Robert Lee Rhea

Robert Lee Rhea, age 89, of Norfolk, VA, passed away on January 23, 2026, surrounded by close family.

Born on May 16, 1936, in Atlantic City in Downtown Norfolk, Robert lived a life defined by grit, humor, and an unshakable spirit. He faced a hard life head-on and never lost his ability to laugh - or make everyone else laugh with him. A smart-ass in the best possible way, Robert was funny as hell and famously fearless. Once, without missing a beat, he asked about bungee jumping without the cord, just to see the reaction. That was Robert - bold, mischievous, and always entertaining.

Robert was honorably discharged from the United States Army, and during his service he suffered two collapsed lungs - an experience that would have slowed most people down. It didn't slow him for long. True to his nature, Robert pushed through with grit and determination, carrying that same toughness into every chapter of his life. He later went on to play a major role in the construction management of several well-known Norfolk landmarks, including the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, Hampton Coliseum, and the Scope - legacies as solid as the man himself.

An entrepreneur through and through, Robert built his way into the car business from the ground up - literally. He started by painting cars in his own backyard and selling them one by one, parking them in lots around town. Business grew so fast that he eventually lost track of where all the cars were parked. That hustle and momentum led him to open his own car lot, R and R Motors Incorporated. In the beginning, the building's walls were an unattractive shade of green, but Robert couldn't leave it lifeless. He painted the walls, installed showcase lighting, and gave the car lot a personality all its own. He knew how to spot potential, work hard, and make something shine.

In addition to his many careers, Robert was a personal trainer at Powerhouse Gym, a role he took great pride in. He loved working out and never passed up an opportunity to let people know he was a personal trainer. Fitness was more than a job to him - it was part of who he was. He also enjoyed a good game of golf with his good buddy, Clyde, a friendship he truly cherished.

Robert owned and operated R and R Motors and Body Shop Incorporated for over 50 years alongside his sons. He was proud of his work, his family, and the reputation he built through honesty and hard labor. Outside of work, he loved Harley-Davidsons, drag racing, football, his dogs, and time spent in his "man cave" with a cold Miller Lite in hand. Though a giant of a man, he was gentle at heart - especially with animals - and he never passed up a chance to crack a joke.

Robert was the devoted husband of Robin Elaine Rhea. He is survived by his children: Amanda and Terrye Edye, Andrew and Katie Rhea, Harry-Lee (the second) and Stacey Rhea, Heather Rhea, Kenneth and LeeAnn Rhea, and Robbin and Lynn Williams.

He was a proud grandfather to Aurora O'Connor, Cameron Williams, Harry-Lee Rhea (the third) Jessica and Robbie Roberson, Justin Rhea, Kenneth Shane Rhea, Lakeland Edye, Parker Rhea, Skylar Edye, Zachary Rhea, and Zephyr O'Connor, and a loving great-grandfather to Silas Rhea, Terrance Rutherford, and William Roberson.

Robert's favorite song, "Don't Let the Old Man In," could not describe him better - because he never did. He stayed sharp, stubborn, funny, and full of life right to the end.

A celebration of life service will be held Monday February 2, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, followed by burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Robert Lee Rhea will be deeply missed, endlessly quoted, and lovingly remembered by all who were lucky enough to laugh with him.