George Robertson

George was born the first of five in a time of unrest and many of his parents’ siblings were away at war. His parents John Royall Robertson Jr. and Gladys Mitchell Robertson were able to stay on the farm at Chestnut Ridge where the family had deep roots for generations in southern Chesterfield. George lost his legs to a farming accident as a toddler and this, as much as anything, shaped the man he would become.

The loss he suffered in these early years instilled in him an ability and drive to overcome every obstacle he faced, never complain, and to find joy in all things. He grew up in a time of service to community with the 4-H, the Woodpecker Grange and his church at Ivey Memorial which had been founded by his great-grandfather. This is where he met the love of his life and future wife Joan Doffmeyer. He and his wife raised three children: Robin Gail, George Wilmer Jr. (Chip), and Eva Marie who blessed him with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

George attended RPI/VCU and apprenticed in the drafting section with VDOT, became a Certified Land Surveyor working with Whitman, Carouth, Moore-Gardner, Timmons, and finally as owner of Downing Surveys in Ashland from 1987 until he retired in 2011. He taught at John Tyler for years, training a future generation of surveyors as a lasting legacy.

Through the years he has served South Chesterfield as Chief Elections Officer of the 314th Longhouse Precinct, South Chesterfield Ruritan Club, Chesterfield Fair Association, and the Richmond Emmaus Community. All the while growing in faith, serving his church, and singing with the Ivey Choir and Praise Team.

After the loss of his first wife, Joan, in 2005, George was fortunate enough to find love again when he met Carol Sparks. She was the widowed mother of three grown children, grand, and great-grandchildren of her own. George and Carol were married and loved and supported each other through all things until the end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Royall and Gladys; first wife, Joan; eldest daughter, Robin Gail Littell; niece, Teresa Kemp Thomas; step-daughter, Ramona Martin; and step-grandson, Jonathan Martin.

He is survived by his devoted wife Carol, beloved aunt Dolly and husband Dee Porter, sister Rebecca Henderson and Arthur, brother Royall Robertson, sister Elizabeth Honea and Paul, sister Sarah Zammett and John, and sisters-in-law Evelyn Kemp and Vernon, Brenda Irby and Edward, Barbara Smith and Dennis; son George Jr. and wife Pam, daughter Eva Booth, step-son Chuck Sparks and wife Olguita, step-daughter Stephanie Harris and husband Frank; grandchildren Megan Marie Beacham and Shane, Lauren Gail Littell George Robertson Ill, Rickey Booth, and Elizabeth Ann Robertson; step-grandchildren Tony Martin and Jennifer, Hunter Hornsby, Gabriel Sparks, Courtney Luckado and Shane, and Ashley Elkins; great granddaughters Lyla Gail Littell and Gemma Marie Beacham; step-great-grandchildren Lyla Martin, Jeffery Luckado, Jax Martin and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at Ivey Memorial United Methodist Church, 17120 Jefferson Davis Highway, South Chesterfield, Virginia 23834. A memorial service will be held at the church at 2 p.m., following visitation. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ivey Memorial United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.