Robert Millard Walsh, 80, of Mars Hill entered the glory of Heaven on August 11, 2021, surrounded by his family, after fighting a courageous two-year battle with ALS. A native of Asheville, he was the son of the late Jack Walsh and Ada Buckner Walsh. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Donald E. Walsh; mother-in-law, Ruby S. Cooke; his brother-in-law and fishing buddy; Claude Harris and brother-in-law Jerry Eury.

Robert Served North Carolina for 31 years with the North Carolina State Highway patrol. His first duty station with Anson County (Wadesboro). In 1974, he was promoted to the rank of Line Sergeant as a Traffic Safety Information officer, covering eight counties in the Piedmont area of North Carolina. In 1979, he and his family transferred to Madison County where he served the remainder of his career as Line Sergeant in Troop G. District 1 (Madison, Yancey, Mitchell and Avery County) until his retirement in 1995. He was very will respected and loved by his troopers and law enforcement officers from many agencies.

Robert was affectionately known as the "Singing Trooper". He was well known for his beautiful bass voice, singing in his church choir, as a soloist, and in quartets. He also sang in numerous weddings, funerals and special events throughout his life. He had an amazing sense of humor, always telling a joke or sharing a funny story. He was a faithful member of California Creek Baptist Church for 42 years, serving as Chairman of the Deacons, Sunday school teacher, choir director, bus driver, and Sunday school superintendent. His favorite Bible Scripture was Romans Chapter 13. He was a member and Past Master of French Broad Masonic Lodge #292 in Marshall, NC and a member of the Scottish Rite. He was also a member of the Mars Hill Lions Club for many years. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed watching Alabama football games with his son.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of nearly 61 years, Jean C. Walsh of Mars Hill; his daughter, Cindy W. Rice of Mars Hill; his son, Brian M. Walsh of Arden; two grandchildren, Kristin E. Rice of Mars Hill, and Justin R. Rice (Kandace) of Mars Hill; four great grandchildren, Kaden Burnette, Ansley Rice, Maddox and Adaleigh Rice. He is also survived by his brother, Harold L. Walsh (Cathy) of Canton; his sister, Susan W. Eury of Lake Lure; brother-in-law, George H. Cooke of Asheville, and sister-in-law, Sue Harris of Candler and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00PM Sunday, August 15, 2021, at California Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Josh McDevitt officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St, Oxford, NC 27565 or the Broyhill Home for Children, 111 Sneed Drive, Clyde NC 28721.

Online condolences may be made to www.blueridgefuneralservice.org