Walter Robert Hart

Walter Robert “Bob” Hart, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather went home to be with the Lord on January 4th, 2020. He was born on August 27th, 1930 in Doswell, Va. He lived a blessed life full of love and laughter. He will be remembered for his faith, love, generosity, and humor. Bob never met a stranger. Known for his sense of humor, he was loved and liked by all who knew him. Bob was proud to serve his country in the Air Force during the Korean War as a Strategic Combat Photographer, flying reconnaissance missions over North Korea and China. After returning from service, Bob met and married the love of his life, Sylvia Clark in March of 1955. Soon afterwards he graduated from VCU while working for Dementi Studios. Putting his Christian faith into action, Bob served as a deacon at Ridge Baptist Church and also worked for the Foreign Baptist Mission Board, traveling the world photographing the mission field. Bob combined his love of people and his camera skills with his own photography and advertising business, photographing many weddings, VCU and University of Richmond basketball and football games, as well as local special events. Other noted photographic subjects of his were Billy Graham, three U.S. Presidents, and the Triple Crown thoroughbred, Secretariat. Bob and Sylvia moved to Smithfield, Va. where they enjoyed restoring the Berryman Mansion together. Bob was elected to the Town Council and owned the Isle of Wight Bed and Breakfast. The memories and close personal friendships they made in Smithfield made those years very special to them. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 64 years, Sylvia Clark Hart; his daughters, Charlene Bragg (Pat), Janet Hart (Walter Froh), Mary Beth Flippen (John); grandchildren, Lacy Wagler (John), Stephen Woodson, and Brian Woodson; great-grandchildren, Max, Neveah, and Ruby Wagler; and his dear sister, Catherine Busbee. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held Thursday, January 9, at 1:00 p.m. at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., Richmond, Va. 23229. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, ALZ.org. “Well done, good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:23