Robert Leroy Firestone
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      Robert Leroy Firestone

      June 9, 2026

      Robert Leroy Firestone, 87, of Moyock, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his residence on June 9, 2026. Born in 1939 in Erie, Pennsylvania, Robert spent his early years in Erie before proudly serving in the United States Navy. During his life, he raised a family, owned a dairy farm, and later became a truck driver, earning the nickname "Hay Dude" along the way.

      A talented craftsman and entrepreneur, Robert eventually founded his own sandblasting business, where he restored old tractors, trailers, and trucks. Known by many as "Hay Dude," "Tractor Man," and simply "Mr. Firestone," he was admired for his strong work ethic, creativity, and remarkable ability to engineer and design solutions for any project. If something needed to be built, repaired, or improved, Robert could usually find a way.

      Of all the titles he held throughout his life, the ones that meant the most to him were Husband, Dad, and Grandpa. Robert was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters, his stepson, James Harless, and his grandson, Carl Brango. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Hallie Firestone, with whom he shared 37 wonderful years of marriage. Together they blended and built a loving family. Robert is also survived by his four children; Edward, Joe, Jeff, and Kelly, three step-children; Alvin, Donald and Tabitha, 16 grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

      Robert's legacy lives on through the family he loved, the lives he touched, and the countless projects that bear the mark of his skillful hands. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

      "A life well lived leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts of those left behind."

      The family warmly invites all who knew and loved Robert to join them in celebrating his life on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The Celebration of Life will be held at 181 Guinea Road, Moyock, NC 27958. We welcome family and friends to gather, share memories, and honor the life and legacy of Robert Leroy Firestone. Following the service, we invite everyone to stay, share memories, and celebrate Robert's life together. This will be a potluck gathering, and guests are welcome to bring a favorite dish to share.  Please share expressions of sympathy with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.

        OUR HISTORY

        The Nags Head Chapel and Company Headquarters

        Nags Head Chapel

        Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was founded in Nags Head, NC in 2006 by licensed North Carolina Funeral Director Courtney N. Gallop. This independent, minority and woman-owned start-up funeral home challenged the existing monopoly firm which had sole control of all funeral care, goods, and services provided in Manteo, the Outer Banks, and Currituck County for nearly 100 years.

        Finally - someone brought competition into the local funeral industry. As a direct result of Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., local families now have choices, options, alternatives, fairer pricing, flexibility, and a higher level of service in funeral care for their loved ones.

        The Barco Memorial Chapel - Currituck

        Barco Chapel

        In 2016, Gallop Memorial Chapel was opened in Barco, NC. The spacious, newly remodeled facility is the first and only funeral service-related business ever to locate in Currituck County. The Barco Gallop Memorial Chapel is conveniently located near the Outer Banks, Moyock and Elizabeth City. The elegant yet relaxing chapel interior is welcoming and comfortable for viewings, family gatherings, funerals, and memorial services. Our Barco chapel is perfectly equipped to serve all faiths and families in the county.

        Courtney Gallop and the staff at Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. are committed to excellence. We continue to improve, grow, invest, and learn in order to provide the highest level of service for all families entrusted to our care.

        Capital Crematory

        Capital Crematory

        In 2011, we built and established Capital Crematory, the first and only crematory ever in Dare County. The crematory supports Gallop Funeral Services and also provides professional cremation services for other funeral homes in the Albemarle area. Having our own local crematory means your loved one's cremation will be handled personally by owners of the funeral home, 100% locally, quickly, and at the best pricing.

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