Bob was born July 30, 1934, to David Forester and Margie Lambert Baker.  His six brothers (David, Ewell, Ewing, Eugene, Richard, and Hubert) and one sister (Mary Elizabeth) preceded him in death.  Bob was educated in the public-school systems of Kentucky and Virginia, graduating from Christopher Gist High School in 1952.

He graduated from Emory and Henry College in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in Math and Physics. Following graduation, Bob taught for four years at Coeburn High School at Coeburn, VA.  Here he met a beautiful high school senior, Barbara, who in 1957 became his faithful and loving wife, sweetheart, companion, and friend until her death February 4, 2004.  God blessed this marriage with two boys, Bobby Ray (Jr.) and Michael Scott.

Bob had a varied career as a civilian employee of the Department of the Army and in private industry for over thirty years.  He was employed as a mathematician, computer programmer, and program manager in various support roles to the Staff of the US Army Headquarters at the Pentagon and other classified offices of the US Army.

At the time of his retirement, he was supervising a team of budget analysts, contract officers, and information on systems analysts in monitoring hundreds of contracts between Headquarters Department of the Army and private industry.  Bob was a very private Christian man who did not seek public praise or recognition.  When such things came, Bob accepted them with humility and restraint.  He was known for aggressive management expecting subordinates to do their best, a trait which he possessed during each of his job assignments. He was ordained a deacon in 1976 and taught Sunday school classes for many years.

On August 29, 2024, Bob was welcomed into the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ, where he was reunited with his family members who preceded him in death: his beloved wife, parents, siblings, daughter-in-law Jennifer Baker, and grandchildren Brandon Baker and Avery Baker.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law: Bobby Jr. (Jill) and Scott (Rhonda); grandchildren: Brittany (Kyle) Corrigan, Heather Baker, William (Sarah) Baker, Andrew (Chelsea) Baker, Benjamin Baker, Felicity Baker, Adeline Baker, Baby Boy Baker; great-grandchildren: Clarke Corrigan, Amelia Baker, Jennifer Baker, Jesse Baker, Reagan Baker, Baby Boy Baker, Baby Girl Baker; and numerous nephews and nieces.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 6-8 pm, at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg. Funeral service will be Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 12:30 pm, at Faithway Baptist Church in Leesburg, VA.