Robert Bernard Woodhouse Sr.

In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven. Matthew 5:16

On Tuesday, June 28, 2022, Robert Bernard Woodhouse SR., known by many names but affectionally as "DOC" “Big Rob”and "Woodhouse," left his earthly loved ones, with a sense of peace, to walk the Highway to Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior. Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Barnes Woodhouse, father, Oscie Woodhouse, brothers, Donald, Oscar Ray, and sister, Beverly Ann Woodhouse.

Robert was born on June 10, 1943. As a child and young man, he lived on East Lane/Old Road in Virginia Beach, which is unique because he had his extended family in the same neighborhood. He had many opportunities to stop by his grandmother's house after school and eat cornbread and gingerbread. As a teenager, Robert aspired to be a baseball player but also learned the value of hard work. He learned early how to lay bricks and helped lay the floors at the church he was a member of, St. Mark AME. Robert graduated in 1961 from the last class of the Princess Ann County Training School and started his employment at the Newport News Shipyard. He then met Frances Dancy, from Scotland Neck, North Carolina, while at ST. Mark AME Church, where he sang in the choir.

Robert was able to charm Frances with his charisma and on June 26, 1964, they joined in holy matrimony. To this union, two children were born. His family was the joy and inspiration of his life. He worked tirelessly and unselfishly to provide for their needs. Even with working two jobs a day, with his janitorial service and at the Newport News Shipyard, he never complained.

Robert had a love for life. He was well known for his love of music, especially Jazz. It was always a treat for his sister Brenda and his children to ride with him to the record store to purchase albums. He was an avid drag racer. He loved to show his skills in racing his Pontiac GTO and bragged about his winnings. Robert was an expert dog trainer and his love of his German Shepard, Zorro, proved it. The dog sent fear to many people and Frances had to be introduced to Zorro when they started dating. Most of all, Robert was a jack of all trades and a master of many! His skills with building things such as his hog cooker, working on cars, and most of all being a Renowned Hog cooker. Robert was proud of his work commitment with the Newport News Shipyard, where he retired as a Master Shipbuilder after 44 years. He shared many stories of his time working there during segregation to being on strike for better wages and employee benefits. He would never forget to remind the younger generation of shipyard workers that it was because of them that they received fair wages. He brought a lot of love and joy to many people and would do anything he could to help anyone. The significance of his life will always be remembered by the people who knew him and loved him.

Cherishing loving memories are his wife of 57 years, Frances Woodhouse, son, Robert Bernard Woodhouse, daughter, Dorothy Yvette Woodhouse-Brass, grandchildren, Dainen and Jaidan Brass, sister, Barbara Whitehurst and Brenda Faye Uzzle, his God children, Jimmy Wright, Meshia Evans, best friend/brother, Ted Merritt and all his beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His life is a beautiful memory and His absence will be felt. Knowing that he is at peace and in our God’s loving care makes this heartache we have easier to bear. 

Prayerfully,

The Family