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On the beautiful spring morning of Sunday, April 12, 2026, Robert Russell VanHoy age, 88, of Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, the Grassy Creek Community took his final breaths at Margate Health and Rehab center in Jefferson, NC.  He was born in the York Ridge Community of Grayson County on April 30, 1937, to Andy Gilbert (Oct.7, 1914- Feb. 5, 2010) and Eula Plummer VanHoy (Mar. 22, 1920-Sept. 6, 2009).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Lilly Campbell VanHoy (April 5, 1938-Feb. 6, 2021); son, Julian Russell "Rusty" VanHoy (Aug. 24, 1976-Nov. 5, 2021); daughter, Karen VanHoy Spencer (June 6, 1960-Mar. 16, 2025);  brother, James Gilbert VanHoy (June 16, 1949-May 18, 2021) and an infant brother, Gerald Dean VanHoy (Oct. 30, 1947-Feb. 10, 1948).

Robert graduated from Virginia-Carolina High School in 1955, and began work in the local textile factory, Anvil Brand.   He was married to Linda Lilly Campbell on September 14, 1957.  In 1960, he moved his wife and young son, Mike, to New Jersey where he began work at the Walker-Gordon Dairy and remained there until March of 1962.  Upon returning home, his family had expanded to include two more children, Karen and David.  He began work at Sprague Electric (Chemi-Con) and remained there until he retired after 42 years of service.  For many years during his tenure at Sprague Electric, he operated a dairy farm and was a tobacco farmer and it was during these years that his family grew to include three more children, Linda, Carol, and Rusty.

Robert never sought the accolades or praise of men and was satisfied with working quietly in the background.  He found beauty in simple things- and could entertain himself for hours watching Holsteins graze a field.  He delighted in spending time in his vegetable garden, which was entirely too large for his need, but he loved to share!  He lived a simple life and worked hard to provide for his family of six children.  He used every opportunity to instill in his children the importance of good moral character and a strong work ethic.  He was member of the Grassy Creek Baptist Church for many years where he reluctantly served as Sunday School Superintendent and in recent years was a member of Mt. Jefferson Baptist Church where he attended as long as his health permitted.  In his later years, he enjoyed reflecting upon his early days where he treasured reminiscing upon many happy memories with his brothers and sister, and many cousins.  He especially enjoyed recounting the past happy days spent with his relatives including his maternal grandmother, Granny Plummer, Uncle Jim and Aunt Grace Wells as well as many adventures spent with his paternal Grandpa, Russell VanHoy.  Yes, there are countless others, but these seemed to pop up in daily conversation in recent months.

He is survived by two sons, Michael and Julie VanHoy of Delaware, D. David and Michelle VanHoy of Jefferson, NC, two daughters,  Linda VanHoy of Independence, VA, and Carol and William "Corky" Sheets of Marion, VA; daughter-in-law, Ashley H. VanHoy of Jefferson, NC; son-in-law, John C. Spencer of Mouth of Wilson VA; eight grandchildren, Melissa, Patrick, Bobby, Jennifer, Grayson, Campbell, Caitlyn and Amelia; 6 great-grandchildren, John, Kylie, Hunter, Taylor, Jacob, and Joseph, one sister, Louise and Denver Osborne of Marion, VA, two brothers, Ronald and Donna VanHoy of Atlanta, GA, Charles and Pat VanHoy of Marion, VA; sister-in-law, Brenda VanHoy of Dobson, NC; several nieces and nephews and a host of cousins also survive.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Doug Halsey, Rev. Keith Casey, and Rev. Todd Baldwin officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Private burial will follow in the Grassy Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest that memorial contributions be made to the Grassy Creek Cemetery Fund c/o Jackie Wagg 1549 Jefferson Highway Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the VanHoy family.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the kindness and care that was given to Robert during his stay at the Margate Health and Rehab.  The staff was exceptional on every level and made a warm and inviting home for him.  His roommate, Clarence Lewis and his neighbor, Betty Cox were good friends who are to be commended for their many acts of kindness. His youngest daughter, Carol, championed his cause every step of the way and was an advocate and voice for him until his final breath.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the VanHoy family.