Robert Carlton Ferrell

September 28, 1943 - August 23, 2025

Robert Carlton Ferrell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, peacefully passed

away on August 23, 2025, in Hartsville, South Carolina, surrounded by his children. He was

81 years old.

Born in Fort Yuma, California, on September 28, 1943, to Earl and Olga (Day) Ferrell, Bob

lived a life defined by service, adventure, and an unwavering love for his family.

Bob's greatest love was his devoted wife, Joy (Shields) Ferrell, whom he married on August

20, 1965. Together for nearly 60 years until Joy's passing on January 2, 2024, their love story

was one of true partnership and devotion. When Joy began suffering from Parkinson's

Disease, Bob became her primary caregiver, tenderly caring for her at home until the last

two years of her life when specialized care was needed. Even after she moved to a care

facility, Bob visited her every single day, demonstrating the depth of his love and

commitment. Bob often said that his Joy was not just his wife's name, but what she brought

to his life every single day.

A man of many passions, Bob was perhaps most recognized for his love of aviation. His

eyes would light up and scan the sky whenever he heard the sound of a jet engine, and he

could identify aircraft with remarkable precision. This passion led him to serve his country

with distinction in the United States Air Force from March 1967 to October 1976, where he

served as a Weapons Systems officer in F-4 Phantoms, achieving the rank of Captain. His

service included deployments to Korea, Japan, and Alaska during the Vietnam and Cold

War eras. He later continued his military service in the Navy Reserve, retiring as a

Lieutenant Commander in October 1993.

When he wasn't soaring through the skies, Bob could often be found on his motorcycle,

seeking adventure on dirt roads less traveled, or crafting model airplanes with his brother

Ken. His love for the outdoors, great music, and electronics enriched not only his own life

but the lives of those around him.

After his military service, Bob worked in various positions before ultimately retiring from

Lockheed Martin, where he contributed to the design of the F-35. Though he worked as an

engineer for much of his career, he always considered himself a pilot first. But those who

knew him best remember him not for his professional accomplishments, but for his

generous heart and willingness to serve others.

As an adult convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bob embraced his

faith wholeheartedly and served faithfully in numerous Church assignments including

Scoutmaster, Young Men presidencies, ward and stake clerk, bishopric counselor, stake

high council, and branch president. Even during challenging times—including a difficult

period when he was laid off and struggled to find steady employment—Bob continued to

serve faithfully in church leadership while never asking his wife to leave their children to

work outside the home.

Bob made countless sacrifices for his family and was known for his wise counsel and

generous spirit. In his later years, especially after Joy's passing, he found renewed joy in

being close to his grandchildren, though he deeply missed his beloved wife.

Bob is survived by his six children: Ryan Ferrell; Meisha (Ferrell) Madsen (Tyler); Travis

Ferrell (Tami); Jason Ferrell (Miranda); Devin Ferrell (Eloise); and Justin Ferrell (Katie). He

was blessed with 16 grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy. He is also survived by

his brother, Ken Ferrell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Olga Ferrell, and most significantly, by

his beloved wife Joy, with whom he is now joyfully reunited.

Those who knew Bob will remember him as a man who tried more often than he didn't—a

man, whose generous heart, willingness to serve, and testimony of his Savior touched

countless lives. While far from perfect, as he would readily admit, his efforts to live with

integrity and love made a lasting impact on all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 6:30 PM at The Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 981 W Carolina Ave, Hartsville, SC 29550.

Until we meet again, Bob. Go be with your Joy.