Robert Lee "Bob" Pannell, age 86, of 419 Pine Street, Clifton Forge, died Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at Woodhaven Nursing Home in Montvale, VA.

Bob was born February 22, 1923 in Hinton, West Virginia, a son of the late Arthur F. and Glenna Cooper Pannell.

He served in the United States Army during World War II as an aide to General Eisenhower.

He was a retired railroad clerk for Chessie System Railroad.

He was a member of Central United Methodist Church, where he was in the Men's Bible Class, and a member of the Clifton Forge Elks Lodge B.P.O.E., having been a past state president of the Virginia B.P.O.E.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Jean Brackens Pannell in 1997.

He is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Rodes and husband, Philip of Covington; and two grandchildren, Rachael Elizabeth Rodes Metcalf and husband, Troy of Roanoke; and Doug Rodes III of Richmond.

A private graveside funeral service will be held on Friday in Mountain View Cemetery, Clifton Forge with Reverend Mike Warren officiating. There will be no visitation.

Arrangements are being handled by Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge.