James L. "Sonny" Robertson

He was born in Lyndhurst on October 31, 1934, to the late James Joshua and Lillian Gabrilla (Roberts) Robertson.

He married the late Joyce Ann (Ellis) Robertson on June 18, 1954. They spent 63 years of marriage raising their family and enjoying life together.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Alma Ann Ellis; sisters, Virginia “Virgie” Cox and Louise Fitzgerald; sister-in-law, Iris Mawyer and brother-in-law, Jack Ellis.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his daughter, Karen L. Robertson of Waynesboro; son, Douglas B. Robertson of Staunton; “daughter,” Judy Langley and grandson, Joshua Clifton Robertson of Lyndhurst; granddaughter, Jennifer LeAnn Hall and husband, Josh Ryan of Waynesboro; his treasured great grandchildren, Dylan Hall, Tristan Hall, Cameron Hall and Remi Hall, all of Waynesboro. He also leaves two fur babies, Rascal and Belle.

Sonny worked at the Country Store in Lyndhurst for 44 years, starting when he was a student at Wilson Memorial High School and after graduating, he purchased the store from its owner at the time, Clyde Shaw. He enjoyed letting the children come behind the counter and would give them paper bags to pick out their “penny candy.” Over the years, those children came back with their children and grandchildren to do the same. He retired in 1996 to enjoy his hobbies and spend more time with his family.

Sonny was a man of many interests, including drag racing his 1936 Ford Flathead convertible in the early 1960’s. His interest turned to dogs (German Shepherds) in the late 1960’s when he raised two litters.

In the late 1960’s and through to the early 1990’s, Sonny raised, sold and showed Quarter horses, taking several statewide honors with his prized horse, Orkies Sneakerseeker, also known as “Scooter.” Sonny never met a stranger, and all the friends he made through his hobbies and time at the Country Store, he held dear to his heart.

He attended Bridge Christian Church in recent years, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. He enjoyed seeing everyone at church before attendance was restricted.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Bridge Christian Church, 1275 Goose Creek Road, Fishersville with Pastor Todd Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Augusta Memorial Park.

Active pallbearers will be Harold “Bucky” Cox, Don Cullen, Todd Showalter, Roy Vest, Scott Lunsford, Skip Simpson, Tony Golladay and Zack Williams.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes, 618 W. Main St., Waynesboro.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to Hospice of the Shenandoah, especially his nurse, Kasie and aide, Christina. You all were God sent! Special thanks also goes to Scott Lunsford, Mike Hawrylack, Craig and Gina Matherlee, Roy and Connie Vest, Dean Pack, Ken Dickenson, Skip Simpson, Kim Curtis, you were all a great support in many different ways. We appreciate the many friends who called and visited.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com