ROBERT C. VAUGHAN Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Robert C. Vaughan Jr., of Brandermill Woods, Midlothian, Va., died suddenly but peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on April 23, 2012, 12 days short of his 93rd birthday.

Born in Clarksville, Va., on May 5, 1919, to Robert Crews Vaughan Sr. and Glenna Hailey Vaughan, he was predeceased by his parents; his beloved first wife, Anne Cocks Vaughan, the mother of his children; and his younger brother, John Dickson Vaughan.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Doris Johnston Vaughan; his children, Robert C. Vaughan III and his wife, Ellen, Susan Vaughan Henry and her husband, Marshall, and Hugh Schuyler Vaughan and his wife, Carolyn; seven grandchildren, Jay Henry and his wife, Emily, Hailey Robertson and her husband, Rob, Liza Coonse and her husband, Jeffery, Anne Mann and her husband, Kelly, Anne Marie Vaughan and her partner, Lisa, Christine Maloney and her husband, Mike, and Robert C. Vaughan IV; and eight great-grandchildren and a ninth due any day. He was also a much loved uncle of their Scottish family.

Dr. Vaughan graduated in 1940 with a BA, Phi Beta Kappa, from Hampden-Sydney College. After teaching for a year in Bath County, he joined the U.S. Army, was commissioned a second lieutenant at Fort Monmouth, N.J., and was honorably discharged as a captain in 1946. With the help of the GI Bill, he enrolled in Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, to answer his call to the ministry. He graduated with a bachelor of divinity in 1949, moving then to pursue graduate study at Union Theological Seminary, New York, where he earned a master of systemic theology in 1950. In 1960, he was awarded an honorary doctor of divinity from Hampden-Sydney. He was a devoted alumnus who served the college as a trustee and planned to attend his 72nd reunion on April 27-28.

From New York, Bob returned to Virginia, where he held pastorates at Pryor Memorial Presbyterian Church in Crewe, Oakdale Presbyterian Church in Norfolk and Second Presbyterian Church in Petersburg, which he served for 27 years, retiring in 1984. He was elected pastor emeritus. He also served short-term pastorates at the Church of Scotland in Bermuda and St. Columba in Kilmacolm, Scotland, where he created a lasting, happy relationship between the congregations in Petersburg and Scotland, a relationship that led ultimately to his marriage to Doris. After retiring, Bob worked in development for Union Seminary and served as interim minister to several congregations, including Ginter Park, Gregory Memorial, Rosewood, Woodlawn and Colonial Heights Presbyterian churches. After moving from Petersburg to Brandermill Woods in 1997, he was associated with Southminster, where he served as pastoral associate.

Also with the Presbyterian Church USA, Bob served as moderator of the Synod of Virginia and as a member of the Board of Massanetta Springs. Among many community commitments, he was president of the Kiwanis Club and active in civil rights, founding Downtown Churches United and working successfully on the integration of churches, schools, and civic organizations. For many years he devoted a week day to free counseling for teens and adults.

Dr. Robert Vaughan, Bob, was a remarkable intellectual and theologian, a gifted teacher, a beloved minister, and a devoted friend to all, regardless of background. His life mirrored his faith, which influenced everything that he was and did. He dearly loved his family; his children and grandchildren were his great delight. He believed in us, and we thought him the best person we ever knew.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Robert C. Vaughan Jr. will be held at 11:30 a.m. this Friday, April 27, in Second Presbyterian Church, Washington Street, Petersburg, Va. A reception will follow. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.