The Honorable Robert S. Bloxom Sr., 83, husband of Patricia Killmon Bloxom and a resident of Mappsville, passed away at his home, Cedar Grove, on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020.
Born April 26, 1937, he was the son of the late Brantley Spurgeon Bloxom and the late Nancy Miles Bloxom. Bob owned and operated his family business, Bloxom Auto Supply in Mappsville, for many years. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a dutiful servant to his faith, his Eastern Shore community, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. His always pleasant demeanor and contributions shared throughout the state will be fondly remembered and treasured for many years.
Bob began his longtime political career in 1978. He was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the Eastern Shore in the 46th District, serving for 26 years in what ultimately became the 100th District. In 2004, after 13 terms, he chose not to seek re-election. During Bob’s tenure in the General Assembly, he served on the Agriculture, Labor, and Commerce Committee, the Chesapeake and its Tributaries Committee, Appropriations Committee, and chaired the multi-state Chesapeake Bay Commission.
Following his departure as Delegate from the General Assembly, he was appointed the first Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, a newly added position in the Commonwealth. After five productive years as Secretary, Bob retired from his storied 32-year political career in January 2010. To honor his vision and work to construct a centralized agricultural marketing facility on the Eastern Shore, The Robert S. Bloxom Agricultural Complex in Melfa was aptly named, acknowledging his efforts.
At home on the Eastern Shore, Bob served on countless boards and committees, including the Eastern Shore Public Library, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Commission, the Eastern Shore Community College Board, the Broadwater Academy Board of Directors, the Barrier Islands Center Board, and the Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce, of which he was an honorary lifetime member. He was a former member of the Jaycees, where he formed many lifetime friendships both locally and statewide, and longtime member of the Eastern Shore Christian Businessmen’s Association and the Eastern Shore Yacht & Country Club.
In addition to his loving wife Pat, Bob is survived by a daughter, Lee, and her daughter, Nina; a son, Rob, and his wife Lou, and their children, Blaire, Madison, and Brant.
Due to COVID-19 limitations, the funeral service and interment will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to The Eastern Shore Community College Foundation – Project Horizons, 29316 Lankford Highway, Melfa, VA 23410, or to a charity of your choice.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
