Robert Barham

Robert (Bob) Barham, 81, of Naples, Florida, passed away very suddenly at home on Wednesday, August 24, 2011. Formerly from Roanoke, VA, Bob and his wife, Wendela, moved to Naples in 1996 where they met and maintained a large group of devoted friends. Bob graduated Virginia Tech in 1951. As a student, he was an active member in the German Club and served as its vice president. He was also the president of the Biology Club and a senator in the civilian student body. He made many of his lifelong friends while at Tech. Following graduation, Bob went on to serve in the Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed at Mathers Air Force base in California. Once his tour was complete, he began what would prove to be a long and distinguished career in the insurance industry. He was a Chartered Financial Consultant, a Certified Life Underwriter, a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and served as president of the National Association of Life Underwriters. He was dedicated to implementing positive changes in the insurance industry and ultimately was instrumental in shaping the industrys laws which still help protect consumers today. Before moving from Alabama to Virginia, Bob was active in and served as president of the Birmingham Jaycees where he supported equal rights for blacks while riots in Selma were raging against them. Bob lived his life with passion and an immense sense of community. Bob will be deeply missed by Wendela, his loving wife of 44 years; his two sons, Ted and Justin Barham; and his three daughters, Katherine Barham, Suzanne Fletcher, and Shelley Barham. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Melissa and Allison Fletcher, Laura Barham, and Oscar and Gunner Barham, whom he was proud of and loved dearly. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Barham, of Fairfax, VA. Bob was the son of the late Robert T. Ted Barham and Mildred Ault Barham. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 1 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem. A period of visitation will then follow until 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers or cards, the family asks that donations be made in Bobs name to the American Heart Association at 4504 Starkey Road Suite 115 in Roanoke, VA 24018. The Barham family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.