George Wilmer Robertson

ROBERTSON, George Wilmer, was born the first of five in a time of unrest and many of his parents' siblings were away at war. His parents, John Royall Robertson Jr. and Gladys Mitchell Robertson, were able to stay on the farm at Chestnut Ridge where the family had deep roots for generations in southern Chesterfield. George lost his legs to a farming accident as a toddler and this, as much as anything, shaped the man he would become.

The loss he suffered in these early years instilled in him an ability and drive to overcome every obstacle he faced, never complain and to find joy in all things. He grew up in a time of service to community with the 4-H, the Woodpecker Grange and his church at Ivey Memorial which had been founded by his great-grandfather. This is where he met the love of his life and future wife, Joan Doffmeyer. He and his wife raised three children, Robin Gail, George Wilmer Jr. (Chip) and Eva Marie who blessed him with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

George attended RPI/VCU and apprenticed in the drafting section with VDOT, became a Certified Land Surveyor working with Whitman, Carouth, Moore-Gardner, Timmons, and finally as owner of Downing Surveys in Ashland from 1987 until he retired in 2011. He taught at John Tyler for years, training a future generation of surveyors as a lasting legacy.

Through the years he has served South Chesterfield as Chief Elections Officer of the 314th Longhouse Precinct, South Chesterfield Ruritan Club, Chesterfield Fair Association, and the Richmond Emmaus Community. All the while growing in faith, serving his church and singing with the Ivey Choir and Praise Team.

After the loss of his first wife, Joan, in 2005, George was fortunate enough to find love again when he met Carol Sparks. She was the widowed mother of three grown children, grand and great-grandchildren of her own. George and Carol were married and loved and supported each other through all things until the end.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Royall and Gladys; first wife, Joan; eldest daughter, Robin Gail Littell; niece, Teresa Kemp Thomas; stepdaughter, Ramona Martin; and stepgrandson, Jonathan Martin.

He is survived by devoted wife, Carol; beloved aunt, Dolly and her husband, Dee Porter; siblings, Rebecca Henderson and Arthur, Royall Robertson, Elizabeth Honea and Paul and Sarah Zammett and John; son, George Jr. and wife, Pam; daughter, Eva Booth; stepson, Chuck Sparks and wife, Olguita; stepdaughter, Stephanie Harris and husband, Frank; grandsons, GW III and Rickey Booth; granddaughters, Lauren Littell, Megan Marie Beacham and Shane, Beth Ann Robertson; stepgrandsons, Tony Martin and Jennifer, Hunter Hornsby and Gabriel Sparks; stepgranddaughters, Courtney Luckado and Shane and Ashley Elkins; great-granddaughters, Lyla Gail Littell and Gemma Marie Beacham; stepgreat-granddaughter, Lyla Martin; stepgreat-grandsons, Jeffery Luckado and Jax Martin; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at Ivey Memorial United Methodist Church, 17120 Jefferson Davis Highway, South Chesterfield, Virginia 23834. A memorial service will be held at the church at 2 p.m., following visitation. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ivey Memorial United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.