Robert Arrington Dew

Robert A. “Bobby” Dew of Bailey, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on September 12, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by his family and devoted caregivers.

Bobby was a man of deep and abiding faith who devoted his life to God, his church, and his family. He was a loving husband and father, cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, beloved father-in-law and uncle, faithful friend, and dedicated church leader. He lived his Christian faith not simply through his words, but through the way he treated others—with kindness, humility, generosity, and a servant’s heart.

Bobby was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of nearly 70 years, Shirley Dew, whom he lost only a short time before his own passing. Their marriage was a beautiful example of love, faith, devotion, and unwavering commitment. Bobby loved Shirley with all his heart, and his family takes great comfort in knowing that, after only a short time apart, they are together again in Heaven.

Bobby leaves behind his three sons, Robert Dew (Beth), Stanley Dew (Brenda), and Glenn Dew (Sharon). He was a proud and doting grandfather to Dennison Dew (Amber), Matt Dew (Heather), Brooks Dew, Danielle Dew Knapp (Daniel), Lianna Dew Knapp (Hampton), and Tyler Dew (Rebecca), as well as eleven great-grandchildren who brought tremendous joy to his life. He is also survived by his older sister, Patricia Finch; brother-in-law, Bill Jackson; sister-in-law, Mavis Perry Williams; and many nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Nannie Dew, three sisters, and one brother.

Bobby was also blessed with the compassionate caregivers who had previously cared for Shirley: Helen Herbst, Pam Crocker, and Carrie Vaughan. He considered these special ladies his friends, and his family will forever be grateful for the kindness and love they showed him.

Bobby retired from two careers—as a lifelong farmer and as an employee of the U.S. Postal Service, in Bailey NC, where he served his community for many years. Farming was in his blood, passed down through generations of the Dew family. He farmed alongside his three sons and was the definition of a hands-on farmer who believed idle time was wasted time. He passed that strong work ethic, along with countless life lessons, to his sons and grandchildren. In retirement, he enjoyed more time with his church and family, as well as hunting and fishing.

At the center of Bobby’s life was his faith and his beloved White Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church in Bailey. A faithful member and leader for many years, Bobby served in numerous roles, including more than 54 years as a Deacon. His church was not simply a place he attended—it was an important part of who he was. He could always be counted on whenever someone needed him, whether family, friend, church member, neighbor, or stranger.

His three sons did not simply lose their father; they lost a great man, a teacher, an example, and a guiding force in their lives. To those who knew him best, Bobby was a gentle giant—a man with the physical strength of two men but the kind and compassionate heart of the Lord’s servant. He was quiet, but when Bobby spoke, people listened, because his words carried wisdom earned through a lifetime of faith, hard work, family, and experience.

The family will receive friends at White Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church in Bailey on Thursday, September 17, 2026, beginning at 4:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 6:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held Friday, September 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Bailey Cemetery.

Thomas-Yelverton Funeral Service is honored to serve the Dew family.