Robbie F Clanagan

Robbie F. Clanagan passed away peacefully at home (Rapidan VA) surrounded by family on December 20th, 2021 at the age of 97.  Robbie was predeceased in death by his parents Festus and Rachel Clanagan, his loving, devoted wife, Annie F Clanagan, 2 brothers; Morton Brownie, and Earl “Wookie” Clanagan, 3 sisters; Theresa Clanagan, Mildred “Tootie” Summers and Ida Patterson and 1 son; Robbie Clanagan Williams.  He is survived by his loving children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was born and raised, in the hollow in Washington VA (Rappahannock County), where he excelled in life. Living in the hollow is where his love for outdoors grew from working on the farm with his siblings, to horseback riding and playing games.  After his education he joined the Military serving proudly from April 1945-1947. Robbie was 1 of 900,000 African Americans that served in the Segregated Armed Forces during WWII.  He was a Colonel in the Airforce Air Corps only to re-enlist and join the Army. He was a gifted storyteller reliving how he traveled the world during his different tours of duty. He enjoyed some destinations more than others. He loved the Philippines, but he didn’t enjoy the 30-day travel by ship. He was so seasick from the motion he nearly loss his senses, he would claim. I was so glad to see land he’d say with a sparkle in his eye, giving you the visual he’d experienced at that time.  When he was stationed in Texas, he said the water tastes like oil and it was a lot of sand.  At times there would be sand in his food. From there he headed to Chicago where it was very windy and cold. At one time he had to reach up and touch his ears to make sure they were still there.  All the while his future wife kept him up to date, writing letters of life back home. Robbie and Annie entered into holy matrimony April 30, 1953, they remained together until December 14th 2021 when Annie departed this life.

When he returned to Rappahannock he was a certified Mechanic and an Electrical Technician. With his skills he earned a living working for his self. Although Robbie could build and wire houses, his love was working on car motors and transmissions. With his expertise he was known for creating, and always having the fastest cars around.  Racing was another passion of his either car or motorcycle he loved the thrill of life. At one point his wife Annie and himself had his and her Ducati motorcycles. He was also a great hunter, and a wonderful fisherman and a skilled marksman he loved even gigging (night fishing with a spear) sharing all aspects of life with his children.

It’s difficult to place Robbie’s achievements in order, but you could say he definitely had a  keenness for baseball. In Rappahannock he played and managed the Monarch baseball teams. Robbie was short and small in build but had a slingshot arm, could really hit the ball and was one of the fastest players on the team. Robbie also coached the lady’s softball team.  The family all had so much fun, he was the best. There was always something to do from sunup to sundown. Robbie joked, laughed and was a kind and understanding man. Never judged or looked down on anyone but told it like it is. Robbie had a I CAN do mentality. Nothing is out of reach.

Robbie and Annie bought their dream house relocated to Rapidan, VA in 1983.  Where they continued teaching and making memories like you wouldn’t believe. At 97 his mind stayed sharp and clear he still had his love for sports, and cars.  He actually had a chair by the window so he could check out what you were driving, when you came to visit.  Ask anyone couldn’t get nothing past him, sharp as a splinter he would say. He could take you back in time remembering the exact names and dates.  Robbie and Annie kept their daughter Mildred Clanagan (Missy) running until the end.  Sneaking trips to Rappahannock where it all, begin. Missy put her life on hold and was a dedicated caregiver for her parents until they entered into the kingdom of the Lord.

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