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TRYON–Wesley Sherwood “Bob” Bessell, Jr., 103, of Tryon, died peacefully Friday, August 9, 2024, at his home. 

Born July 9, 1921, in Port Washington, New York, to Bertha Kinzley and architect Wesley Sherwood Bessell, Bob graduated from Port Washington High School in 1941, having captained the football team and served as Senior Class President. In 1941, he volunteered for the United States Maritime Service, entering as an ordinary seaman and attaining the rank of Lt. Commander.  His first merchant ship, the “U.S. West Hardaway,” was torpedoed in the Caribbean in June 1942. He served in multiple convoys in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Pacific theatres for the duration of World War II.

Bob married Sheila Brabin of Wallasey, Cheshire, on June 22, 1946. Their happy marriage lasted for 72 years. He and Sheila lived full lives, sharing their compassion and humor with others. After retiring as a construction engineer, Bob greatly enjoyed traveling with his wife and compiling the written history of his wartime service. He is included in the Library of Congress Veteran’s History Project and received the Congressional Gold Medal as an honorary Merchant Mariner of World War II.

Bob Bessell’s wonderful disposition and humor are stitched into the fabric of the lives of all who knew him. He is survived by his three children, Kim Attwooll (Jim), Michael Bessell (Patrice), Matthew Bessell (Peter), four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 16th, 2024. Service will be at 2 p.m.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, “Be the reason someone smiles!”

An online guest register is available at mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

 

McFarland Funeral Chapel

Tryon