Robert Denney, Sr.

Master Chief Robert L. “Bob” Denney, Sr., USN (Ret), 80, of Colonial Heights, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 26, 2021.  Born in New York on June 5, 1941, he was the son of the late Harry L. Denney and Thelma E. Williams.  Bob served over 20 years in the United States Navy earning a distinguished record of accomplishments.  Upon retirement from active duty, he further served his country for 10 years in his second career working at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), responding to national disasters all over the country.  Bob served as a member of the Virginia Beach Community Emergency Reaction Team, supporting emergency response agencies by taking an active role in emergency preparedness projects within his community.  He also worked in a volunteer capacity for many years with the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival and his fingerprints are all over their annual festival and parade to this day.  There was virtually nothing that Bob couldn’t and wouldn’t do and he put his talents to good use as a volunteer with the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach, building props and sets for numerous productions.  He was an active member of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Colonial Heights, VA.  Bob is survived by his devoted wife Uta LaMarr Denney; Daughters Debra L. Button (FL), Delores A. Battaglia (CA) Summer S. Denney (VA); Sons Robert L. Denney, Jr. (FL) and Thomas C. Denney (AL); Grandchildren Renea Battaglia (deceased), Joshua Sanford, Marc Sanford, Walter Denney, Rob Denney III, Mitchell Denney, Megan Packard, Misty Denney, Kristine Bowen, Thomas Denney and Brian Denney; Great-Grandchildren Annie, Tristan, Thomas, Alex Bowen, Alex Denney, Nathan, Sierra and Matt; Stepdaughters Nicole L. Andrews and Patricia L. Nix (VA) and five step-grandchildren Taylor Hoggood, Garrett Hoggood, Madison Hoggood, Ryan Lee and Grayson Andrews.  Keeping with Bob’s giving spirit and wishes, his remains have been donated to education and research with the Virginia State Anatomical Program in lieu of a funeral.  The family will notify loved ones in the future when a service is scheduled.  Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.