Dr. Robert L. Deal

1937 - 2023

DEAL, Dr. Robert L., a devoted husband, father and grandfather, departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior on July 17, 2023, surrounded by his family. Bob was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on July 17, 1937. He was the son of Robert A. M. Deal and Sally Lewis Deal. He spent most of his formative years in Charleston, South Carolina before moving to Richmond in 1954. Bob graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and the University of Richmond where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. In 1959 he was elected into the Omicron Delta Kappa Honorary Society. After receiving his Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, he enrolled into the School of Dentistry at the Medical College of Virginia. While he was a student at MCV, he married his wife, Patricia Griffin Deal. Because of his academic and clinical achievements, he was elected into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honorary Society. After graduating in 1963, Bob was assigned to the dental clinic at McCoy Air Force Base in Orlando, Florida. After serving his two year commitment in the Air Force, Bob and Tish moved back to Richmond where he started his dental practice in 1965. He practiced General Dentistry for over 40 years, retiring in 2005. He became a Life Member of the Richmond Dental Society and the Virginia Dental Association in 2004.

Bob and Tish loved tennis, golf, gardening, duplicate bridge and travel. They looked forward to every February when they had their annual trip to Maui, Hawaii. They loved Maui because they could snorkel with the sea turtles and kayak with the humpback whales. Bob was a perfectionist and loved a challenge. Whatever the chore, he always gave it his very best. He spent many years of enjoyment and frustration on the tennis courts at Avalon Recreational Association and the golf course at Willow Oaks Country Club. He was lucky enough to have three holes-in-one. On November 11, 2010, Bob and his playing partner had consecutive holes–in-one on hole number 11 at Willow Oaks. The odds of this happening are 17 million to one.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Anne Deal Whitten. He is survived by his wife of 61 years and their two children, Michelle Deal Lewis (Ben) and their daughters, Maggie and Ellen; and Robert L. Deal Jr. and his family. The family is so grateful for the professional and loving care given to Bob from his team at Hospice of Va. and Cedarfield Healthcare.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 22, in Westhampton Memorial Park. A celebration of his life will follow at Michelle and Ben Lewis' home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Second Baptist Church, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tunnel to Towers or Samaritan's Purse.