Edwin Traylor Robertson

Edwin Traylor Robertson, 91, of Rocky Mount died there early Wednesday, September 5, 2012. He was born on May 16, 1921, in Campbell County, Virginia, a son of the late Virgil Benjamin and Annie Virginia (Traylor) Robertson. Mr. Robertson attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute as a member of the class of 1943, but received his bachelor’s degree in December 1942, as World War II accelerated that school’s academic pace. A physical handicap precluded military service, and he began a career as a public school teacher in Botetourt County. In 1952 he moved to Rocky Mount where he taught school for four years before joining M. W. Manufacturers in 1956. In late 1981, he retired as president of that company which was acquired by U.S. Industries, Inc. During his business career, he also served a president of the National Association of Sash and Door Jobbers, the millwork industry’s national trade association. His lifelong affection for Virginia Tech was exemplified by presiding over his class’s 50th college reunion. Also, he served on the boards of the Virginia Tech Student Aid Association and the Virginia Tech Student Athletic Fund serving as president from 1988 to 1990. Before he was ten years old, he lost his right arm in a hunting accident. When he was thirty-five, he took up golf and became a committed enthusiast. In 1990, he became a life member of the Virginia Tech golf team and endowed a scholarship for aspiring student golfers. During his active business career, he devoted his time to a variety of civic activities including the Boy Scouts, the Chamber of Commerce, Ruritan National, and the Episcopal Church. After his retirement, he increased his commitments to not-for-profit organizations and fund raising. From 1974 to 1998 he was a member of the board of trustees of Franklin Memorial Hospital and served as president of the board from 1987 to 1993. From 1988 to 1995 he also served on the board of directors of Carilon Health Systems. For forty years, he served various terms as a warden or member of the vestry of Trinity Parish in Rocky Mount. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Norma Burns Bowles; and three brothers, Virgil Lloyd, Woodrow Wilson, and Peronneau Brown Robertson. He is survived by a son, Edwin David Robertson of New York; a grandson, Thomas Therit Robertson, of Fairfax County, and thirteen nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Parish of Rocky Mount, the Phoebe Needles Center, or the Virginia Tech Student Aid Fund. A memorial service to inter Ed’s ashes and celebrating his life will be at Trinity Episcopal Parish at noon on Monday, September 10, 2012, with Father Ronald Johnson officiating followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, September 9, 2012, at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.