BURGESS—Robert Taylor “Bob” Pickett Jr., 92, of Burgess died peacefully in his sleep on October 26, 2026, after a short illness.
He is survived by his lifelong friend and housemate, Robert A. “Sonny” Rickard; his brother, James; his son, Christopher Gale; two grandchildren, Stephen and Rachael; and great-granddaughter, Emma.
He was predeceased by his sister, Molly; and his former spouse, Ellen Gale.
Originally from Silver Spring, Md., Bob attended Washington College in Chestertown, Md., followed by two years of service in the U.S. Army. He later settled in the Capitol Hill area of Washington, D.C., where he worked for Delta Airlines for 40 years, and another 20 years as a travel manager for the U.S. Secret Service.
Finally retiring at the age of 87, he moved permanently to the Northern Neck, where he became an avid gardener and amateur arborist. He was very proud of the many trees around his home raised from cuttings he had collected from around the country.
A memorial celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
