MOATES, Robert "Bob" Courtland Sr., entered into eternal rest July 21, 2009, after a valiant battle with cancer, at age 74. He was the son of Bascom and Tena Gilliam Moates of Richmond, who preceded him in death. Mr. Moates was a well-known area businessman and founder of Bob Moates Sports Shop, Inc. in Chesterfield County and Charlotte Courthouse, Va., along with Rebel Sporting Goods in Keysville, Va. He was a licensed electrician and master gunsmith, and his business in Chesterfield County became a local landmark for area sportsmen over the last 50 years. Mr. Moates was known to many thousands of Virginians as "General Robert E. Lee," a persona he took on as a living historian and reenactor. His uncanny resemblance to General Lee created much demand for his services at historical reenactments, ceremonies, parades, and the movie industry. Mr. Moates was the founder of the General Robert E. Lee Camp #1589 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Charlotte County Grays Camp in Charlotte Courthouse, Va. As a life member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, he served in the elected offices as Commander, Adjutant, Treasurer, and Lt. Commander. Mr. Moates served his country as a U.S. Navy veteran and a member of the Virginia National Guard. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 22 years, Grace; two sons, Robert Jr. and James; and many nieces and nephews. His family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Bliley's-Chippenham,6900 Hull Street Road, where a funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25, with interment in Hollywood Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Meals on Wheels of Charlotte County, Virginia.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
