Bob Erwin

Robert “Bob” W. Erwin Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on July 20, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of treasured memories, enduring friendships, and a family who loved him deeply.

Born in Clifton Forge, Virginia, Bob was the beloved son of the late Robert W. Erwin Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Payne Erwin. Although his family later moved to Chesterfield, some of his happiest childhood memories were made during summers spent traveling by train, often by himself, to visit his grandparents. He divided those cherished summers between his Grandma and Grandpa Payne's cabin on the Cowpasture River in Clifton Forge and the home of his Mawmaw and Pawpaw Erwin in Covington. The riverside cabin held a special place in Bob's heart throughout his life, serving as a sanctuary filled with laughter, adventure, and the love of family. His lifelong fascination with trains began during those years, and he remained an enthusiastic admirer of the C&O Railroad and, especially, the iconic Chessie System.

After graduating from high school, Bob became a man of many talents. Whether wiring electrical systems, rebuilding motorcycles, or restoring classic Volkswagen Beetles alongside his father and brother, he approached every project with skill, patience, and pride. An Eagle Scout with an adventurous spirit, he loved the outdoors and embraced life's adventures, including hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. His travels took him to many places, but wherever he went, he made lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

After making the Eastern Shore his home, Bob became a familiar and respected face in the community. He worked for Northampton County Public Schools for many years alongside his friend, Ashby Lecato, before continuing his career with Northampton County Public Works, where he worked with another dear friend, Mike Thornes. He later served as Harbor Master in Oyster for many years, a role he genuinely enjoyed and one that reflected both his dedication and his love of the Shore's waterfront community.

Bob was known throughout the Eastern Shore for his willingness to help others. Whether it was an electrical repair, fixing something that seemed beyond saving, or lending his expertise to a friend or neighbor, he was always ready to help. Over the years he completed countless side jobs for members of the community, including Janet Whitehead, Ellen Camden, Anne Rowe, and the entire Ward family of Eastville. He also generously gave of his time and talents to Eastville Baptist Church and Union Baptist Church, quietly serving wherever he was needed.

In 1994, Bob met the woman who would forever change his life, Norma Pearson. Certain he had found the love of his life, he proposed after only six weeks of dating. While Bob was ready immediately, Norma wisely made him wait just a little longer. On April 22, 1995, they were married at Kiptopeke State Park, beginning a marriage filled with love, laughter, partnership, and unwavering devotion. Together they built a life rooted in friendship, adventure, and the simple joys of sharing each day. Bob was also Norma's greatest supporter in her business, Florist by the Sea. Whether serving as handyman, delivery driver, problem solver, or simply offering encouragement, he stood faithfully beside her through every challenge and every success. There was no job too small or too large when it came to helping the woman he loved.

Bob will be remembered for his generous spirit, his quick wit, and his willingness to lend a helping hand whenever someone was in need. He had a gift for fixing things, but even more importantly, he had a gift for making people feel welcome. He found happiness in life's simple pleasures, a train passing by, a quiet day on the water, time spent outdoors, and moments shared with those he loved most.

In addition to his beloved wife, Norma Erwin, he is survived by his daughter, Devin Simmons (Ricky) of Covington; his cherished grandchildren, Camden Lee William Simmons and Courtney Renee Simmons; his sister-in-law, Theresa Spady; his brother-in-law, Jimmy Robbins(Denise) and their family; his nieces and nephews, Steven Erwin Jr., Dillon Erwin, Joshua Toms, Benjamin Toms-Lucy, Andrew Toms-Lucy, Christian Toms-Lucy, Jonathan Toms-Lucy, Bethany Toms-Lucy, Nathaniel Toms-Lucy, and Caleb Toms; his aunts, Katherine Young and Ella Pelletier; his numerous cousins; his lifelong friend, Rick Tipton; his favorite farmers, Ray Newman and Mark Newman; and, of course, his buddy, Purnell; and his very special friends, Doug Coburn, Greg Downer, and Jim Kaczmarek.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert W. Erwin Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Payne Erwin; his mother-in-law, Georgianna Moore Pearson; his sister, Laura Toms; his brother, Steven Erwin Sr.; his beloved granddaughter, Carolynne Sue "Carly" Simmons; his aunts, Thelma Jean Bryant, Emma Lou Lockhart, and Martha Flint; his uncle, Jerome Payne III; his paternal grandparents, Lee William Erwin and Evelyn May Erwin; his maternal grandparents, Ira Jerome Payne Jr. and Elizabeth Snidow Payne; and three very special friends, George Payne, Richard Walters, and "Fig" Lewis.

Bob's life was one of adventure, craftsmanship, loyalty, and love. He leaves behind not only the things he built with his hands, but also the countless lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and generous heart. He believed that if someone needed help, you showed up, and that simple philosophy became the hallmark of his life. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories he created, the friendships he treasured, and the love he so freely shared will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A celebration of life service will be conducted Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 3:00PM, at Doughty Funeral Home with Rob Kelly officiating. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to UVA Pediatrics Heart Association, 1204 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22908 or Eastern Shore of Virginia Habitat for Humanity, P. O. Box 1299, Exmore, Virginia 23350.

Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.