Robert Stephen (Bob) Pless, of Lexington, Virginia, a gifted attorney and one of Duke University's most avid sports fans, died on Thursday, November 17, 2011.

Bob was born on October 6, 1939, to Asbury Glenn and KenEtta (Fulton) Pless.

He was born and grew up in Galax, Va.

Bob was an Eagle Scout, gifted athlete and scholar. Bob graduated from Galax High School in 1957. After high school, he attended and was graduated from Duke University with a degree in accounting. He went on to further his education at Washington and Lee University Law School, graduating from W & L in 1965 with a Juris Doctorate in Law.

While at Washington and Lee, Bob edited the law review and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

Bob married Kay Barnett, on August 25, 1962. They settled in Richmond, Va., after Bob completed law school. While living in Richmond, Bob and Kay started their own family; Stephen Daniel, born in 1968, and Andrew Bryant, born in 1971.

Bob began his career practicing general law. He moved on to be lead counsel for the Larus and Brother Company. After having lived in Richmond for many years, Bob and his family moved to Atlanta, Ga. Bob dedicated the remainder of his career to the Lane Limited group, and he aided this company through many significant transitions. He retired from Lane Limited in 2002.

Outside of work, Bob could be found at home with his family. He participated actively in community services, such as Boy Scouts, and the Jaycees. Being an avid sports fan, Bob loved watching his son Bryant, and his alma mater, Duke, playing intense games of basketball.

Besides his parents, Bob was predeceased by his first born son, Stephen, in 1975. Bob is survived by his wife, Kay; his son, Bryant and daughter-in-law, Tamara Dutil-Pless, of Jericho, Vt.; beloved grandchildren, Isabel and Iain; dear friend and sister-in law, Margaret Pless, of Durham, N.C.; and niece and nephew, Ellen and Jack Pless.

Per Bob's request, his celebration of life and burial will be a private family service. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that gifts in Bob's memory be made to R.E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church, in Lexington, Va.

The Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville, is in charge of arrangements.