Robert "Rob" Bennett Hairfield

Robert "Rob" Bennett Hairfield, 66, of Morganton, NC died Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at Burke Palliative Care Center in Valdese. Born April 2, 1946 in New York City, NY, Rob was a son of Joseph and Orael Ahrens Hairfield of Morganton. A U. S. Navy Vietnam veteran, he served 13 years in Naval electronics and saw active duty aboard the USS Forrestal and the USS Saratoga, both aircraft carriers. Rob was a studied writer and history buff. For many years, he was a passionate advocate for the education of Burke County students which culminated in serving a full 4 year term on the Burke County Schools Board of Education. Mr. Hairfield was a dedicated Christian man with a strong sense of moral principals and character. He was a devoted son, a loyal brother, and a loving father and grandfather. Of all the values he truly held dear, perhaps the closest to his heart was that of family and maintaining "The Ties That Bind."In addition to his parents, Rob is survived by a daughter, Anna Hairfield of Morganton; grandchildren, Jarred, Travis, Hannah, Nathan, Claire, and Cara; a brother, Steve Hairfield of Morganton; and sisters, Leslie Hairfield of Morganton and Jodie Hairfield Harrison and husband, John, of Hendersonville, NC; and nephews, Matt and Jay Dougher.The funeral will be held at Noon, Saturday, August 4, 2012 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating. A musical tribute will be presented by his daughter, grandchildren, and other family. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery with military rites conducted by the North Carolina National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard. Serving as Pallbearers will be grandsons, Jarred and Travis Stancil, and Nathan Holdsworth, and close friends, James Stamey, Wayne Abele, Rick Sherrill, Larry Thurston, Tim Buff, and Chuck Parris. The family will receive friends Saturday from 10:30 am until Noon at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Historic Burke Foundation, PO Box 915, Morganton, NC 28680, or to the Burke County Literacy Council, 300 North Green St., Suite 204, Morganton, NC 28655.