Mr. Robert Knox Fears III, 79, of Atlantic, husband of Teresa Lynne Fears, passed away on Feb. 14, 2026, in Newark, Del.
Born on Nov. 23, 1946, in Elkton, Md., he was the son of the late Robert Knox Fears Jr. and Mabel Ella Bryan.
Bob held numerous law enforcement roles over the years, including serving as a deputy sheriff in Northampton County, chief of Exmore police, and an arson and homicide investigator.
He also held a master captain’s license and was a charter boat captain and dock builder.
Larger than life, Bob never met a stranger. He loved nothing more than smoking his cigarettes, sipping his coffee, and holding court at any of the many coffee club gatherings. He will be missed for his outgoing, gregarious personality, his strong opinions, and his many friendships.
Other than his wife of 34 years, Robert is survived by his sons, Robert K. Fears IV and his wife, April Olivia Fears, and Creston Parker Fears and his wife, Tanya Phillips Fears; his grandchildren, Jenna Fears, Robbie Fears, and Brent Lilliston. He is also survived by Kathyanne P. Runninger, the mother of his children.
No services are planned at this time.
Arrangements are by the Thornton Funeral Home in Parksley, VA.
