Robert Archie Archibald

LCDR RET Robert L. Archibald, age 80 left his earthly abode on 08/17/2013 to join his Heavenly Father and to reunite with those who he loved. Born in Calexico, California Archie was the twin brother of Roberta L Corley of Whittier, California, and was the older brother of Charlene Holmes of Albuquerque, New Mexico. He retired from the United States Navy in 1975 after 25 years of service to our country. He advanced through the ranks from Seaman to Chief Petty Officer and was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy Supply Corps in 1964 by Admiral John S. McCain. He served on the Destroyers USS Laffey, USS Robinson, and USS Rich, the Aircraft Carriers USS Enterprise and USS Independence, as well as on the staffs of CINCLANTFLT, COMNAVAIRLANT and COMPHIBLANT. In 1952, while on the USS Laffey, he participated in a rescue mission that resulted in the longest ship to shore battle of the Korean War. The ship was trapped in Wonson Harbor during a ten hour engagement with fortified enemy gun positions, during which time the ship expended virtually it's entire load of munitions, finally escaping the harbor in the darkness of night. He was also deployed with Navy Strike Groups during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Lebanon Cold War Crisis, and two Vietnam War-time deployments while serving on the USS Enterprise Strike Group in the first battle engagement of a nuclear Naval Task Force. The recipient of many service medals, he was most proud of the Navy Commendation Medal awarded to him in 1974 by Vice Admiral Michealis for his service on the USS Independence. After completing his Naval career he was active in the Tidewater Area Home building industry as a Chief Financial Officer, Senior Executive, and partner. Archie was a member and Past Master of Churchland Masonic Lodge #276, and was affiliated with Tidal Wave Masonic Lodge #273, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, and a member of the Royal Arch, a Khedive Temple Shriner, and member of Centenary Methodist Church. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Nellie Anne Archibald of Portsmouth, Virginia, his three sons Patrick, Paul, and Philip, seven grandchildren Aaron, Daniel, Amanda, Alea, Bryson, Andrew, and Sara, and three great grandchildren Roland, Kona, and Keegan. He love his wife and was proud of his sons, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, they filled his life with joy, sunshine, and love. From his humble beginnings he strived to constantly improve and advance himself and others in life and to serve as a living example of kindness and love to his family and those whose lives he touched. The family extends their gratitude and blessings to Dr.'s Cohen, Saman, Atienza, and Steward, and Lori Mitchell, Tamika Womack, for their kindness and care. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Centenary Methodist Church, or the Job's Daughters. Visitation hours with family will be Wednesday, August 21 from 4:30 to 5:30 at Loving Funeral Home in Portsmouth, Virginia with Service, and Masonic Rites to follow

Robert Archie Archibald

August 17, 2013