Robert Banford Chellis

Robert Banford Chellis, 63, died at home in Ruckersville on 19 May 2021.  He is preceded in death by his Mother and Father, Ella and Leroy Sr. Chellis of Johnson City, New York.  Rob is survived by Theresa Tews-Chellis, his wife and best friend for more than 20 years; his sons whom he was honored to have raised, Mark Tews, of Corning, New York, and Steven and Hannah Tews, of Charlotte, North Carolina; and his five brothers, Craig and Sherry Chellis of Colorado, Scott and Dee Chellis of North Carolina, Lee and Theresa Chellis of Pennsylvania, Brett Chellis and his partner Doug English Jr. of New York, and Wren Bynoe of New York.

Over the years Rob has held all manner of positions, from his first job as a grocery clerk (where he quickly rose in rank to the position of Assistant Manager) to ones cybersecurity-related. These opportunities provided him the utmost job satisfaction and the opportunity to travel the world.

Much more than his jobs, He was most proud of his time as a volunteer firefighter, having served 20 years active with the O. L. Davis Fire Company, Endwell, NY, serving in several positions including the rank of Captain. The Fire district elected him an Honorary Member once he left to seek other opportunities.  Rob was an esteemed member of the BBOP and is well known in the circles of model makers, Russian historians, craft beer aficionados, and strategists; he could talk politics, religion, agriculture, and food as easily as most of us discuss the weather, injecting both wry wit and dad-jokes with ease.  He was quick to offer his time and assistance where needed (as evidenced by his time as a Church Warden and his recent qualifications for FEMA) and just as quick to open his home to friends and family.  Rob loved deep-sea fishing when in Key West, loved Key West (and tried to assemble a sept of highland fusiliers several years back), and loved True North, his home in Ruckersville, VA situated in the foothills of the Shenandoah Mountains.

A Celebration of Rob’s Life will be held at 11 am on June 5th, 2021. A brief ceremonial moment of silence will be held at high noon for family and close friends. For further questions or inquiries please contact Rob’s brother Brett at bchellis@stny.rr.com.  In lieu of flowers, Rob would prefer you spend your time and money on a celebratory meal (to include dessert) with those you hold dear and raise a glass to his memory, celebrating his life rather than his passing.