Robert “Bob” Hall Cruise passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 9, 2021.
Bob was born on March 12, 1931 in Staunton, Va., to Guy and Stella Cruise. He grew up in Pulaski and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He later earned an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.
He served honorably in the U.S. Army following graduation from Virginia Tech. He began his post-military career with the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Bob enjoyed a 31-year career with Hercules, Inc., serving in management positions in Radford, Kenvil, N.J., Parlin, N.J., Wilmington, Del., and Salt Lake City, Utah. He capped his career as President of Hercules’ subsidiary Global Environmental Solutions.
Bob married Mary (“Lucille”) Allen of Radford, and together they raised their four children in Radford and later in Succasunna, N.J. Following Bob’s retirement in 1992, Bob and Lucille moved back to Virginia and enjoyed traveling, spending time with their children and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bob participated actively in various churches everywhere they lived, but he always maintained a close connection to his home church, First Baptist Church of Radford. He loved music and was blessed with the talent of playing by ear. He enjoyed playing piano for his church, his family, his friends, in various bands, and in local nursing homes. He was also an enthusiastic Virginia Tech supporter.
Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary “Lucille” Cruise; daughters Jill Carolan (Paul) and Jan McKee (Gene); sons Mark Cruise (Kelly) and Scott Cruise (Martine); 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Guy and Stella Cruise.
A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church of Radford at 11 a.m. today, Mar. 13, 2021.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to First Baptist Church of Radford (fbcradford.org/give).
The Cruise family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
