Robert L. "Bob" Sales Sr.

Robert Luther “Bob” Sales, Sr., 89, of Madison Heights passed away Monday, February 23, 2015 at Virginia Baptist Hospital. Born in Monroe, July 5, 1925, he was the son of the late Robert Lewis Sales and Cora Anderson Sales. He was preceded in death by his brother, Billy sales and sister Viola Sales Nuckles. He is survived by his wife, Alice Jeffries Sales; one son, Robert L. “Rob” Sales, Jr. and his wife Tracy of Madison Heights; one step-daughter, Donna Freeman and husband Tim of Poquoson; one sister, Katherine Sales Vest; one granddaughter, Makayla Sales of Madison Heights; one step-grandson, Alan B. Freeman of Poquoson, one step-granddaughter, Samantha F. Hoegerl and husband Adam and their son Caleb; one niece, Jane Vest Tully and three nephews, Frankie Nuckles and his wife Darlene, Lynn Vest and his wife Amanda and David Nuckles and his wife Delores. Bob was a combat veteran of World War II. He was a member of the famous B Company 116th infantry from Lynchburg. He landed on the beaches of Normandy, June 6, 1944 and fought for six months on the front line until he was seriously wounded in Germany. After a year and a half in the hospital, he gained some of his sight back. Bob received many distinguished decorations, including the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with one oak cluster, the Purple Heart with two oak clusters, The Presidential citation with one oak leaf cluster and the Combat Infantry Badge. On February 12, 2014 Bob and his family traveled to Arlington where he was presented the French Legion of Honor by the French President, Francois Hollande. He returned to England and to France where he visited the graves where his friends are buried who were killed in the battle. He built a private memorial at this home to honor the 113 men that were killed in B Company during WWII. He had many Army Buddy Reunions at this site. Bob was a pulp wood dealer and a land developer and was the retired owner of Sales and White Timber Company after 40 years of service. He was a charter member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, a member of the Elks Club for over 50 years, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign War, Associate Life Member of the Blinded Veterans Association, A life member of the Combat Infantry Association, A life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and a member of the American Legion Post 274 in Madison Heights. His first love was horse racing. He went to the Kentucky Derby many times and for a period of time he owned race horses and raced at Charlestown, WV and in Maryland where he won many races. A graveside service celebrating Bob’s life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Fort Hill Memorial Park with the Rev. Frank Fuller and the Rev. Jeff Porter officiating. Military honors by the American Legion Post 16. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at Whitten Monelison Chapel and at other times at the residence. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the National D-day Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523, Northminster Presbyterian Church, 106 Clearview Rd., Madison Heights, VA 24572 or the Monelison Volunteer Fire Dept. and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 74, Madison Heights, VA 24572.