Epperly, Robert Lee (Bob)

Heavens angels called and Robert Lee (Rob) Epperly answered in the early morning hours on Friday April 30, 2010, at the VA hospital, in Salem, surrounded by his family. Robert was born March 13, 1924, in Montgomery County. He was 86 at his time of death. He was the son of Posey and Lula Hixon Epperly. Robert served in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946 at the rank Private First Class. Robert served his country in World War II in Germany and France with I company, 3rd battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Armored Division. He took part in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 on the front lines of battle and was captured shortly thereafter by the Germans, where he was held a Prisoner of War. Robert was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Good Conduct medals. Robert also enlisted in the Active Army Reserve in 1955 and retired in 1983 at the rank of Sergeant First Class. He also retired from Hercules. He was a member of the Ellett Pentecostal Holiness Church. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sisters-in-law and brotherin-law, Raymond Epperly, Leonard Epperly, Garland and Connie Epperly, Luther and Helen Epperly and Clarence Lane. He is survived by sisters and brother-in-law, Ruby E. and Alfred Cupp, Lois E. Lane; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ray and Edith Epperly, Garnett and Peggy Epperly, Ruby Epperly and Joyce Epperly. Also special companion, Baby, his kitty; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will celebrate his life by receiving friends at McCoy funeral home on Sunday, May 2, 2010, from 5 to 8 p.m. and during a special funeral service at the North Fork Baptist Church on Monday, May 3, 2010, at 2 p.m. with the Reverend Steve Akers officiating. Interment will follow at the North Fork cemetery, with full Military Honors. The family sends a special thank you to the doctors and nurses in Palliative Care unit 3rd floor at the VA hospital for their outstanding care and their comforting words during this difficult time. Robert was loved by all and will be sadly missed by his family, friends and kitties. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.