REEDVILLE—Donald Maynard Robey, 90, of Reedville passed away on March 4, 2024.
He was born on August 4, 1933, in Alexandria to the late Charles Maynard and Laura Riddle Robey. He enjoyed growing up in Old Town Alexandria, graduating from George Washington High School in 1951. He married the love of his life, Doris Durrett and they began a wonderful life together.
Don is survived by his son, Stephen “Steve” Robey (Patricia “Patty”) of Woodbridge; his grandchildren, Nicholas Robey (Shelley) of Haymarket and Scott Robey (Kelli) of Woodbridge; four grandsons, Perry, Blake, Trent and Braxton Robey; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Doris; and a brother, Milton “Pete” Robey.
After graduation, Don served an electrical apprenticeship with the Eugene W. Zimmerman Corp. in Alexandria. In 1965, he became a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 26, in Washington, D.C., and became affiliated with the Truland Systems Corporation in Arlington that same year. He worked in field operations as a senior project manager for Truland until 1979.
In 1979, he was transferred to their engineering office as a manager in the engineering group whose chief responsibilities consisted of developing the computer-aided drafting operations for electrical coordination and installation drawings for major electrical construction projects in the greater Washington Metropolitan area. He retired from Truland Systems Corp. on January 1, 1993, with 27 years of service. Don’s grandfather and the family owned a weekend cottage in Lewisetta for many years, where Don spent a lot of his time fishing and enjoying the water. Upon retirement, Don and Doris bought a home and moved to Reedville.
Born on George Washington’s 180th Masonic Birthday, Don was destined for an illustrious Masonic career. He was initiated into Alexandria-Washington Lodge, No. 22, June 15, 1967, passed November 16, 1967, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on January 29, 1968.
He received his “Gold Card” as Senior Warden, the first to do so in that chair at AW22. He served as Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge in 1975, District Instructor of Work, 1975-1982; Associate Grand Steward, 1978-1979; District Deputy Grand Master for Masonic District 1A, 1979-1980; and was elected Grand Junior Deacon in 1982. MW Robey was elected and installed Grand Master of Masons in Virginia in 1987. He held membership in 22 Masonic Lodges across the Commonwealth. He also served as executive director, then called secretary/treasurer, of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, retiring in 1999.
Don made a final trip to Alexandria – Washington Lodge in 2018 to receive his 50-Year Service Award. He laid down his working tools March 4, 2024, in the 91st year of his life.
There was a visitation 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, followed by Masonic service at Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock.
There was a viewing from 5:30-7 p.m. Monday, March 11, followed by a Masonic funeral service from 7-7:30 p.m. at Everly Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 West Braddock Road, Alexandria. There was a graveside service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 12, at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church.
