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April 25, 1940 – April 9, 2025

Point Harbor, NC – Capt. Robert Allan Sullivan, aka Big Bob, was born on April 25, 1940, to parents William Thomas Sullivan and Kathryn Hayman. Being an impatient man, he was born two months early and came home from the hospital in a shoe box, not expecting to survive. As we all know, he survived and thrived. His journey ended on April 9, 2025.

At the age of 11, he moved in with his grandparents, Allan Hayman and Ma Hayman. He began his journey of becoming a boat builder. At age 17, he joined the USCG for 4 years.

Of all of the great things that Bob did, he had four wonderful children and lived life on his own terms. Renowned for his boat-building skills, he also became a wonderful fisherman. In his almost 85 years, he never knew a stranger. He always had a joke and told you just how it was. No matter how bad it got, how dark it was, or how rough the bar was, he was always the one to keep pushing forward.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Bell Sullivan, and sister, Ellen Cudworth.

He is survived by his children, Tommy Sullivan (Toni), Neries Sullivan (Peggy), Douglas Sullivan (Kim), and Kellee Hochstetler (Jeremy); six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of friends.

A gathering was held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Twiford Outer Banks Chapel in Manteo and at other times at the home of Neries Sullivan, 943 Wingina Ave, Manteo. A memorial service with military honors was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Jarvisburg Church of Christ.

Rest easy, Capt. Bob. Tight lines and calm seas, Bazooka.

Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.

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