Robert L. Chavis Sr.

Published 8:09 pm Thursday, July 16, 2020

Robert L. “Buddy” Chavis Sr., 70, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2020, in his home surrounded by family, and 14 hours after his mother passed the day prior. Buddy was born in Marlboro, S.C. in 1949. He will join in heaven, his mother and father, Ellen Chavis Gay and Nathaniel Chavis. Buddy is also predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Jettie; brother, David Ray Chavis; and daughter, Donna Belcher.

Buddy is survived by daughter, Patricia and Joe DeMatteo; son, Bobby Lee Jr. and Andrea Chavis; son-in-law, Eddie Belcher Sr.; grandchildren, Eddie Jr., Lea, Anna, Lexi, Jaida and Joey; great-grandchildren, Finn and Saylor; siblings, Carolyn and Wayne Evans, Karen and James Whitley, Larry and Cindy Chavis, Nat (Pee Wee) and Lori Chavis, Harry (Jabo) and Debbie Chavis, Don and Tina Chavis and Keith Chavis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Buddy was the owner and president of RC Paving and Son LLC, a business he established in 1979 with three men and one truck. RC Paving continues to serve the Virginia and North Carolina area providing honest and quality asphalt and paving services. Buddy took great pride in his business.

When not at work, Buddy enjoyed casinos, NASCAR racing, traveling and spending time with friends and family. He also enjoyed the last few years of his life spending time with his companion, Wanda Vanderburg. Buddy was an active member of the Suffolk Moose Lodge 141 and recently joined the Suffolk Elks Lodge 685. He was known for his love of modern and antique “fast cars.” Buddy enjoyed life and always worked hard so he could play hard.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, July 17, at Parr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434. Burial will follow at Nansemond-Suffolk Cemetery. Please adhere to all social distancing guidelines. A video of the memorial service will be available for viewing on the website after the service. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.