Robert Stevens Obituary

STEVENS, Robert Lewis Jr., 92 years old, of Mechanicsville, Virginia passed into eternal life surrounded by family on Thursday, November 2, 2023, after a brief illness. Robert ("Bob") was born May 29, 1931, in Richmond, VA to the late Robert, Sr. and Oakley Stevens. He attended Highland Springs High School and graduated in 1950. Bob went on to join the Air Force where he served honorably from 1952 to 1956 at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, AL. including a tour in Korea. Bob then attended the University of Richmond and received his BS in Business Administration in 1959 and began his career with Philip Morris (now Altria). He initially worked in finance/auditing, including a term in New York City. He eventually transferred and became a manager in the Leaf Department and retired after 34 years. During his Air Force service, Bob met Genevieve Myra Johnson, the love of his life, whom he married in 1958 and raised three daughters. They experienced 62 years of happiness before losing Genevieve in 2020. Bob was a faithful member of Fairfield Presbyterian Church for 81 years and was the fifth longest tenured member at Fairfield. He served as Elder for many years and joyfully participated and taught in the Union Sunday School class. He had an active role in the Men of the Church and led multiple service projects to help others. He was a member of the King William Ruritan Club and a Mason for over 50 years. You could find Bob on most weekends and in retirement pursuing his passion of farming at Union and Plain Dealing Farms in King William with his dear cousin, Drew. Bob enjoyed golfing, traveling with Gen and their best friends Nancy and Billy Walls, and supporting his girls in Scouts, dance, piano, and cheerleading. He was the example all other "girl dads" are built on. Bob was known for his decency and ability to connect with people. He never met a stranger and if you gave him the time, he would learn all about you and would likewise share with you his life story. Anyone meeting him would immediately understand his deep love for the Lord, his beautiful wife, and his three daughters and grandchildren. His caring nature and desire to put his family and friends first, was a great example for his children and grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Hall Stevens. He is survived by his daughters Myra Stevens Moore of Mechanicsville, Tamara Stevens Loving (James) of Stafford, Lori Stevens Jessey (David) of Charlotte, NC, and brother Ray Alonza Stevens of Mechanicsville. Bob is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, who adored their "Bob Bob", Robert James Loving of Raleigh, NC, Benjamin Garrett Loving of Arlington, Caroline Blair Loving of Stafford, and Cole David Jessey and Alexander Fairbanks Jessey of Charlotte, NC. He also has numerous nieces and nephews that will miss him greatly. The family would like to thank those that took such good care of Bob in his final days, especially the staff of Covenant Woods who became family.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Mechanicsville Chaple of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Road A celebration of his life will take place Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 6930 Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 with internment at Salem Church in Studley, VA immediately following. All are welcome to join family for a reception back at Fairfield after internment. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to Fairfield Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society.