Robert Mercer Menefee, Jr.
July 15, 1938 ~ December 10, 2015
Robert Mercer Menefee, Uncle Bob, passed away suddenly on Thursday 12/10, in the evening. The cause of death was cardiac arrest, in the the ambulance, on the way to the hospital. Uncle Bob was 77 years old and lived most of his adult life in Fairfax City, Virginia.
He was born in Richmond Virginia on 7/15/38 to Anne and Robert Menefee. He grew up in Sperryville, Virginia, before graduating from East Carolina University and then serving in the US Army Reserve. A true baseball guy, he first taught and coached at Mount Vernon High School before moving to Robinson High School in 1971, where he taught and coached until he retired. The Robinson baseball field was named in his honor and remains that way today. A scholarship, in his name, was created several years ago to assist student/athletes at Robinson High School as they move on to college. This scholarship is still going strong today.
Uncle Bob's closest family are his brother Ed Menefee, sister-in-law Shirley Menefee and their son, Robert L. Menefee. After Robert L. Menefee married Juana Mari Garcia in June of 2011, Uncle Bob developed a caring relationship with Mari's two girls, Sofia 15 and Nicole 13. In his words, the last true love of his life was Robert and Mari's daughter, Alina Lynn Menefee, 4 years old. She loved Uncle Bob and he never left without reminding her that "Uncle Bob loves you".
Uncle Bob was a kind soul and peaceful man who always made those around him feel at ease. Uncle Bob's quick wit and desire to laugh led many people to say "he's one of the funniest people I've ever met"
A Celebration of Uncle Bob's life will take place Thursday 12/17, at 10AM, at Belle Haven Country Club, in Alexandria, Virginia. No flowers or donations are necessary. Uncle Bob, as most know, liked to keep it simple and not burden anyone.
We miss Uncle Bob, but are eternally grateful for the many lives that he touched and how he impacted those lives in a positive way.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
He was born in Richmond Virginia on 7/15/38 to Anne and Robert Menefee. He grew up in Sperryville, Virginia, before graduating from East Carolina University and then serving in the US Army Reserve. A true baseball guy, he first taught and coached at Mount Vernon High School before moving to Robinson High School in 1971, where he taught and coached until he retired. The Robinson baseball field was named in his honor and remains that way today. A scholarship, in his name, was created several years ago to assist student/athletes at Robinson High School as they move on to college. This scholarship is still going strong today.
Uncle Bob's closest family are his brother Ed Menefee, sister-in-law Shirley Menefee and their son, Robert L. Menefee. After Robert L. Menefee married Juana Mari Garcia in June of 2011, Uncle Bob developed a caring relationship with Mari's two girls, Sofia 15 and Nicole 13. In his words, the last true love of his life was Robert and Mari's daughter, Alina Lynn Menefee, 4 years old. She loved Uncle Bob and he never left without reminding her that "Uncle Bob loves you".
Uncle Bob was a kind soul and peaceful man who always made those around him feel at ease. Uncle Bob's quick wit and desire to laugh led many people to say "he's one of the funniest people I've ever met"
A Celebration of Uncle Bob's life will take place Thursday 12/17, at 10AM, at Belle Haven Country Club, in Alexandria, Virginia. No flowers or donations are necessary. Uncle Bob, as most know, liked to keep it simple and not burden anyone.
We miss Uncle Bob, but are eternally grateful for the many lives that he touched and how he impacted those lives in a positive way.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Very shocked and saddened to hear of Coach Menifees passing. He taught me so much that helped me play the great game of baseball, but still helps me every day. All of the players that went thru the Robinson program had every opportunity because of his knowledge and approach to the game, work hard, prepare, be a solid person, but enjoy and have fun were his teachings, and of course dont take yourself too seriously, which he never did. Who else ran the “Phantom Infield” to perfection? I was fortunate enough to return to work w/ Mr. Menefee as an assistant coach after I graduated college and really value those times. He will always be my coach, but he also became my friend during this time. He is one of my most favorite people and I only hope he knows how much he meant Tony Simerman
Thank you Coach Menefee for playing such a significant role in my life. Say ‘hey’ to Wally Pipp for me. I love you dearly. Steve
Ed, Shirley, Robbie and family, May “Uncle Bob” rest in peace. He was a good man who loved baseball. We will miss his big smile and our conversations about baseball. Currently in Oklahoma until Friday. Regret I will not be able to make the 17th. Bob and Betty Orlosky
Ed, Shirley, Robbie and family, May “Uncle Bob” rest in peace. He was a good man who loved baseball. We will miss his big smile and our conversations about baseball. Currently in Oklahoma until Friday. Regret I will not be able to make the 17th. Bob and Betty Orlosky
Ed, Shirley, Robbie and family, May “Uncle Bob” rest in peace. He was a good man who loved baseball. We will miss his big smile and our conversations about baseball. Currently in Oklahoma until Friday. Regret I will not be able to make the 17th. Bob and Betty Orlosky
Rest in peace Coach Menefee. Thank you for being my coach and mentor. I’lll never forget the life lessons, your phrases and funny sayings. Rob Amos Robinson HS ’89
Coach Menefee, You touched so many lives. I know you made mine better by teaching me baseball and its life metaphors. I can still hear the words “The difference between winning and losing is about that much!” and picture you showing us about 1 inch between your thumb and index fingers. You always had great nicknames for everyone too. The Tasmanian devil was my favorite!!! Today I smile looking back on my memories of you.
Remembering Coach Menefee and his family here in New Mexico. We hold you in our hearts and prayers. Peace and strength to all of you through Christ our Lord. -Bruce Wilder, Robinson Ram, Class of ’75
I will always be able to reflect fondly upon Bob’s love of the game of baseball and upon his love of those under his tutelage on the diamond while at Robinson.
Bob and I were opponents on and friends off the field. Not having lived in NoVa for ten years, I was surprised to hear of his passing. I cannot improve on the great things said about him. He was a good guy and a true lover of the game. He will be missed.
Dear Ed, Shirley and Rob, My sincere condolences on the sudden loss of your brother and Uncle. He was one of a kind, I will miss his quick wit and big smile!
I want to pass on my sincere condolences. I played for Coach Menefee for 4 years. I had the unique opportunity to experience both tough times and great times….and benefited from both. Coach Menefee trusted his players and built a culture of accountability across the team. I speak for all his players – in expressing our thanks, appreciation and admiration for our baseball coach. He is missed.
I am truly saddened by the loss of great friend, coach and person. Bob will be sorely missed. We were friends for almost 60 years. When I moved from New York, he was one of the first friends I made. Although we may have competed on the baseball field, we shared a great friendship over the years. We will always have fond memories of Bob sharing in many dinners with our family. May he rest in peace!