Robert V. Doggett Jr.

Robert V. “Bob” Doggett, Jr., a longtime Hampton resident and Richmond native, died peacefully while surrounded by his family on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center in Mechanicsville, Virginia. He was 92.

Bob was a loving husband, devoted father, and loyal friend to many. The world was truly a better place because he was here.

Born May 13, 1934, in Richmond, Bob graduated from John Marshall High School and from Randolph-Macon College in 1957, with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and a minor in physics. While at Randolph-Macon he met Barbara Jean Sylvia, who became his wife of 52 years. He later served as a reservist in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge.

That same year he began a 38-year career as an aerospace engineer and scientist with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and later NASA, at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. His research focused on structural dynamics and aeroelasticity in airplanes, launch vehicles, and rotorcraft. Much of his work was with the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel and involved the Apollo program and the development of the Space Shuttle. He was the holder of several patents and received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. After retirement, he continued as a Langley Distinguished Research Associate. He was truly “a rocket scientist.”

In 2024, Randolph-Macon College awarded Bob an honorary Doctor of Science degree for his scientific achievements and his contributions to the College.

Bob was an avid historical researcher. He was the author of many papers and books and remained active in giving presentations on his research. After retirement, he stayed involved in his church and community and left a significant legacy through his philanthropic work.

Bob is survived by his son Philip, his wife, Mandy, and their daughter, Breanna, of Williamsburg, and Phil’s daughter, Amanda, and her husband, Joe Weatherman, of Newport News; his daughter, Valerie Sikora, of Richmond, Virginia, and her children, Hannah and Sam, of Los Angeles, California; his son, Gregory, and his wife, Beth, and their children, Raina and Benjamin, of Richmond; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Sylvia Doggett, and his parents, Robert V. Doggett and Hester Carr Doggett.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 28, 2026, at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, 7356 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville. The family will receive friends at a reception in the church social hall following the service. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Hollywood Cemetery, 412 South Cherry Street, Richmond.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate), Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, or a favorite charity.