Sergeant First Class Robert Stahl “Bob” Fetterman Jr. (U.S. Army, Retired), 76, passed away at his home in Bloxom, on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.
Born Oct. 29, 1949, in Nassawadox and raised in Quinby, he was the son of the late Robert Stahl Fetterman Sr. and Irene Beverly Godbey Fetterman.
Following graduation from high school, Bob proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army, faithfully serving his country for two years during the Vietnam War.
Upon returning home to the Eastern Shore, he married the love of his life, Pamela Smith, in April 1971, and the following year re-enlisted in the army. That re-enlistment began with five years stationed in Germany, after which the Fettermans returned stateside. During this time, Bob completed numerous military training programs, many with a focus on recruitment and retention.
He spent the final 12 years of his military career as a recruiter, including three years serving his home community. After more than two decades of dedicated service, Sergeant First Class Fetterman retired on Jan. 31, 1992.
After retiring from military service, the Fettermans returned to the Shore, where Bob pursued a passion for law enforcement that began during his time in the service. He began his career as a corrections officer with the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and later served with the Parksley Police Department. While working in Parksley, Bob recognized the need for law enforcement in the neighboring town of Bloxom, and through his dedication and persistence he was instrumental in establishing the Bloxom Police Department.
Never one to let the grass grow under his feet, Bob’s second retirement proved to be nearly as brief as his first, as he returned to work within days. Over the years, he held various positions at Walmart, Eastern Shore Community College, T&W Block, and most recently NAPA — just to name a few —ensuring there were few people on the Eastern Shore Bob had not befriended. In his “spare” time, he enjoyed deer hunting, woodworking, and sharing his expertise as a local gunsmith, putting his firearm skills to good use.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Pamela Roxanne “Pam” Fetterman; his children, Aimee Hole and her husband, Robert Jr., of Gargatha, and Noelle Leigh Fetterman and Robert S. “Bobby” Fetterman III, both of Bloxom; his sister, Beverly Fetterman Sebra and her husband, Ken, of Quinby; his brother, Douglas W. Fetterman and his wife, Donna, of Deep Creek; his grandchildren, Pamela, Andrew, Helena “Holly,” Robert IV “Robbie,” and Bradley; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Kenna Charles “K.C.” Fetterman and his wife, Betty, and William Phillips Fetterman.
Funeral services with military honors will be conducted from the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 4 p.m. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., as well as one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, Md.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to our local first responders, not only for their assistance during their time of need, but for all they do for those throughout the Eastern Shore community.
Contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418, www.shorespca.com
Memory tributes may be shared with at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
