Robert Harrison Coultrip

Robert “Bob” Coultrip, Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away with his family at his side on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the age of 95.
Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 20 and was assigned to the 498th Bomb Squadron, starting in radar operation and maintenance. After 4 years of military service, Bob began his 34-year career at NASA, Langley Field, Hampton, VA. After retiring from NASA in 1984 and until 2000, he continued his work in aerospace innovation as the co-founder of Inductron Corporation in Grafton, VA. Over the decades, Bob was recognized by NASA as a pioneer, inventor and contributor to the successful development of America’s space program. He earned numerous awards for his work on Scout 8, Apollo11, Viking Lander Mission to Mars, the Space Shuttle Columbia, and LARC. He was the recipient of two Presidential Awards: the first in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter for his contribution to Apollo 11, Mankind’s first landing on the Moon, and the second Presidential Award by President Ronald Reagan, which commemorated the 25th Anniversary of America’s Space Program. Several of his inventions and technical briefs in the field of on-orbit space repairs were granted patents.
Bob loved his family above all else. Until his death, he was present at family gatherings, often traveling hundreds of miles to attend weddings, vacations and the long trip “up the country” for Sunday dinners and lunch dates. He never forgot a birthday. Family could count on a card and a phone call from “Ole Grand Daddy”. His dry wit and the twinkle in his eye will be sorely missed. He was a life-long member of Grafton Baptist Church where he enjoyed the fellowship with his Sunday School class.
Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Nickie Coultrip; son, Robert Coultrip, Jr.; and son-in-law, Donald Champion. He is survived by his children Nickie Champion, Eric Coultrip (Rosalie), Kurt Coultrip and daughter-in-law Victoria Coultrip. He also leaves his grandchildren Robert Coultrip III (Lisha), Noah Coultrip (Amanda), Selina Coultrip and Emily Coultrip; and great-grandchildren Robert Harrison Coultrip IV (MacKenzie), Toribio Coultrip, Seferina Coultrip, Micah Coultrip and Erik Coultrip.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Amory Funeral Home in Grafton, VA. Reverend David Price officiating. The family will receive family and friends before the service at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made to the charity of your choice.