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Robert E. Fentress

  • February 26, 1926 - September 11, 2011
  • Virginia Beach, Virginia
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“Shirley & Family: We thank you for your sharing the obituary and other notice with us, as we were away over the time of Bob's demise. We want to...Read More » ”
1 of 15 | Posted by: Tim & Mary Ben Thomas - VA

“Our deepest sympathy to you and family. Remembering you in prayer. In His Love. ”
2 of 15 | Posted by: Frank & Virginia Mollura - VA

“Shirley and Family, I worked with Bob at Bank of Virginia in the 70's. He was a fine man whom I appreciated very much. I have never forgotten him as...Read More » ”
3 of 15 | Posted by: Butch Inman - Norfolk, VA

“Shirley and family, So sorry to learn of Bob's passing. He was a wonderful man who will hold a fond place in our memory. God bless you, Bob ”
4 of 15 | Posted by: Bob Fanning - VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

“Shirley We are saddened to learn of Bob's passing. But he is in His presence and praising the Lord he served so faithfully through the years. Pat...Read More » ”
5 of 15 | Posted by: Harry and Pat Carter - Frostproof, FL

“Dear Shirley, Please accept my sincere condolences at this time of loss for you and yours. I was privileged to know Bob when I served on the...Read More » ”
6 of 15 | Posted by: Stuart Ashman - Virginia Beach, VA

“Dear Shirley, We send our heartfelt condolences. Our memory of Bob is a big friendly smile that always preceded his greeting. Our prayers are with...Read More » ”
7 of 15 | Posted by: Peter and Jane Scoppa - Pearland, TX

“My deepest condolences. My prayers are with you. ”
8 of 15 | Posted by: Gwen Scott - Norfolk, VA

“Shirley, I was saddened to learn of Bob's passing. I know both of you were strong in faith, and that your faith will carry you through these days....Read More » ”
9 of 15 | Posted by: Keith Willyard, Chaplain - VA

“So sorry to hear this news. I worked for Bob when he was at the Bank of Va. Everyone loved Bob Fentress. You just do not see that very often, if ever...Read More » ”
10 of 15 | Posted by: Fritz Brothers - Virginia Beach, VA

“Dear Shirley, You are in my thoughts and prayers in this time of loss. Bob was a wonderful servant to God, the church, the community and perfect...Read More » ”
11 of 15 | Posted by: Judith Casey Lyndon - VA

“Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on Bob's passing. ”
12 of 15 | Posted by: Steve & Betty Bilenky - VA

“Dear Shirley: We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family on Bob's passing. You are in our prayers. ”
13 of 15 | Posted by: Tommy and Elaine Kyrus - VA

“Shirley ~ What a faithful servant ~ who lead by example to encourage us all ~ with you right by his side. Your family is in our thoughts and...Read More » ”
14 of 15 | Posted by: Kathi & Ken Barefoot - VA

“Dear Shirley and Barrie, I was sorry to hear about the death of Bob.I know you will miss him so.He was such a nice man with such fine character.I...Read More » ”
15 of 15 | Posted by: Kathy Bowling - Virginia Beach, VA


Robert E. Fentress, 85, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and special friend to many, passed away September 11, 2011. He was born in Norfolk, VA on February 26, 1926, and moved to Virginia Beach, VA in the 50's. Bob is survived by his wife, Shirley McFarland Fentress; their daughter, Barrie Fentress Tracy, and husband, Michael, of Virginia Beach, VA; grandson, Michael Tracy, of Virginia Beach, VA; granddaughter, Elizabeth Tracy McGovern and husband, Brian, their daughter, Emily, and son, Nolan, of Virginia Beach, VA. Also left to cherish his memory are brothers and their spouses, Donald I. and Gail M. Fentress of Virginia Beach, VA and H. Duke and Brenda M. Fentress of Raleigh, NC. Additional survivors include several cousins and in-laws, along with numerous nieces and nephews who all loved "Uncle Bob". Drafted into the Navy in 1944, Bob served with honor aboard LST1044 in the Pacific during World War II. Returning home, he completed his high school education at Granby High School and attended William & Mary Norfolk Division. It was there he met his cheerleader for life who has been his dedicated wife and partner of 62 years. His career in banking with the Bank of Virginia, Commerce Bank, and BB&T spanned over 50 years. He was well known and highly regarded in the business community for his ability to listen to clients and friends and help them solve their financial and business problems. He did banking "the old fashioned way". His love of the Lord was evidenced by his commitment to numerous Christian endeavors, which included serving as an Elder for many years at his beloved Virginia Beach Community Chapel. Bob's business style and sense of concern for others led him into serving on the Virginia Beach City Council from 1984 to 1992; he was Vice-Mayor for four of those years. He also served as President of Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce, Chairman Neptune Festival and Chairman Tidewater Transportation Commission, along with active participation in the following organizations: Virginia Transit Association, Virginia House Beach Corporation, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Virginia State Bar District Commission, Regency University Business School Advisory Board, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Science Museum of Eastern Virginia, Virginia College Fund, Virginia Beach Center for the Arts, Virginia Beach Development Authority and Virginia Marine Science Museum. In retirement, Bob & Shirley were frequently seen walking or biking on the boardwalk and dining at local restaurants, usually visiting with friends along the way. When his health deteriorated he became one of the first residents at The Memory Center. The family is indebted to the staff for providing a cheerful, caring environment, allowing him the highest quality of life possible during his bout with dementia. A private burial will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery. A memorial service and celebration of Bob's life will be held at Virginia Beach Community Chapel on Thursday, September 15, 2011, at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Virginia Beach Community Chapel, 1261 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 or to Stonecroft Ministries, PO Box 9609, Kansas City, MO, 64134. "And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" John 11:26 Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.