Ray David Robertson

Ray David Robertson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025. A child of God and a man of abiding faith, Ray leaves behind a remarkable legacy of compassion, hospitality, service, and generosity. He knew no stranger, and made lifelong friendships by sharing his time, shedding a tear, and opening his heart. To have met Ray Robertson is to have received a banana or a card in the mail; to have shed tears of joy and sorrow; to have known one who lived the life of the Gospel, in love and service of God and neighbor.  

Born on December 5, 1929, in south-central Virginia’s Pittsylvania County, Ray was the third of four sons to James Kyle and Otey Merricks Robertson. He graduated from Gretna High School and attended University of Virginia. In 1948, Ray moved to Danville, VA and began a vibrant career with the region’s telephone company. Not long after electricity reached rural Virginia home by home, Ray’s work brought telephone service as well, pole by pole. During his many years in Danville, Ray and his family were active members of Moffett Memorial Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and choir member. In the community, Ray was a Scout Master and served on the board of both the Danville Jaycees and the Chamber of Commerce. A Mason in the Scottish Rite, Ray was a member of Danville’s Roman Eagle Masonic Lodge, and later in St. Louis, joined the Moolah Shriners, a member there for 50 years.

In December of 1975, Ray married Virginia Price Wilson. In Virginia, Ray found a partner and companion who matched his love for laughter, passion for people, and deep faith in God. Extending herself to others was second nature, and together, their warmth and optimism brightened the lives of all who knew them. Ray’s final position with the Telephone Co. took him to Lynchburg, VA, where he and Virginia became active members of West Lynchburg Baptist Church. In 1978, at age 48, Ray retired from C&P Telephone Co., after a distinguished career of thirty years. 

Having served on multiple state and national boards of the Travelers Protective Association (TPA), Ray and Virginia moved to St. Louis, MO to join TPA’s national office in 1978. For the next 48 years, good cheer and unfailing hospitality filled their home on Briarhurst Drive. With laughter and joy, caring and sharing, Ray and Virginia were the heart of the neighborhood for nearly half a century. A member of TPA for 60 years, Ray served as Executive Secretary (Chief Administrative Officer) of the Travelers Protective Association from 1980 to 1996, leading the organization’s growth in membership and service across 38 states. “Mr. and Mrs. TPA” traveled constantly in those years, ambassadors for TPA, sharing their passion and joy in service and true friendship with all they met. They loved to laugh and spend real time with people. And for two Baptists from rural Virginia, they could steal the show on the dance floor.  

They were faithful members of the former Manchester Baptist Church and long-time members of Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church in Ballwin, MO. After retiring from TPA in 1995, he served as lay leader of the Golden Oaks Senior Ministry at Twin Oaks for 15 years, planning events, activities and trips, younger at heart each year.

After the loss of his beloved wife Virginia in 2023, Ray moved to Tampa, FL to live with his daughter Susan Jarrett. Ray loved the warmer weather and watching his tomatoes grow all year long. Undeterred by distance, Ray continued to nourish his faith each Sunday, praying the prayers and singing the hymns of the faith from Susan’s living room, ever the loyal congregant of both Twin Oaks Presbyterian and Boston University Marsh Chapel. He cherished his 48 years in St. Louis, his church family, and the wonderful neighbors and friends. Ray loved his family and was immensely proud of them, eager to share stories and photos about each of them. 

Ray’s impact on the lives of those around him will be felt for generations to come. He will be deeply missed, but Ray’s spirit will live on in the memories we share, in the lessons he taught us, and in the love he so freely gave.  

He is survived by his brother Frank N. Robertson; his children Betty Robertson Clark (Dallas Riggan), Bruce Timothy Wilson (Julie), Susan Robertson Jarrett, Angela Wilson Tabaracci (Joseph), and Kenneth Leigh Robertson (Tammy). In addition, he leaves five grandchildren: Melinda Van Clapdurp, Scott Allen Jarrett, David Kyle Robertson, Christopher Ray Robertson, Lisa Tabaracci-Limberakis; ten great grandchildren and numerous cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents James Kyle and Otey Merricks Robertson, his brothers Herbert E. Robertson and the Rev. Billy H. Robertson, his grandson Bryan T. Wilson, and his son-in-law Geary A. Jarrett.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church, 1230 Big Bend Road, Ballwin, MO 63021 or Travelers Protective Association Hearing Trust, 2041 Exchange Drive, St Charles, MO 63303.  

Service: A service of worship and remembrance of Ray’s life is scheduled at Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:45 a.m. Interment at St John United Church of Christ Cemetery, Manchester, MO to follow the service.

  As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.