Mr. Rob Roy Blackmore

Rob Roy Blackmore, 83, of Richmond, was called home to be with the Lord on January 14, 2026. He was received with open arms and is rejoicing with his loved ones and his Savior. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Shirley Ann Balthaser Blackmore, his parents Carl and Gladys Blackmore, siblings Richard Blackmore, Peggy Lasater, and Ronnie Blackmore, and other beloved family and friends. He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Cynthia Maslyk (Chris), Anne Keo (Kamnab), John Blackmore (Kaylen); his grandchildren Aiden and Lilly Ann Keo, Claire Maslyk, Cora and Toby Blackmore, his siblings Carla Tankersley, Janell Corcoran, and Bill Blackmore.

Rob was born into a loving home in Perryton, Texas, where God’s love was known and honored. With seven children, Rob had many fond memories of antics with his siblings. They all remained close throughout their lives. After graduating from high school, Rob attended Texas Tech in Lubbock, TX, where he earned a degree in Landscape Architecture. Rob began his career in civil service working for the Lubbock Department of Parks and Recreation. In 1971, Rob moved to Richmond, Virginia and began his long career in the Virginia State Government.

As Director of the Virginia Commission of Outdoor Recreation, he guided the implementation of the Commonwealth's first comprehensive Virginia Outdoors Plan. He also oversaw the 1972 statewide inventory of parks and recreation facilities—work that informed decades of park expansion and trail development. His senior leadership of Scenic Rivers studies produced recommendations that contributed to long-term protection of Virginia's most beautiful waterways. In the 1990s, Rob continued his public service at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. There, he helped design and manage small-business lending programs that strengthened local economies across the Commonwealth. He retired from the Small Business Administration, where he spent his final working years advising Virginia businesses and creating the Virginia Incubator program, connecting small businesses with resources to help them succeed.

Rob enjoyed playing golf, working out at the YMCA and the Lakewood Health Center, socializing with friends over coffee and meals, and always had a joke or dry quip to make others laugh. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his five grandchildren. Rob was known to them as “Papa” and spent many hours playing, singing, dancing, and eating ice cream with them. Rob was also a devoted Christian and servant leader in his church. As a deacon at First Baptist Richmond for many years, he served in many capacities. Most recently, his membership at Second Baptist Church provided opportunities to volunteer and cultivate outreach programs for the church. Rob had many close friends through church and enjoyed his Sunday School classes and Bible Study groups. He imparted his love of Christ and the importance of servant leadership to his children.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 pm and 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, January 22, at Woody’s Funeral Home, 1771 N Parham Rd. A service to remember Rob and honor God will be held at 2 pm Friday, January 23, at Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Road, with a reception to follow. The family has requested attendees wear black and red or cowboy boots to honor Rob’s love of Texas Tech! Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Second Baptist Church (https://secondbaptistrva.org/giving), or to Hospice of Virginia (www.ahhospicefoundation.org).