Charles Robert “Bob” Withers, age 90, of Buckhannon passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 27, 2025. He was born June 24, 1934, in Rock Cave, WV, a son of the late Robert Orlando and Mildred Guinevere Hull Withers. Bob was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Eileen DeBarr Withers, son-in-law Bob Smallridge, stepson Samuel Grant Crites, two brothers, Fred and Scott Withers, and one sister, Avis Nine.
He is survived by his second wife, Ellnora Crites Withers; one son, Mike, and his wife Beth Withers of Morganton, GA; two daughters, Pam Smallridge and Bobbi with husband Steve Halterman of Buckhannon; stepdaughter Lois Christine with husband Clarence Bright of Braxton County; grandchildren from his first marriage, R.J. and wife Anne Smallridge, Drew Smallridge, Erik with wife Nicole Withers, Andy Withers, and Eli Withers; great grandchildren, Alex, Ami, Madison, Madilynn, Dylan David, Declan, and Adrianne; grandchildren from his second marriage, Travis with wife Erica Crites, Tasha with husband Timothy Crawley, and Jessica with husband Elwood Smith, along with Joelleen Bidwell; and great grandchildren from his second marriage, Hunter, Dakota, Sage, Cherith with husband Dustin, Olivia Grace, Selah with husband James, Titus, Josiah, and Hosanna; as well as great great grandchildren, Asph and Eliza. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Withers was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving for three years. He received an honorary degree from the School of Hard Knocks at Alderson Broaddus College and was a member of Lodge #81 A.F. and A.M., where he received his 50-year pin. Bob was a former manager of the Buckhannon A & P and Shop-n-Save stores, and he was an inactive member of the Nutter Fort Baptist Church. He enjoyed spending time at family gatherings, relaxing, and hunting at his camp “Bear Holler” in Rock Cave. A master gardener, Bob loved to share his bounty with friends and family, and he was an avid golfer who proudly made a hole-in-one on one of his outings. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family would like to thank the team at West Virginia Hospice for providing the necessary tools to grant his last wish of “going home.”
In honoring his wishes for cremation, graveside services will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Rock Cave Cemetery with Pastor David Jessie officiating. The Rock Cave Masonic Lodge #81 and the Upshur County Honor Guard will conduct the graveside rites.
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