Robert R. Fife (Bob) - Passed away on August 26, 2020

In loving memory of
Robert R. Fife (Bob)
  • Passed away on August 26, 2020

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Obituary

Robert R. Fife (Bob), 96, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 26th, 2020.  He passed away with his loving family by his side, in the home he built in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Fife, with whom he was married 69 blessed years, before her passing in 2012.  He was also preceded by his sons, Lester “Butch” and Robert R. Fife Jr, and brother, Frank Fife.  He is survived by his sisters, Fern Bennett of Pine Island, Minnesota, Ada Henninger of Lead, South Dakota, and Flora (John) Tevis of Olympia; and his son, John (Donna) Fife of Scottsdale, Arizona, and daughter, Penny Fife of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; 6 grandchildren, Jake (Bonnie) Fife of Phoenix, Arizona, Chad (Monica) Fife of Marana, Arizona, Shannon (Roxie) DiNicola of Edgewater, Florida, Sharlene (Chad) Pigg of Greensboro, Georgia, Jennifer (David) Miller of Cave Creek, Arizona, and Wendy Marie of Charlotte, North Carolina; great-grandchildren Breanna, Jordan, Ashlee, Austin, Sydney, Hunter, Gage, and Beckam.

He was born in Spencer, South Dakota on March 17th, 1924, to the late Emma and Ray Fife.  He proudly enlisted in the Navy in July 1941.  His duty stations included Dallas, Pensacola, Atlantic City (twice), Boca Chica, Chincoteague, Fentress, Norfolk, Panama (twice), Sanford, Gitmo, Jacksonville, Andrews, Rosy Roads, and more.  He received many service awards/medals, including the Secretary of the Navy’s Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.  He accumulated approximately 11,000 hours while flying some 40+ models and types of Navy aircraft.

He retired as a Lieutenant Commander in August 1971, after 30 years of distinguished service.  His final assignment was as the Chief of the Coordination/Administration Division on the Joint Staff of the Department of Defense Manager, Manned Space Flight Support Office (Apollo 11 thru 16), at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida.

After retiring, he attended 2 ½ more years of college, whereupon he entered the labor market and worked for about 15 years as a manufacturer’s agent, representing Delta Faucet Company among others.

Bob/Dad/Grandpa positively influenced more lives than we can quantify throughout his 96 years.  He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  Collectively, we look forward to building upon the legacy that he has built.  He will be missed more than words can describe.

At his request, no memorial service was held. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bob’s memory to the Naval Aviation Museum https://navalaviationfoundation.org/donate/


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  1. Adriana Vammen Brown lit a candle:
    18 Sep 2020
    Lit since September 18, 2020 at 9:29:53 AM

  2. Adriana Vammen Brown lit a candle:
    18 Sep 2020
    Lit since September 18, 2020 at 9:29:16 AM

  3. Nancy Watson Evans says:
    17 Sep 2020
    So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My husband Jack Evans thought an awful lot of Bob. I never got to meet Bob but spoke with him by phone and communicated by email. We've lost another of our greatest generation. My condolences to the family. Nancy Evans

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