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1949-2023
Robert "Bob" Lewis Tarbuck 74 of Apex, NC passed away on July 24, 2023, at home surrounded by his partner, Paige Corkhill, his son, Robert Charles, and dear friends. He was born July 9, 1949, in East Liverpool, OH, son of the late Peter and Mary Tarbuck.
Bob graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1968. Drafted into the Army in 1969, he served in the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam where he experienced the Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord that raged from March 12, 1970, through July 23, 1970, with the most intense combat taking place in the month of July. Bob finished his service in Germany, returned home and joined the Army Reserves in Ohio. He attended classes at Kent State East Liverpool campus and worked at TS&T pottery and Quaker State Oil Refining Corporation.
He married Sharyn Fowler on January 29, 1972, and had a son, Robert Charles, in 1979. They moved to Raleigh, North Carolina in 1987 to start a courier service business, Graphics Express Inc. followed by T D Services Inc. and B & R Logistics Inc.
Bob retired in 2015 and enjoyed gathering with family and friends, travel, his annual NCAA basketball beach getaway with his buddies, high school and the annual FSB Ripcord Association reunions, and staying in shape at Rock Steady Boxing specifically designed for those with Parkinson's. Losing Bob is hard for all of us who were fortunate enough to know and love him, and his warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit will remain in our hearts forever.
Bob is survived by his loving partner of 11 years, Paige Corkhill, son, Robert (Rob) Charles, sister-in-law, Kristy Spahr, three nieces Leslie Spahr, Maddie Spahr, and Suzanne Abate, and special cousins Barbara and Joe Abate. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Sharyn, 2010, and brother, David, 2019.
In honor of Bob, consider making a tribute donation to the Parkinson's Foundation (www.parkinson.org) or the Ripcord Association (www.ripcordassociation.com).
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
8/14/23