Ernest Simon Robb, Jr.

Ernest Simon Robb, Jr. transitioned to heaven on Wednesday January 6, 2021.  He was born on November 5, 1933 to Ernest Simon Robb, Sr. and Dorothy Turner Robb in Caroline County, Virginia.  His parents moved the family to Center Cross, VA when he was seven years old.  There, the family maintained over 100 acres of farmland, harvested wheat, soy and tobacco and cared for a host of farm animals including hogs, mules, horses, cows and his very own chicken coup. He accepted Christ at the age of 10 years old at Trinity Baptist Church in Essex, VA.   He attended and graduated from public school in Caroline County.  Following high school, he spent four years in the United States Air Force as a ground radio operator.  Upon leaving the Air Force he attended Hampton University (formerly Hampton Institute) where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Building Construction and Architectural Engineering.  During his career, he worked for The Department of Defense, in the Defense Mapping Agency.  He held many positions in several different capacities during his career, including Cartographer and Geodesist. He retired as a Physical Scientist from the Federal Government in 1993 after 31 years of service. 

Ernest married Gloria Williams in 1963.  They met while attending Hampton University. They have three children and seven grandchildren. Their three children (and in-laws) are Cheryl Robb-Perry (Richard Perry), Kevin Robb (Jana Kotalova-Robb), and Kirsten Robb-McCree (Raymond McCree). Their seven grandchildren in age order from oldest to youngest are Justen McCree, Jasmine McCree, Mikaela Robb, Devin Robb, Jamil Perry, Sanaa Perry, and Nicholas (Nico) Robb.  He is also survived by his oldest sister, Naomi Hill and her 3 children (Bonnie Jones, Ben Hill and Terry Hill), his niece Yvette Hollingsworth and nephew Rick Hollingsworth along with a host of other nieces, nephews and cousins.  He is preceded in death by his sister Joyce Robb Williams and brother Sterling Robb.

Ernest and Gloria Robb moved to Columbia, MD in 1973 where they raised their 3 children.  In October, 1977, the family joined St. John Baptist Church where Ernest began to serve the Church in many different capacities.  He has served as an Usher, Blood Pressure Measurement specialist, Trustee, Mentor for the St. John Baptist Mentoring program,  member of the Sound and Tape Ministry and co-Teacher of Adult Sunday School..  He was ordained as a Deacon in December of 1983.  Until his death, he continued to serve as a Deacon, valued member, colleague and friend of St. John Baptist Church. 

Ernest was a man with a strong commitment to personal growth and unparalleled perseverance. He graduated from high school at age 16 and began working on the family farm in Center Cross, Virginia. After a few months, he realized he wanted more for himself. He enlisted in the military and after four years in the Air Force, as a radio operator, he was admitted to Hampton Institute where he met his future bride, Gloria Williams. 

Ernest was a man of few words.  But every word he spoke was powerful.  He is remembered for his quick wit, sarcasm and multitude of one liners.  His greatest joy was his family.  He loved the family dearly and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.  His hobbies included bowling, golf,  baseball, gardening and spending time at the family farm in Center Cross Virginia.  He became a Master Gardener and spent countless hours harvesting a bountiful vegetable garden for over 40 years.  He bowled a 300-game on one occasion and generally shot in the low 80’s on the golf course.