Bob is a military veteran and served during WWII, where he experienced and took part in the D-Day invasions of Normandy. He also served in the Korean War. Bob attended UNC Chapel Hill where he studied geology and also studied beekeeping at NC State University, and continued his apiculture studies at Ohio State University. Bob received his Master Beekeeper certification in 1981 by the Eastern Apiculture Society of North America. He has also been awarded three presidential volunteer awards for serving as a volunteer for foreign aid programs involving beekeeping practices worldwide. From 1996-2004, Bob helped beekeepers in over twenty-five developing countries—where he introduced modern techniques of beekeeping, taught queen rearing, helped to develop Beekeeping school curriculums, conducted many workshops and worked extensively to educate others on honey bee diseases and Varroa mite control. Additionally, in 2004 Bob was awarded North Carolina's highest civilian award, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. At over 90 years old, Bob continues to travel and teach various classes on beekeeping practices, and also still manages his own hives, moving them from his farm in the mountains to the eastern part of North Carolina season after season.