Robert Alphonso Rollins Sr., son of the late Alphonso and Esther Smith Rollins, was born October 28,1934 in Loretto, Virginia. A lifelong resident of Loretto, Robert departed this life peacefully in his home on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

Robert, who was a boisterous young man with a great love for math, received his education in the Essex County school system; graduating in 1952.

Faith has always been a strong foundation for the Rollins family and at an early age, Robert became a member of the St. Stephens Baptist Church located in Central Point, VA. In faithful dedication to the church, Robert served for many years as a member of the Board of Ushers and the Board of Trustees.

In his early years, Robert worked alongside his father on the Rollins family farm. In 1957, Robert enlisted in the United States Army where he served until his honorable discharge in 1959. Following his military service, he was employed for more than twenty years at the Department of the Navy Naval Ordnance Station in Indian Head, MD.

On April 10, 1961, Robert married Gloria Williams and from that union they were blessed with two children; Robert "Robbie" and Maria "Ria". Robert and Gloria have continued to exemplify the definition of family and partnership over the past five decades.

Robert was a devoted father, family member and friend. He will be warmly remembered for his sense of humor, his great story-telling, and his infectious laugh; but most of all, he will be remembered for his kindness and acts of service. Robert never met a stranger. He believed in and fully supported those in his family and community.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Alphonso and Esther, his brother Charles Rollins, and his sisters Lydia O'Neal Fortune and Pauline Ware.

He leaves to cherish his memory; his children Robert and Maria; and their mother Gloria; his daughter-in-law Renee Rollins; his grandchildren Brittany Nesbitt, Robert Rollins III, and Brandon Rollins; his great-grandsons Messiah Rollins and Yohance James; his sisters Lillian Clark, Virginia Ali, Mary "Smoki" Fraser (Jimmy), his brothers Robert "Boo" Fortune (Ruth) and Thomas "Tom" Fortune, his brother in-law Hilton Williams Jr. (Linda); his sisters-in-law Catherine Lucas, Jean Williams, Grada Byrd and Mildred Colvin; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A Viewing will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 24, 2018 at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Saint Stephens Baptist Church, 29436 Sparta Road, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427 with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on behalf of Robert A. Rollins, Sr. to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation ( https://themmrf.org/get-involved/donate-to-the-mmrf/ ) or the US Department of Veteran Affairs ( https://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/ )