Robert Edwin Rollason, Jr.

Kill Devil Hills- Bobby Rollason age 65 of Kill Devil Hills passed away February 19, 2010 at home surrounded by family and friends, after a courageous battle of esophageal cancer. He was born in Niagara Falls, NY to the late Robert “Bob” and Mabel S. Rollason. He was also predeceased by brothers Richard Young, Charles Thomas and Lawrence Rollason.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years Sherry Rollason, sons Robert “Rob” Rollason and wife Susan and Richard “Rich” Rollason and wife Sarah, three grandchildren, Benjamin, Charlotte and James Robert all of Kill Devil Hills, sister Evelyn Rollason of Kill Devil Hills, brother John Young and wife Bette of Yorktown, Aunts Lucy S Perry of Orlando, FL and Shelby Jean Aydlett of Powells Point, mother-in-law, Vera S Gallop of Harbinger, sister-in laws Ann Rollason of Jacksonville, FL and Kathy G West and husband Bruce of Chesapeake, VA , brother-in-laws Ralph Lee Gallop, Jr and wife Brenda and Marvin Lee Gallop of Harbinger, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Bobby’s service to country and community began early in life. Enlisting in the United States Army in 1966, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam. In 1973, Bob joined the Kill Devil Hills Volunteer Fire Department, eventually rising to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief. Feeling that he could do more for the community, Bobby ran a successful campaign for the Kill Devil Hills Board of Commissioners in 1977 and was subsequently reelected several times. Bobby was appointed to the Dare County Land Transfer Tax Appeals Board upon its inception and was elected Chairman in 2008. Additional civic service included charter memberships in the First Flight Lions Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10950, Nags Head. Inspired by his father, Bobby became a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 521 of Manteo, Sudan Shrine Temple of New Bern, and Scottish Rite Valley of New Bern. He was a past patron of Roanoke Island Chapter No. 79 O.E.S. Bobby’s dedication to his community was recognized by Governor Michael Easley in 2004 when he was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. In 2008, he was again recognized for his years of service by the Town of Kill Devil Hills when he received the Mayor’s Service Award.

Bobby created the family business Rollason & Wood Realty, Inc. with the help of his father in 1971. His loving wife Sherry joined the firm a few years later and the two worked closely together until he retired in 2006. At the time of his retirement he held one of the oldest Real Estate Broker’s Licenses in the county and was one of the first Certified Residential Appraisers in the State of North Carolina.

Bobby’s recreational activities included hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Ridge Anglers and later the Neptune’s Nephews fishing teams. During his tenures, both teams landed several victories in local fishing tournaments. Fishing eventually gave way to hunting as Bobby became an avid whitetail deer hunter. In Spring and Fall, he could often be found at his farm, Rollo’s Mercedes, in Bertie County surround by hunting companions in the pursuit of whitetail deer and wild turkey.

A memorial service with Masonic Rites will be held Wednesday at 11:00 am, February 24th at Son Rise Church of Christ, located at 1311 Goldie Street, Kill Devil Hills by Minister Homer Styons. The family will receive visitors at the home address, 533 Myrtle Court, Kill Devil Hills.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to the Masonic Lodge No 521 Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1864, Manteo, NC 27954, Kill Devil Hills Fire Auxiliary, PO Box 2544 Kill Devil Hills or Dare County Health & Hospice, PO Box 1000, Manteo, NC 27954.

Gallop’s Funeral Services, Inc. is assisting the family in the arrangements. Condolences to the family may be expressed via the online registry.