Command Sargeant Major, Ret., Robert Francis Eckrich, Jr., passed peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on March 5, 2025 after a long battle with cancer.

Bob, as he was known to many, was born November 12, 1947 to Robert and Ethel Eckrich and attended Mount Vernon High School before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965. He fought valiantly and honorably in the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He spent 30 years in the Army and retired as Command Sargeant Major and President of the NCO Academy.

The U.S. Army recognized Bob for his honorable service with a Silver Star, specifically for his life saving efforts after a helicopter crash in enemy territory while fighting in Vietnam. He was also awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and many, many more. He made it his life's mission to mentor as many soldiers as he could to help them prepare for any challenges they may face.

After Bob retired, he took the love of teaching and mentoring he developed in the Army and turned it towards coaching softball in Winter Park, FL. He coached Winter Park Little League, Babe Ruth, and at Winter Park High School for 20 years. He was recently inducted into the WPHS Sports Hall of Fame.

He enjoyed country music, westerns, crime shows, cats, mentoring others, visiting with family, and cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers and the Washington Commanders.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Pam, his brother Jerry, and his sister Joan. He is survived by his current wife, Ann, his brother Mike, and two sisters, Penny and Violet. His legacy lives on through his daughters Danielle Eckrich, Victoria Eckrich, and Teresa Flye, along with his son, Jeff Eckrich, as well as five grandchildren and six (soon to be seven) great grandchildren.

His family has organized a viewing service to honor Bob's life and military service, which will be held at the Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society located at 1654 N Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32807.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and/or The Wounded Warrior Project.