THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 2, 1996 TAG: 9601020023
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
Lemuel Carson Robertson, born in Newport News on Aug. 29, 1902, died Jan. 1, 1996.
He was first employed at Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., as a machinist. He transferred to the Hull Drawing Room and completed his apprenticeship in 1922 in the Engineering Drawing Room. Mr. Robertson transferred to ship repair sales and in 1960 and was the first apprentice school graduate to be elected an officer of the shipyard. He retired as vice-president of ship repair sales in 1969 after 52 years with the shipyard.
After retiring from the shipyard, Mr. Robertson served with the International Executive Service Corp. for two years in Singapore and three years in Greece.
He was the past president of the Newport News Propellor Club; Newport News Kiwanis Club; Virginia Society for the Prevention of Blindness; Atlantic and Gulf Coast Drydock Association; and Hampton Roads Maritime Association, of which he was named an honorary life member. He served as co-chairman of the Peninsula Port Authority and was a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.
Mr. Robertson, the last surviving charter member and a past president of the James River Country Club, was given an honorary membership in 1994. He was a former member of Tabernacle Baptist Church and a current member of Hilton Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Whitehall Club in New York City.
Survivors include his wife, Ruby Sweeney Robertson, a lifelong resident of Newport News to whom he was married for 73 years. Also surviving are five sons, Lemuel C. of San Diego, Calif., William L., J. Donald, and Joseph B., all of Newport News, and Gerald D. of McLean, Va.; 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
The graveside service will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in Peninsula Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Hilton Baptist Church, 101 Main St., Newport News, Va. 23601, or to a favorite charity.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB