Robert Milton Small Jr.

Robert Milton Small, Jr. a lifelong Alexandrian and noted musician died October 15, 2024. He was 74. Known to all as Randy, he was a kind neighbor, a cat dad extraordinaire, a champion on the frisbee golf circuit, and a talented, respected musician’s musician. His love for music began early in life starting with a fascination for wind and brass instruments. He attended Fort Hunt High School and was part of the award-winning Symphonic Band under the direction of Mr. Christy as well as the Dance Band and Orchestra. Following graduation in 1968 and a year at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville he pursued his music with passion. There was almost no instrument he could not play -clarinet, concertina, fiddle, harmonica, and hammered dulcimer to name just a few, but he was most well-known for his baritone saxophone and banjo magic.

A long-time member of the Uptown Rhythm Kings he was a versatile jazz player equally at home with bebop and jump styles of play. A Saturday jazz gig would just as likely be followed by a bluegrass concert on Sunday. An instrument was never far from his side. He played with many bands over a long career including the Tom Cunningham Orchestra and was a reliable pick-up player. He loved and lived for music. More recently he was a member of the all-volunteer National Concert Band of American celebrating the history, traditions, and heritage of U.S. Armed Forces military bands.

He was the son of Robert Milton Small, Sr., a noted local developer, entrepreneur, and inventor, and Harriet Monet Small a teacher in the Arlington School System for many years. He is survived by his sister Betsy Small of Colorado, his cat Nicky, his loving aunt Pat Bragg of Williamsburg, Va and many lifelong friends and loving cousins. Funeral services are private with a future Celebration of Life to be announced. Donations in his memory can be made to the Alexandria Animal Welfare League and the Shriners Hospitals for Children in loving memory of his uncle Virgil Means.