Robert George Davies

1936 - 2024

Robert George Davies

October 16, 1936 - July 1, 2024

Born in Minneapolis to Donald McKay Davies and Ruth Sykes Davies, Bob spent his early childhood in Princeton, New Jersey, where his father earned his PhD at the Princeton Theological Seminary. His mother frequently had him playing in the front yard, where he was greeted in German by his neighbor, Albert Einstein. Bob would later humorously credit this early interaction with sparking his lifelong passion for math and physics. His formative years were spent in Ethiopia, where his parents served as missionaries. While there, he received an equestrian award from His Imperial Majesty, Haille Selassie I, the country's emperor.

Bob married Bobbye Lewis Carson Davies in May of 1959 in Madisonville, TN, and they recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. He pursued his academic journey with zeal, earning his high school diploma at The Stony Brook School, his undergraduate degree from Maryville College, and a master's degree in physics from Florida State University.

After working in research and development at Dupont, Kodak, Xerox and Burlington Industries, Bob joined the Woodberry Forest School faculty in 1971 as a Physics teacher. Over nearly three decades, he became renowned for his versatility, teaching subjects from Algebra to Chemistry and even Computer Programming. Bob took great pride in mentoring Woodberry students and guiding them toward academic excellence. He was proud to be appointed to the committees that wrote and graded the national AP Physics and Statistics exams. During his career, Bob received the school's O'Connor Prize for Excellence as well as the Distinguished Service Award.

Beyond academics, Bob was a talented musician who played multiple instruments in various bands. He directed the school choir and "The Dozen" and "The Tiger Tones" acapella groups. He coached tennis, baseball, track and notably led the varsity cross-country team to many victories.

After retiring from Woodberry, Bob spent a year teaching at the International School in Luxembourg. While there, he and Bobbye joined a multinational choir which performed throughout Europe.

Bob had many hobbies throughout his lifetime. A lifelong tennis player, Bob developed a passion for golf and croquet in his later years. Bob was an avid photographer, developing his own film in a home darkroom. He also enjoyed writing poetry with a special interest in witty limericks. He was active in local theater with the Four County Players, his best role being Captain Von Trapp to Bobbye's Mother Abbess in the Sound of Music. Bob was lured by the "open road" and owned multiple sportscars and motorcycles over the years. During a semester sabbatical from Woodberry, he took a long solo trip around the Unites States on his BMW road bike. Bob was an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, where he sang in the choir for many years, was a lay reader, and served on the vestry.

Bob settled in Orange, VA for his retirement and dabbled in business ownership with an antiques consignment shop on Main Street. Bob was one of the founders of the Montpelier Singers and volunteered with the Charlottesville Chapter of Recording for the Blind. Bob became interested in local history and served as a tour guide at James Madison's Montpelier.

Bob's life was marked by curiosity, kindness, and a deep commitment to his community. He was happiest surrounded by family and friends at the family cabin on Burridge Lake, in Ontario. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Mary DeWald. He is survived by his loving wife Bobbye; their children, Susan Thomas, Anne Robertson (John), and Ted Davies, as well as six grandchildren; Jack (Brooke) and Will Thomas, Patrick and Thomas Robertson and Kathleen and Burch Davies, who cherish his memory and the lessons he imparted. He is also survived by siblings; Donald Davies (Joanna), Betsy Kibler (David) and Jonathan Davies (Lynne). Bob's life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to learning, teaching, and living life to its fullest.

Details of a memorial service will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Woodberry Forest School Faculty Fund in Bob's memory.

In classrooms where equations would fly,

Bob taught with a twinkle in his eye.

From physics to song,

He'd inspire the throng,

A maestro of knowledge so spry!

A teacher of physics so keen,

In Woodberry's halls he was seen.

Where music he'd play,

And croquet fields lay,

Bob's spirit, forever serene:

Rest in peace, Robert George Davies

Cremation Society of Virginia