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Robert Lee Obituary
March 12, 1940 - March 27, 2025
LEE Jr, Robert "Robin" Erwin, 85, of Charlottesville, died unexpectedly on March 27, 2025 at his home on Sanibel Island, Florida. Born March 12, 1940, he was the son of Virginia Williams Lee and Robert E. Lee. He is beloved and survived by his wife and partner of 43 years, Barbara Farrand Hough Lee; daughter Alletta Lee Bode-Griss (Rob); step-sons Benjamin C Hough (Katherine) and Christopher D Hough; daughter-in-law Arlene E. Lee; as well as grandchildren William, Thomas and Meredith Lee; Carter and Alex Bode; and Sam, Cass and Charlie Hough; two great grandsons; and devoted dog, Rain. He was predeceased by his parents; son Christopher E Lee; and brother David C Lee.
Robin attended Venable School and graduated from Woodberry Forest School '58, Williams College '62 and the Darden School of Business '64. He was the third of five generations to serve at R E Lee and Son, Inc, and the managing partner of Piedmont Virginia Properties, a commercial development company. A lifelong Charlottesville resident and loyal Democrat, he gave back to the community through serving on various boards through the years including Planned Parenthood of the Blue Ridge, Charlottesville/Albemarle Housing Improvement Project and Associated General Contractors of Virginia.
Robin was a life-long curious learner, with a love for literature and art. An Art History major, he was inspired by the creations of Jefferson and Michelangelo; a gentleman farmer, he raised sheep and enjoyed his dogs; an avid explorer, he loved traveling with Barbara in his RV and abroad; an active person, he enjoyed skiing, soccer and racquet sports for many years; more recently, a hiker with Chuck's Group in the Blue Ridge; he was also devoted to his garden at home.
He instilled in his children and others, the importance of integrity, lifelong learning and responsibility for oneself. He is and will be extraordinarily missed by his family, friends and colleagues. Services and a public reception will be held in early May. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to FISH of Sanibel, World Central Kitchen or Woodberry Forest School.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Lee
6 Entries
Richard Babcock
May 5, 2025
I had the good fortune to meet Robert via his devoted Daughter, Aletta, with whom I was an associate in Colorado. He was most cordial and clearly a "Family Man". I know he will be missed but honored by the talents and knowledge he passed on. My greatest sympaties to Aletta, Rob and the Family.
Thomas A Johnson
April 7, 2025
I fondly remember him from our association as members of Beta Theta Pi at Williams College, Please accept my sympathy and condolences on his passing,
Susie Canon
April 7, 2025
Barbara,
I´m so sad to hear that Robin , one of Michael´s dearest friends at Williams is gone. I have fun memories when you came to Hawthorne Florida and spent a couple nights with us in our lake house. Michael tells very funny stories about and Robin at school.
Michael died January 6, 2021! I´m so glad he never knew the events of that day.
Best to you as you look to the future. Susie Canon
[email protected]
Linda Roland
April 2, 2025
Avery special man, the heavens have gained a good angel ! I moved to Charlottesville and opened the St. Maarten Cafe in 1984 renting from Robin! A good man! Prayers for peace and strength to Barbara and family
David S
April 1, 2025
Robin was such a kind, caring, compassionate and rational person. His knowledge of Cville history and so many of its great tradesman/craftsman of days gone past were unmatched and immeasurable. He was truly a Cville original, and now legend, who will be so greatly missed.
Edward l Smith
April 1, 2025
A real southern gentleman
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