Robert Lee Drumgold, Jr.

Robert Lee Drumgold Jr. was born in Henderson, North Carolina, and transitioned peacefully in Richmond, Virginia. His life cannot be measured by degrees, titles, or textbooks, but by love, resilience, wisdom, and an unbreakable spirit.

When Robert made the difficult decision to leave school in the fifth grade to work, life itself became his greatest teacher. Though unable to read or write, he navigated a world that was not designed with him in mind and still found a way to succeed. He possessed a remarkable gift for math and problem-solving, and an even greater gift for figuring things out when no one showed him how.

Robert was a self-made businessman in every sense of the word. Whether running tree and lawn services, fixing what needed fixing, or finding any honest way to provide, he never waited for opportunity. He created it. While he spoke of how hard life had been because he had to learn so much on his own, those challenges shaped his strength, character, and confidence.

He was the proud father of five children and lovingly raised his grandson, Kevin, as his own son. Each child shared a unique and meaningful bond with him, filled with laughter, lessons, and unforgettable moments. Robert taught through action rather than words. He taught by showing up, by taking his children along for the ride, and by living boldly. There was never a boring day with him. He was adventurous, always moving, always on the road, and many of his grandchildren formed their earliest memories by his side.

Family was always at the center of Robert's life. Though often out on an adventure, his heart belonged to his loved ones. He maintained a lifelong friendship with one of his children's mothers, Wynema McLendon, and proudly spoke of it because loyalty, respect, and honesty mattered deeply to him.

In his later years, Robert entered what he proudly called his "good life." He found peace, joy, and love. He met his fiancée, Deloris "Dee" Hester, and together they created new memories, living fully and unapologetically. Often seen stepping out in matching outfits, anyone who knew Robert knew better than to tell him he was not the cleanest man in the room.

Despite fighting cancer for several years, Robert remained present. He lived fully, laughed often, and took life one day at a time. He showed up for the moments that mattered most, never making excuses and always rising to the occasion. Most importantly, he was ready when the Lord called him home.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Drumgold Sr. and Beatrice Johnson; his sister, Rosa Peagus; and one of his children's mothers, Richetta Pettus.

He leaves to cherish his memory his siblings: Catherine Adams (Oliver), Mary Drumgold (Elton), Patricia Drumgold, Barbara Drumgold, Harold Lee Drumgold, and Angie Terry; five children: Casina Carson, Roddric Drumgold (Krystal),  Devell Carson, Robert Drumgold, and Raquel Drumgold; twelve grandchildren: Roddric Drumgold Jr., Kevin Carson, Kiara Drumgold, Ameka Drumgold, Christian Thomas, Kamryn Thomas, Kaiden Carson, Adrien Carson, Simone Drumgold, Alexis Drumgold, I'ajia Drumgold, and Alani Holman; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

Robert Lee Drumgold Jr. leaves behind a powerful legacy of hard work, determination, self-belief, and confidence in the gifts God places within us. His life is living proof that greatness is not defined by what you are given, but by what you do with it. He lived a good life, and his story will continue to teach, inspire, and guide all who were blessed to know him.

A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. -  7 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5004 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA, where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026. The interment will immediately follow the service at Oakwood Cemetery.

The family is receiving services of comfort from Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service, 5004 Nine Mile Road, Richmond, VA.