Robert "Bob" Carrell Early

He was born on July 7, 1926 in Rockingham County and was the son of the late Harold M. and Ruth Puffenbarger Early.

A veteran of WWII he was in the 112th Seabees battalion of the U. S. Navy serving in the Pacific Theater. Bob participated in the final stages of WWII and was in numerous invasions of several South Pacific islands.

Bob had many interests, always busy with restoring his antique car, tractors, and gas and steam engines, as well as trips on steam engine locomotives. When Bob returned from the war, Bob married the love of his life Rosa Lee Miller. Bob then went to work and became a successful salesman of automotive and truck parts. Bob finished his career when he retired from Bowman Parts Company.

During Bob and Rosie’s 67 years of marriage, they enjoyed many trips touring in their 1915 Model T Ford, up and down the East Coast with the Antique Car Club of America. They also spent years of fun boating at Smith Mountain Lake with family and friends.

Throughout his lifetime Bob was very involved with the church and participated and enjoyed many church activities.

On June 1, 1947 he married the former Rosa Lee Miller, who survives.

He is also survived by his children, Vickie Belcher and husband, Dennis, and Rebecca Early; grandchildren, Renee Guerin and husband, Eric, Christopher Legg and wife, Misty, Sarah Belcher O’Keiff and husband, Conor, Matthew Belcher and companion, Julie Hannah, Benjamin Belcher and companion, Erica Creasy, Katlyn Early and companion, Michael Frye; great-grandchildren, Amanda, Isabella and Sabien Guerin, Corin Legg and Conor James O’Keiff, Jr.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Early Legg; and a brother, Richard Donald Early.

The family will receive friends 6-7:00 pm, Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

A committal service will be held at St. Jacob’s Spader’s Lutheran Church Cemetery 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, April 30, 2015 with Rev. Carrie Talbott officiating. A memorial service will follow at St. James United Methodist Church at 11:30 am.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. James United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.