OCRAN—Robert Benjamin Bellows passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at the age of 78. He spent his final moments watching the sunset and the full moon rise over Bellows Cove from his beloved home on Cardinal Lane.
Bob is survived by his three children, Robert Ashley Bellows (Catherine), Anne Renee Bellows Fisher (David) and Jason Daniel Bellows; two grandchildren, William Carter McGee and Sarah Elizabeth McGee; his sister-in-law, Suzanne Mercer Bellows; his nephew, John Todd Bellows; his great-nephew, Bodie Render Bellows; and his companion, Rhonda Wells.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Mary Lou Rose Bellows; his parents, John C. Bellows Sr. and Anne Jett Bellows; his brother, John C. Bellows Jr.; his aunt, Mary Ball Jett Fowler; his grandmother, Mattie Ball Jett; and his beloved Yorkie, Reilly.
Bob was born on June 26, 1947, and was raised in the family home in Irvington. He always held fond memories of his boyhood days growing up in Irvington. He graduated from Lancaster High School in 1965 and Norfolk Business College in 1967.
In July 1967, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and volunteered for infantry duty. He received his Basic Combat Training and Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. On February 24, 1968, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Rose, at Asbury Methodist Church in Foxwells. Just two weeks after their wedding, he departed for a year-long tour of duty in Vietnam.
Bob served in combat with the 1st and 9th Infantry Divisions throughout the Mekong Delta region of South Vietnam. During his service, he received numerous military honors, including the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He remained deeply proud of his service to his country throughout his life.
One of Bob’s favorite memories from Vietnam was a chance encounter with his childhood best friend, Jimmy Bryant, in Dong Tam, Vietnam, in September 1968. Having grown up together in Irvington, neither could have imagined they would one day meet again halfway around the world in the middle of a war zone.
Following his honorable discharge in 1970, Bob worked in the menhaden fishing industry for 28 years, serving as director of marketing and inventory control for Standard Products Company and Ampro Fisheries Company. During this time, he and Mary Lou built their home on Cardinal Lane in Ocran, Virginia. Together, they raised their family there, filling their home and lives with love for nearly four decades.
Bob later worked for Wilbur Smith Associates as a bridge construction inspector. His career took him to projects in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D.C., South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and West Point. He and Mary Lou cherished the many adventures they shared while living and working in these locations.
After retiring in 2008, Bob and Mary Lou embraced life to the fullest, traveling throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, and Costa Rica and creating countless cherished memories together with their children and grandchildren.
Bob will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and proud “Poppop.” He never forgot an important date and always looked forward to celebrating birthdays, holidays and family gatherings. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
His family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center and Hospice for the compassionate care they provided. Their kindness gave Bob the opportunity to return home, where he was able to spend his final day surrounded by family and pass peacefully in the place he loved most. The family also wishes to thank the staff of Currie Funeral Home for their support and compassionate care.
In accordance with Bob’s wishes, he was cremated, and his ashes will be placed near Bellows Cove on Tabbs Creek in Ocran, where he was the fourth generation of the Bellows family to live.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 4 at the Bellows family home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s honor to the Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck, P.O. Box 975, White Stone, VA 22578.
