On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, God stretched out His loving arms to receive a strong soldier, who we all knew and loved, Robert Lee Irving, Sr.

As Paul wrote in Philippians 3:8, "Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord… and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ."

Robert Lee Irving was born August 22, 1933 in Danville, VA to the late James Kaiser and Marie Irving. He was one of five brothers. He is survived by Alphonso, Raymond, and Edward and was preceded in death by his oldest brother James Kaiser Jr. The five of them were all very competitive and determined in their lifestyles.

Robert was educated and grew up in the city of Pittsburgh, PA in and around the steel mills. He later joined the United States Army and served 21 years in the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit, retiring as a Master Sergeant having served in the Korean War and various areas around the world. Following his retirement from the Army, he was employed by the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA where he retired after 20 years of dedicated federal service.

A husband, father, grandfather and was soon to have become a great grandfather, he was dedicated to both his family and his church. Called as a servant of God, he became a deacon of First Baptist Church Campostella, in 1990. He served in many areas of the church to include the Food Bank Ministry, Men's Ministry, faithful in Sunday school, and one of the founding members of the FBCC Male Chorus. In his service, he was never too busy to go where he was needed, in town, out of town; by car, truck, or bus. "Just call Deacon Irving"

Robert was keenly aware that the door of salvation was open to all who would accept it. He was saved! He would be the first to say "I have my shortcomings, but the Lord knows about them all." As a servant, he could be ever ready to tell how God's grace and mercy saw him through many dangers, toils, and snares. He lived every moment with excitement about his salvation. "For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him."
2 Corinthians 5: 7 – 9

Next to his church service, he was an avid sports fan. Ask him any thing about any football player and he could give the players history and stats. Robert stood tall physically and in the hearts of everyone that knew him.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Dorothy Irving of Chesapeake, VA. They weathered many storms together and never pictured life, one without the other. Together they had two children, daughter Ava Benson (Keith) of Chesapeake, VA; son Robert Irving Jr. (Yvette) of Richmond, VA; four grandsons Keith Benson Jr (Brittany), Kevin Benson, Robert Irving III, and Nathaniel Irving and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

May he be remembered as he was known, as a servant and hero.

Homegoing services will be held 11 AM Tuesday at First Baptist Church Campostella, 1510 Conoga St., Norfolk. A wake and viewing will be held Monday from 6 to 7 pm at First Baptist Church Campostella. Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake is in charge of arrangements. Condolence may be offered to the family at www.pretlowandsons.com.