Wesson Oil Products-Blue Plate Division. His first military retirement lasted only a year before he enlisted in the Air Force at Turner Air Force Base. Through the Air Force he served on a NATO support team in Germany and Italy as well as worked on top-secret projects in Fairbanks, Alaska. This top-secret project got him transferred to Spain where he and his wife Joe Ann welcomed their “3 pounds and 4 ounce” daughter, Michelle. He was stationed at Korat Air Force Base in Thailand and then Alameda, New Mexico until his retirement on August 1, 1969. Bob was awarded the Air Force Accommodation Award for outstanding service beyond the call of duty. After military retirement, he farmed and ran a service station, “Comer’s Corner,” before rounding out his working career at Macfield, Inc.

Bob was actively involved in the Combat Airmen / Joshua’s Troop. Taking charge of it after his brother Pete’s passing, Bob organized and set up monthly events for the veterans to come together. Anyone who knew Bob knew that the second Thursday of every month was dedicated to spending time with that troop. Bob was a huge animal lover, having had several pets over the years and often brought home dogs that were dumped in front of his service station that he didn’t have the heart to leave as a stray. Bob enjoyed spending time with his wife Eunice, eating a slice of Michelle’s homemade pound cake, and riding around his farm on his tractor (even at the age of 95). He had strong perseverance and was determined to do things his way, which helped him maintain an active lifestyle from 1929 all the way until 2025. He was sharp as a tack, impressing (and surprising) all his doctors and nurses up to his final moments. His family is grateful for his 95 full years of life!

In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his wife Joe Ann Comer; brother Henry Lee “Pete” Comer and sisters Becky Fuller and June Morton.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Eunice Comer; children Robert Comer (Debbie), Barry Comer (Karen), Michelle Comer Lester (Bill), Russell Hylton Jr. (Pennie), Karen Vernon (Alex), Sharron Hylton (David Holmes); grandchildren Matthew Lester (Samantha), Rachel Whitaker (Alex), Dalton Comer, Sam Vernon (Emily), Jessie Holliman (Kyle), Will Hylton (Megan), Trevor Holmes (Chasity) and Trent Holmes; four great-grandchildren Kaison, Caroline, Hazel, and Alie Sue; sisters Pat Matheson (Don) and Veda Ellisor (Joe); and best friend Everett “Mope” Smith, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bob had wonderful healthcare providers that he held in high regard. The family would like to extend special appreciation to Dr. Rankin, Dr. Burchette, Dr. Eskew, Dr. Horvath, Nurse Shannon, and the nurses in ICU and Palliative Care at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center for their beyond exceptional care of Bob in his final time with us on earth.