Robert James Phipps

February 2, 1939 - October 31, 2020

Robert James Phipps, of Smith Mountain Lake, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at Lynchburg General Hospital on Saturday, October 31, 2020. Robert Phipps, only son of Paul and Louise Phipps was born in February 2, 1939 in Roanoke, VA. A fifth generation native of Roanoke, Bob attended Jefferson High School. A true renaissance man, Bob exceled in track, local cave spelunking and was a champion roller skate ballroom dancer. He placed in the national competition for the Roller-Skating Rink Operators Association (RSROA) of the US. Upon graduation, Bob attended Virginia Tech, Syracuse and American University and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree. Bob enlisted in the US Air Force as a linguist and then worked at the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, MD; proudly serving with distinction for 45 years. He also worked at Lockheed Martin for seven years, building and integrating computer systems. Bob retired in 2004 to Smith Mountain Lake (SML) and was active in the SML community. He was a ‘Friend of the SML State Park’ and participated in the fishing competition. Bob also volunteered for ‘Joyous Junque’ an annual event, with a ‘ministry of fellowship and heavy lifting, picking up items from donors, including homes, boats & storage buildings’ to benefit Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, VA and surrounding organizations. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Gail Elizabeth Phipps; four daughters, Elizabeth Coppa (Joe) of Montpelier, VA, Tracy Leigh Trinidad of Huddleston, VA, Kelly Ilaine Phipps (Lauren Sanders) of Washington, DC and Carla Langjahr of Arlington, VA; three grandsons, Augustus “Gus” Coppa, Antonio Jack (AJ) Trinidad and Walker Trinidad; and by many loving friends in the SML community. Bob aka “Popi” aka “Uncle Bob” made an impact on so many in his life. His cousins said “Uncle Bob gave the best hugs”, nephews and grandsons said “Popi taught us everything about boat safety and the wonders of the lake”, friends of his daughters said “your dad was like a second dad to us all”, and his extended family said “Bob was a wonderful host, a perfect gentleman and avid Redskins football fan and Nascar racing fan.” A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Burch-Messier Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St. Bedford. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to “Joyous Junque” care of Resurrection Catholic Church, Friends of SML State Park, or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.