Roderick Vance Robinson

Roderick Vance Robinson, the son of the late Geneva Lynette & James “Jimmy”, born on April 10, 1978 and entered into eternal rest on Sunday June 11, 2023. As a child, he was affectionately called “Boo Boo” (as an adult shortened to “Boo”), during his high school years “Hot Rod”, and later “Rod”.

Roderick was born & raised in Bronx, New York and later relocated to Powhatan, Virginia where he attended Powhatan County Public Schools. Roderick was an exceptional football player during high school - #48 was given the name “Hot Rod” because he lit the football field up with his “enthusiasm”! Rod was a proud member of the 1996 Powhatan Indians – winners of the first football state championship in Powhatan County history. After graduating from Powhatan High School, Roderick attended Virginia Union University. At an early age he accepted Christ; Roderick loved the Lord and leaned on his faith throughout his life.

Rod had a very extensive employment history and became very well known throughout Richmond for being exceptionally knowledgeable about automotive sales and financing. Rod was employed for several years at Basic Auto Sales in Richmond and Ashland. The majority of his employment was with Sheehy (Hart) Nissan – Mechanicsville where he began as a sales associate and later, he was promoted to Finance & Insurance (F&I) Manager. Most recently, he was employed with JM&A Group. This was an exciting opportunity for him, as in his work he performed F&I consulting with various automotive dealerships throughout the United States. He loved the new challenge, the travel, and ability to learn new skills.

Roderick loved life! When he walked in the room, his smile was contagious. He loved having fun - he was a jokester with a big heart. He loved sports. His favorite baseball team was the New York Yankees! In recent years, he went back to Yankee Stadium for several games. Another favorite was football, Rod was a diehard Cowboys fan. Additionally, he loved basketball, both NBA and college – he was a devoted fan of the Tarheels (UNC Chapel Hill) and during recent years the VCU Rams! As a young man, Rod enjoyed playing basketball and softball with recreational leagues in Richmond, as well as, Chesterfield and Amelia counties. He played for two seasons with the “No Limit” softball team in Amelia as a back catcher. In more recent years, Roderick became an avid golfer! He was serious about improving his game. Roderick appreciated the connections he made while playing golf, including Henrico County’s “Wacky Wednesday” golf league.

If you were looking for a restaurant to try, Rod was the person to ask. Traveling was another love, just tell him when and where but the beach was always his favorite. He loved spending time with family and would not dare miss a family game night during the Christmas holidays. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his best friend, love of his life, and fiancée, Millicent and their son Brycen. They were the apple of his eye. Brycen has started to show interest in sports and Roderick was right on the field with him - never missing a game of tee-ball or soccer and ensuring that Brycen regularly attended swim lessons. He LOVED his family!

Roderick was preceded in death by his Mother Geneva, Father James “Jimmy” and Father in-love Milton Smith. He leaves to cherish his fond memories: Fiancée, Millicent Smith and Son, Brycen Vance, Goddaughter, Bailey Brown, Richmond, VA, Mother in-love, Mrs. Verna Smith, Hampton, VA, Grandmother in-love, Mrs. Versia Burgess, Washington, NC, Cousins-Sisters: Ms. Dovetta Johnson, Somerset, New Jersey & Mrs. DeLinda (Linda) Carter (Maurice Sr.), Chesterfield, VA, Aunts: Mrs. Vera Gibson, Amelia, VA, Mrs. Ethel Johnson, Chesterfield, VA, Mrs. Lottie Trent (Floyd), Cumberland, VA, Mrs. Diane Robinson, Cumberland, VA, Mrs. Betsy (Alonzo) Windley, New Bern, NC, Ms. Victoria “Ann” Deas and Mrs. Gertrude Burgess, both of Washington, NC, Mrs. Callie (James) Brown, Plymouth, NC and Mrs. Theresa (Benson) Wiggins, Williamston, NC. Uncles: Mr. Cleveland Robinson (Diane M), Powhatan, VA, Mr. Sylvester Robinson, Chester, VA, Pastor Ralland Robinson (Francine), Chesterfield, VA, Mr. Willie “JT” Burgess, Rocky Mount, NC, Mr. Henry (Roberta) Burgess, Jr., Durham, NC, Mr. Kelly (Dorothy) Burgess and Mr. Avery Burgess, both of Washington, NC; and a host of brothers, sisters, cousins and friends.