Robert L. Magette
SMITHFIELD—Robert Lee Magette, 84, died Jan. 7, 2009, after a lengthy illness.
A native of Southampton County, he had been a Smithfield resident since 1952.
Mr. Magette attended Virginia Tech and during World War II, he served in the U.S. Air Force.
He was a founder and past president and chairman of the board of the Bank of Isle of Wight (now BB&T) and was a founder and the first president of the board of Isle of Wight Academy.
He was owner/operator of a well drilling business and owned a number of water companies.
He also enjoyed working with import and export equipment.
He was a member of the Smithfield Masonic Lodge, No. 18 for more than 50 years.
He enjoyed golfing and traveling and playing gin rummy.
He was a regular for 9 a.m. coffee at the former Twins Restaurant.
He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Reynolds Magette; a brother, Raymond Magette; and a sister, Wrenn M. Harrell.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 25 years, Linda O. Magette; three daughters, Mary Susan Magette of Richmond and Jane Lee Magette Jones of Manteo, N.C. and Heather Christian Shipley of Smithfield; grandchildren, Lauren McLeod Vega, Ashley Magette McLeod, Abigail Shipley, Travis Jones and Courtney Nunnally; great-grandson, Chase Vega; his brother, Ches Magette of Courtland; and a host of nieces and nephews and extended family members.
A life celebration service was to be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in Colonial Funeral Home, with the Rev. Tommy Reynolds officiating.
Burial will follow in St. Luke’s Memorial Park with Masonic rites observed.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, No. 20 Koger Center, Suite 233, Interstate Corporate Center, Norfolk, VA 23402 or to Trinity United Methodist Church, 201 Cedar St., Smithfield, VA 23430.