Robert Blaine Hendrix

Born Feb. 8, 1933, in Forest City, North Carolina — Died Sept. 28, 2025, in Tierra Verde, Florida.

With heavy hearts, we share that Robert "Jesse" Hendrix passed away after a brief period of declining health, surrounded by his loving family.

Jesse lived a full and extraordinary life — though he would have said he was just “a country boy from Forest City North Carolina.” He divided his time between two homes he and his beloved wife, Rilda, designed and built together — one in Fairfax Station, Virginia and one in Tierra Verde, Florida; and their cherished vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

A proud U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, Jesse served aboard the USS Wasp for much of his military career, traveling around the world in just eighteen months from Norfolk to San Diego, and loved to say that after all that traveling, life brought him to Alexandria Virginia — where he met the love of his life — the most beautiful girl in the world, Rilda. The two went on to share 68 wonderful years of marriage.

Jesse was a builder in every sense of the word — of homes, businesses, friendships, and community. After his time at sea, he joined M.C. Dean, where fate introduced him to John Belotti. The two formed a friendship and later a partnership that lasted a lifetime. Together, in 1962, they founded B & H Electric, a company that became a respected name in the region’s electrical contracting industry. Jesse helped lead the company with dedication and integrity until his retirement in 2000. He was also instrumental in the building and development of much of Fairfax County during the boom years, leaving a lasting mark on the region he helped shape.

He served his community and profession for decades, including 25 years on the Fairfax County Electrical Licensing Board , more than ten of those as Chairman. He also lent his leadership to the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, Virginia Chapter, and served on the Boards of Guaranty Bank & Trust and Riggs National Bank of Virginia.

But work and accolades never defined Jesse — people did. He had a gift for connecting with others, remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates, and calling or emailing just to say hello. If you were lucky, he’d sing you “Happy Birthday” himself — heartfelt, and unforgettable. He loved to talk, to listen, and to make others feel seen. Jesse truly collected people, and he cherished every one of them.

He was a sports fanatic, with a lifelong love of football and NASCAR. Jesse attended 40 Super Bowls, starting back in 1969 when tickets cost only $8 — a point of pride and amusement he loved to share. He could talk sports with anyone and often did, whether it was a lifelong friend or a stranger he’d just met.

Jesse considered himself ”just a country boy from North Carolina,” yet throughout his extraordinary life he met United State Presidents, NFL and NASCAR owners, and called military leaders, NFL coaches and players friends. It was not uncommon for Jesse to run into someone he knew in the most out of the way places. Through it all, he remained humble, grounded and guided by love.

To those who knew him, Jesse embodied kindness, loyalty, and generosity. He believed that love isn’t just a feeling — it’s an action. He showed his love through dependability, care, and countless small gestures that made a big difference. If you were in need, Jesse showed up - quietly, humbly, and wholeheartedly.

He used to say he was forever grateful to M.C. Dean for giving him his first job and supporting him when he branched out on his own. He often said, “I’ve been blessed to live a life few can only dream of.” And everyone who knew him would agree — his life was a blessing to all who were part of it. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and friend whose warmth, humor and compassion touched everyone he met.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who visited, cared for and supported him in his final days, showing their love through kindness and presence.

Please take a moment to remember Jesse the way he lived — by starting a conversation with someone new, offering a smile, or showing a simple act of kindness. That’s how he’d want to be remembered.

His memory lingers as a sweet legacy of love, laughter, and a life well lived — one that will never be forgotten.

Jesse leaves behind his devoted wife of 68 years, Rilda, their three loving daughters: Ava Kennedy, Laura Hendrix and Lisa Whitaker (Chris), and he was the proud Pop Pop to 4 four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren He also leaves behind a lifetime of cherished friendships, colleagues, and extended family who will miss him dearly but carry his love forward in their hearts.

He adored Rilda every day of his life - and their love was, and will always remain, the heart of his story.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Donations in Jesse’s memory may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org) or to organizations supporting veterans and first responders.