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Roland L. "Robby" Robertson
KERRVILLE - Roland L. "Robby" Robertson, 77, of Kerrville, Texas, passed from this life on Jan. 3, 2013.
He was born in Bellville, Texas, to Raymond W. Robertson and Hattie Bell Campbell Robertson on Jan. 20, 1935.
He was raised in Bellville until, at the age of 3, his father was killed in an oil drilling accident. He, his young sister, his infant brother, with his mother returned to Mansfield, La., to live with family. He attended local schools in Mansfield through high school, winning various awards and scholarships. Ever energetic, he worked at the local dairy and ran a milk route before school and on the weekends while lettering in football, basketball and track. He continued on to Louisiana Tech, earning a degree in physics, graduating cum laude among other honors.
Robby began his career with Boeing (1955) and Hughes Aircraft Co.(1957) in support of the U.S. Air Force. He joined TRW Systems Inc. (now Northrup-Grumman) in 1963, and retired as a vice president in 2001.
His experiences led him into the aerospace program at NASA - unmanned and manned - in Houston from the '60s and '70s; management of the Systems Test Laboratory at the Cape in Florida in the early '70s; from the mid-'70s until the late '80s he led efforts to enhance the U.S. energy position and developed what were known then as "unconventional resources." From the mid-'80s to 1990 his focus was on the Navy and their logistics. In 1990, he became responsible for a program to manage the nation's nuclear waste with various government agencies, national labs and team members.
Always concerned about this unique place called America, he devoted his life to solving the most difficult problems we have faced. A man for all seasons, he was a great cook, superb gardener - particularly at growing unbearably hot peppers - a loving husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, mentor and friend. His energy was a life force that fueled him through work and leisure, even illness. He remains in our hearts, our memories and our smiles. It was never dull.
Robby was preceded in death by his father and mother; as well as aunts, Ruth Campbell and Lucille Ragsdale; and uncles, James and Tommy Campbell and Forrest Ragsdale, who were his guideposts. He also was preceded in death by his children's mother, Frances; and his close friend, Bill Bennett.
He is survived by his wife, Ginger; and their lifelong friend, Barbara Bennett; son, Steve Robertson and wife, Teresita of Los Angeles, Calif.; daughter, Denise and husband, William Simmons of Shreveport, La.; daughter, Teri Robertson of Wascom, Texas; grandson, Christopher Barnett and wife, Devon; and great-granddaughter, Lily of Zephyerhills, Fla.; grandchildren, Katie Simmons and Daniel Simmons of Louisiana; sister, Margaret and husband, Rame Moody of Big Sandy, Texas; brother, Ben Robertson Sr. of Houston, Texas; and nieces and nephews. He also is survived by an extended Kerrville family, the McRae and Pearson clans, who have brought new dimensions, much joy and now comfort to his and Ginger's lives.
A gathering to celebrate and remember Robby will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.
The family wishes to express our sincere thanks to Dr. James Young of Peterson Hospice and to all of the nurses and aides who were so very kind and supportive to Robby and the family.
Please send any remembrances you wish to make in his name to: Peterson Hospice, 1121 Broadway, Kerrville, TX 78028.
Condolences may be made at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com by selecting the "Send Condolences" link.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.
(Published in The Kerrville Daily Times on January 29, 2013)
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1935 - 2013 (77 years)
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