Robert Prentiss Asbury Jr.

Robert “Bob” Prentiss Asbury Jr. of Radford, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on September 25, 1938, in Bluefield, West Virginia, Bob graduated from Radford High School in 1957, where he met his future wife, Carol Copko. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1963 while participating in the cooperative education program with Appalachian Power.

Bob devoted his career to public service and community development. He began as superintendent of the City of Radford’s Water and Electric Department, then served as city manager in Mount Holly, North Carolina, and Elizabethton, Tennessee. In 1979 he returned to Radford as city manager, a position he held for more than two decades until his retirement in 2002, becoming one of the city’s longest-serving managers. He played a central role in guiding Radford through growth and change, advancing economic development, infrastructure, and regional cooperation. He was also a founding board member of the New River Resource Authority and continued to represent the City of Radford on its board for many years.

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Carol, in 1960. They shared 66 years of marriage and raised three sons while living most of their lives in Radford, where Carol taught in the city schools. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who cared deeply for those around him. An avid outdoorsman, Bob found great joy in fly fishing and was a skilled fly tier who loved teaching the craft, especially to his sons. He developed a lasting connection to the Watauga River during his time in Tennessee and remained a passionate advocate for conserving natural resources, wildlife, and habitat. He was also an accomplished golfer who recorded five holes-in-one.

Bob is survived by his wife, Carol Copko Asbury of Radford, Virginia; his sons, Maj. Robert P. Asbury III, USAF (Ret.) (Eileen) of Yorktown, Virginia, John C. Asbury (Wendy) of Richmond, Virginia, and Scott C. Asbury (Jennifer) of Niwot, Colorado; his granddaughters, Jessica Asbury Versaw (Ryan), Julie Asbury, and Audrey Asbury; and his great-granddaughters, Adelaide Versaw and Vera Versaw. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert P. Asbury Sr. and Ivy P. Asbury. He will be remembered for his quiet dedication to public service, his love of the outdoors and animals, his devotion to family, and the many lives he touched through his leadership, mentorship, and friendship.