Robert J. Woodburn, 75 Retired Longwood Professor, Dies

Published 12:00 am Sunday, August 1, 2010

CHESTERFIELD, August 24 -Dr. Robert James Woodburn, 75, formerly of Farmville, died Friday, August 20, 2004, at his home in Chesterfield following an extended illness.

Born in Prince Edward County, he was the son of the late Lewis Eugene Woodburn of Ohio and Ruby Woodburn of Farmville.

He was preceded in death by his wife. Dr. Mary Stuart Woodburn. He is survived by two sons, Robert J. Woodburn, II, of Midlothian, Texas, and Robert Stuart Woodburn of Richmond; a daughter. Tammy Lee Minnefield of Fort Wayne, IN; four granddaughters; and five great grandchildren.

Having graduated from Hargrove Military Academy, Dr. Woodburn received his Bachelor of Science degree from Concord College, his Masters in Education degree from Marshall University, and his Doctorate in Education degree from the University of Virginia. He taught in the Department of Speech at Longwood College and retired in 1989. Dr. Woodburn also served in the U.S. Army from 1947 to 1954.

He was a long standing member of the Lion's Club and was recently awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow for Dedicated Humanitarian Service. Dr. Woodburn was a member of the Farmville United Methodist Church.

A graveside funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, August 23, at the Riverside Cemetery, Courtland, with the Rev. John Hershman officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bon Secours Hospice, 5875 Bremo Road, Richmond, VA 23226, or the Farmville United Methodist Church, High Street, Farmville, VA 23901.

Wright Funeral Home of Franklin was in charge of arrangements.