Dr. Richard Lee ‘Papa’ Robertson was born on November 8, 1928 in Muncie, Indiana. He was the second child of the late Lloyd Robertson, Sr. and Leoda Weidman Robertson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lura Alice Robertson, and brothers Lloyd Roberston Jr. and James Robertson.

Part of the Greatest Generation, Richard grew up during the Great Depression and World War II, joining the US Army at the age of 17. Stationed overseas for three years, he oversaw the transport of prisoners-of-war back to Germany and participated in the rebuilding of Western Europe.

Richard went through college and medical school first on the GI Bill and then on his own, finally finishing his degree at the Medical College of Virginia in 1959. Though he suffered many setbacks along the way, Richard never lost sight of his education nor his dream to be a doctor. He was the first person in his family to go to college, an achievement he did not want to end with himself: he helped his children and grandchildren all go on to be college graduates.

Richard married Lura Alice ‘Nana’ Robertson in 1959, settling in Radford in 1963 where they raised a family and Papa established his medical practice. Dr. Robertson was a caring physician with a legendary sense of humor, who made patients at Radford Community Hospital feel more at ease and valued. Following his retirement from active medical practice, he was Radford Community Hospital's first Medical Director.

His kindness, his laugh, his jokes, and his wisdom will be greatly missed by all those who shared in his life. He is survived by his three children: Rick (Nancy) Robertson, Boston, MA; Mary Beth Robertson, Radford; Lura Ann (Larry) Pitchford, Radford. His seven grandchildren: Joanna (Patrick) Greer Premand, Jongny, Switzerland; Allison (Russell Smith) Greer, Memphis, TN; Molly (Michael Vu) Greer, Fairfax; Gray (Jamie) Pitchford, Inwood, WV; Kate Pitchford, Radford; Cole (Christina) Pitchford, Radford; Alex (Debora) Robertson, Boston., and dear friend, Judy Montgomery, Dublin. He was also known as Great-Grand Papa to his four great-grandchildren: Louisa Premand, Lee Smith, and Denver and Maci Pitchford.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. A graveside service will take place following the visitation at 11:30 a.m. in West View Cemetery in Radford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Presbyterian Church of Radford, 201 Fourth Street, Radford, VA 24141. 

The Robertson family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory, 120 W Main St., Radford, VA 24141. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com