Robert (Bob) Saffles, 93, of Englewood, died Thursday night, December 12, 2019 at NHC of Athens.
Robert F.D. Saffles was born October 26, 1926 in Englewood, TN his father was the late George Washington Saffles. He was also preceded in death by his son Terry Lynn Saffles.
He was a member of the Englewood Church of Christ, VFW, American Legion and the Englewood Lions Club.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War, he continued his military career in the U.S. Air Force for 25 years as an Autopilot Compass System Specialist and served in the Vietnam War.
After retirement from the military he received his college degree from Tennessee Wesleyan University.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Maybell Harris Saffles of Englewood; daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Frank Erwin of Nashville; one grandson, Christopher Terry Erwin of Nashville; and two brothers, Larry (Becky) Saffles and Richard Saffles all of Knoxville.
A funeral service will be conducted, 1:00 pm, Tuesday, December 17, 2019 in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home with Minister Dewayne Harris officiating. Interment will follow in Sunrise Cemetery in Englewood. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am till 1:00 pm at the funeral home prior to the service.
The family wishes to give a special thank you to Hospice of Chattanooga and all the nurses and staff at NHC.
Pallbearers will be Chris Erwin, Sam Hornsby, Joe Ben Kincaid, Tanner Harris, James Hornsby, and Larry Saffles. Honorary pallbearer will be Richard Saffles.