Bobby Manley Chittum

Bobby Manley Chittum

Bobby Manley Chittum of Rockbridge Baths died January 5, 2021 at Culpepper Regional Hospital as that was the nearest Covid hospital available. He was 83 years old, the eldest child of Manley Alexander Chittum and Nettie Shoulder Chittum.

He was predeceased by both parents and one sister, Mildred Sandridge Edwards.

Bob went to work for VDOT the week after his high school graduation. He and VDOT were made for each other. He thought of his fellow workers as family. He often said that "his guys and Robin could accomplish anything and they did even the devastating floods of Rockbridge County. When he retired 35 years later he had never missed a day at work and he left thousands of hours of sick leave on the table because he never used it. After retiring from VDOT he bought the family farm in Rockbridge Baths and spent the rest of his life as a farmer until 3 years ago, a farm accident caused him to lose his eyesight. Even then the VDOT group would pick him up and take him to VDOT functions. Ricky Jarvis (The Dude) was very good at this and it meant so much to Bob. After Bob lost his eyesight, nothing made him happier than to be sitting on the back screened in porch in his rocker and he would hear a vehicle coming up the driveway. A friend, neighbor or family member would jump out of the car, come in and sit and chat with Bob. Actually Bob did most of the chatting but he was happy. It's the little things that matter. Bob was a member of the Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Rockbridge Baths and a lifetime member of the Rockbridge Baths Fire Department where he served as secretary for years.

Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth (Lib) Clements Chittum, one daughter Kay Smith (Larry) and one son Chris Chittum (Laura), two grandsons, Justin Smith and Boone Chittum, one granddaughter (his sunshine) Lyla Chittum, two great grandsons, Kyle and Owen Smith all of Rockbridge Baths. Bob is also survived by one sister, Betty Baker (Jim) of Brownsburg, one brother, Charles Wayne Chittum of Bumpass, lifelong friend (they were born four days apart) and spent all their many years as best friends in Rockbridge Baths, Johnny Harlow.

As per Bob's wishes, his body was cremated and he wanted neither a funeral nor celebration. He always said he enjoyed people when he could talk to them.

Memorial donations may be made to the Rockbridge Baths Fire Department or memorial of your choice.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.