Robert Edward Scarborough (Bob or Ed) peacefully followed the light to his Savior Jesus Christ on March 23 with family by his side. Ed was born and raised in Christiansburg, VA, to Margaret Myers and Zebulon Vance Scarborough on December 17, 1935. He grew up surrounded by inspirational people who helped guide his faith, his love of others, his work ethic and living in general. He always enjoyed a challenge and of course, creating a little mischief.
As a young man, he left college to raise his family, obtaining employment at General Electric in Salem, VA. Between the Salem plant and the one in Schenectady, NY, he completed GE’s three year Manufacturing Management Program then later studied Industrial Materials Management. During his later career at GE in Mebane, NC, he traveled for many Engineering assignments, including to Hawaii, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. After initially retiring at 55 and enjoying his big party and some months off, he was asked back to train his replacement, permanently retired at 58. Afterwards he began enjoying Hyco Lake in North Carolina more, moving there permanently a few years later.
There he loved time with family and friends on his pontoon and feeding the birds and ducks. That is, when he wasn’t engaged in his most loved and important work. Ed became a Mason in January 1966 and a Master Mason in March 1966. He became a Shrine Noble in 1976. Once retired, he was able to devote more time to their cause. He made 135 trips transporting children to and from treatment at Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, SC. On many of these trips, Noble Bob Hair was his co-driver. Ed retired from driving trips at age 80. He retired from other Noble work, fish fries, parades and fund raising events once no longer able.
Ed was a faithful member of Leasburg United Methodist Church for 20 years. We would like to thank every member who called and sent cards, the eleven or so who traveled to Virginia that day, as well as Jan and Jim Edwards who went over and above, and Pastor Ray who made multiple trips to Virginia
We’d also like to thank the Shrine Nobles, who called and visited to make his days brighter and supported us as well. And his GE friend, Quinton Phillips, who made multiple visits as well. Thank all for making Dad’s last years meaningful. He remained bright and happy even the few months he was in a wheelchair. He was still smiling until he was no longer able in his final days.
Ed was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Louise of 48 years, his brother, Zebulon Vance Scarborough, Jr. Also by his first wife and mother of his children, Kathy Scarborough and special Aunt and Uncle, Malcolm and Virginia of Christiansburg VA.
He is survived by his two daughters, Pat Craft (Kevin) and grandson Todd Craft of New Castle, VA; Caroline Bain (Jim) of Salem VA; and very special sister-in-law, Judy Scarborough (Joe) of Johns Creek, GA.
Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 27, at Leasburg United Methodist Church, 7550 US-158, Leasburg, NC. Visitation will be from 1PM until 2PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, SC.
So long for now Dad, we’ll be missing your laughter, your stories and your ear wiggling at any request.
