Robert Glenn Shuford (Bob or Shoestring) 90, entered the gates of heaven Sunday morning, October 12th, surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was born on October 10, 1935, in Barnardsville, where he lived his entire life. He was a son to the late David Glenn and Grace Dillingham Shuford. He was preceded in death by an infant brother.

Bob is survived by his wife, of nearly 65 years, Alma Dills Shuford; son and daughter-in-law, John Glenn and Kimla Shuford; daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia Grace and Keith Kiser; grandsons, Justin Fisher, Clint Shuford and wife Leah; step-grandson, Dylan Kiser; granddaughter, Hayli Mace and husband Brock; great-granddaughter, Tillie Shuford and an expected baby Shuford as well as several cousins.

Robert was a member of the last graduating class of Barnardsville High School in 1954.

He was a charter member of the Barnardsville Fire Department, where he faithfully volunteered. He was also a lifelong member of Barnardsville Baptist Church, serving as a trustee, bell ringer, and on various committees.

He served in the U.S. Army in Germany for two years as a heavy equipment mechanic. Upon his return to Barnardsville, he worked and then retired from NCDOT with 32 years of service as a heavy equipment operator. Robert built and maintained roads, even plowing heavy snow. It was during these years that he gained many friends and earned the nickname "Shoestring".

Bob's love for farming framed his life. He could be found on the tractor taking care of the needed chores in the garden, pasture, or hay field. His whistling, a sound that is missed, awakened his family and neighbors as the sun crossed the mountain.

A funeral service will be held 2:00pm on Wednesday, October 15th, in the Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service. Reverend Shane Lunsford and best friend Bobby Webb will officiate. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00pm prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will follow in West Memorial Park, 40 Roberts Rd. Weaverville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Barnardsville Baptist Church at P.O Box 8, Barnardsville, NC 28709 or Barnardsville Fire Department at P.O. Box 126, Barnardsville, NC 28709.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.