News Summary
Robert Travis Armistead Jr., a respected community leader and master mason from Williamsburg, Virginia, has passed away at the age of 74. Known for his exceptional craftsmanship in the bricklaying trade, Armistead dedicated his life to both his work and the community. An avid outdoorsman and environmental advocate, he cherished nature and shared his insights with others. Loved for his humor and warmth, Travis leaves behind a legacy through his family and the numerous lives he touched. Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life at a graveside service.
Williamsburg, Virginia – Robert Travis Armistead Jr., a cherished community leader and master mason, passed away peacefully at home on August 3, 2025, at the age of 74. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the numerous lives he touched throughout his career and community involvement.
Armistead was born on June 16, 1951, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Over the decades, he became known for his exceptional skills as a craftsman in the bricklaying trade. He owned and operated a successful bricklaying company renowned for its fine workmanship in building homes and other structures across the region. His dedication to his craft was unique; he approached every project with pride and a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring that each job reflected his high standards.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Travis was an avid outdoorsman, often exploring the trails, riverbanks, and woodlands of James City County and beyond. His extensive knowledge of local plants, soil types, and regional history only deepened his love for nature. Travis was also a lifelong hunter and fisherman, passionately sharing his insights about the natural world with others. His commitment to environmental stewardship was evident in his daily life, as he consistently advocated for sustainable practices within the community.
Beyond his vocational and environmental contributions, Travis Armistead was known for his upbeat personality and sense of humor. His quick wit often brightened the days of those around him, bringing laughter to conversations and gatherings. His ability to connect with people through humor made him a beloved figure in the community.
Travis is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Kay Armistead. His family includes his daughters, Judith Armistead Reeves, and Elizabeth Ware Armistead, as well as stepchildren Jennifer Williams and Jeffrey Tench. His legacy continues with his grandchildren—Katherine Reeves Lee, Emily Reeves, Chase Tench, and Riley Tench—who will cherish the memories they shared with their grandfather.
He is also survived by his sister, Mary Armistead Hogge. Travis was preceded in death by his father, Robert Travis Armistead Sr., his mother, Sarah Hayes Armistead, and his sister, Sallie Lee Willson. His family remembers him not only for his accomplishments as a tradesman and community leader but also for the love, laughter, and joy he brought into their lives.
A graveside service to honor Travis’s life will take place at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Williamsburg, Virginia, on Friday, August 8, at 11 a.m. Family and friends are warmly invited to join in celebrating a life marked by strength, knowledge, humor, and love.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a local animal shelter or community development initiatives, reflecting Travis’s deep affection for animals and commitment to community improvement. They also hope to honor his memory through acts of kindness, such as spending time outdoors, sharing stories, telling jokes, or offering help to neighbors, as these were values Travis held dear.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Robert Travis Armistead Jr. Obituary
- Wikipedia: Community Leader
- Daily Press: Robert T. Armistead Jr. Obituary
- Google Search: Robert Travis Armistead Jr.
- Legacy: Kathryn Royer Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Stewardship
- Legacy: Neil Suffa Obituary
- Google News: Robert Travis Armistead
- Legacy: David Wingate Obituary

Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.