Robert Smith Lockett, Jr.
May 5, 2025
Beloved father, "Papa," brother, enthusiastic genealogist, and amateur historian, Robert Smith "Bob" Lockett, Jr. left us the evening of May 5th to be with his cherished wife and cruise partner of 43 years, Jean. He's survived in his love of tinkering and research by his granddaughter Elizabeth, in his love of learning and the outdoors by his son Robert S. Lockett III, and in his love of golf and the mountains by his younger brother "Jerry" Gerald.
Born June 2, 1940, on the family farm in Montgomery, Va., Bob first met Jean in high school in Pulaski. When they met again after Bob joined the Air Force, sparks flew, and after discharge from serving on the DEW Line, Bob returned with Jean to Virginia as husband and wife with their new son Robert, soon to be joined by their youngest son Edward. His commitment to their marriage and his sons continues to set the standard for Robert and those who knew him.
A brilliant and voracious learner, Bob enrolled in Virginia Tech where he earned a degree in electrical engineering and became a life-long Hokies fan. Recruited to Dallas by Texas Instruments, he created the TERCOM guidance systems for the Tomahawk, HARM, and Harpoon missiles before capstoning his career by leading the development of Digital Light Processing. TI and the Air Force both sparked a love of travel for him, later vividly recounting to family adventures with the crisp, white-glove food stalls and grilled garlic of South Korea and the importance of correctly signaling "one" vs. "two" in restaurants in Germany.
After fulfilling his dream by retiring to his own mountain top in Riner, Va., next door to the family farm, Bob and Jean could still often be found cruising to Alaska and exploring Maui, Hawaii with family. When home, if he wasn't on the golf course or having weekly supper with Jerry and sister-in-law Stephanie, he could be found absconding into the woods with Elizabeth and his magic ring for treasure hunts, teaching family history to Robert and daughter-in-law Mayra, or delving into his loves of history and genealogy as a member and two-time president of the Wythe Co. Genealogical and Historical Assoc. In fact, Bob was an 11th generation Lockett and First Family of Wythe Co.
Preceded by his mother, Rhoda Lee Lockett Davis, Bob was laid to rest with military honors beside Jean and Edward while surrounded by Robert, Mayra, Elizabeth, Jerry, Stephanie, and niece Shelly and her daughter Victoria. He will also be remembered fondly by close friends, Rick and Denine Chron and Dennis and Glenda Jenkins, and by step-sister Sharon Callahan and her daughter Jennifer.
Memorials may be made to Virginia Tech at or to the Wythe Co. Genealogical and Historical Assoc.
Horne Funeral Service, Inc.
1300 N. Franklin St., Christiansburg, VA
Lockett, Robert
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