Robert Wray "Rob" Bole

Robert Wray “Rob” Bole, of Rutherfordton, died Tuesday October 24, 2023.

Rob was born in Bethesda, Maryland on April 21, 1947, to Commander Richard B. and Dorthy Heaberlin Bole. Rob was raised in Skyland when the Commander retired from the Navy.  He graduated from T.C. Robertson high school, and also the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. He joined the Air Force ROTC because he did not want to do PE. After graduating from the University of the South in Sewanee, where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, he joined the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. After graduation Rob's first assignment in the Air Force was Cannon AFB in Clovis, New Mexico. Rob had four assignments in the States and Korea, Belgium, and The Netherlands. He retired after 20 years as a Major.

Rob loved old cars, especially Model A Fords. He got his first Model A Club in high school and his last he only sold several years ago. Rob was also a member of the Thermal Belt Model A club. He loved playing bridge with friends. He ate lunch at the Senior Center almost every day after he was old enough. He also played bridge there. Rob loved to entertain and was known for his water chestnuts wrapped in bacon.

Rob was a member of St. Francis Episcopal church where he was Senior Warden several times. He was a member of the anti-choir because he felt like he could not sing. He was also a member of the Airport Board and the Broad River Water Authority. After retiring from the Air Force, Rob worked in finance for Rutherford County and eventually became the Finance Officer. He retired from the county after 17 years. He worked for the town of Spindale as their manager while the town looked for a permanent one. He really enjoyed that job. 

Rob is survived by his wife of 53 years Nancy Reger Bole, one sister, Gwen Bole and her husband, Bob Wiggers, three sisters-in-law, Becky Reger and her husband Bob Blanton, Janet Trulove, and Dee Reger, a niece Sarah Hockett, and nephews Nelson Puckett and Ted Wiggers and many cousins.

There will be a family directed memorial service at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Rutherfordton on Nov. 12, 2023, at 3 p.m. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Episcopal Church; 408 N Main St, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. McMahan’s Funeral Home & Crematory.

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