Obituary for Robert Linkous
Robert S. Linkous of Roanoke, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 5, 2021. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and “Coach.”
He was born on December 28, 1931, in Radford, Va., to the late Harry and Lola Mae Linkous. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Bowman Linkous; daughter, Ruth Linkous Willm; daughter-in-law, Tana Linkous; and beloved cat, Sam.
After a disadvantaged youth, he entered the United States Air Force at the age of 17 and was honorably discharged after his service in 1952 as a Staff Sergeant. Upon his return at 21 to Radford, Va., he married Patricia, started his family, and began his professional career in wholesale and industrial supplies and a lifetime career in coaching, mentoring, and refereeing youth.
“Chick,” as many called him, was a member of Radford Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon. While in Radford, he became a Boy Scoutmaster and achieved the Order of the Arrow. As Scoutmaster of Troop 140 in the New River District, he graduated seven Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout during one ceremony in 1961. While in Radford, he was also recognized as “Citizen of the Year.”
After relocating to Roanoke, Va., in 1966, he joined Second Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher and remained a member throughout his life. After the passing of his first wife, he married Ruby in 1976 and opened Linkous Supply in 1980, a family business that they co-owned and operated until 2018. He was named Roanoke’s Father of the Year in 1975 and recognized for Youth Leadership. “Coach” led many young men and women in many different aspects of youth development.
While in the USAF, he coached and played football, basketball, softball, and baseball. He led his team to victory in the 1951 European Fast Pitch Softball Championship and always celebrated the game ball until the time of his death. After his service, he began a fulfilling 33-year voluntary passion with little league coaching, in both Radford and Roanoke, Va. He coached football, basketball, baseball, golf, and tennis. He mentored youth to be disciplined and excel in every aspect of their lives. He frequently stated that the relationship with his players, “his boys,” was one of the most special in his life.
He was an avid runner and golfer. He was a former member of Kiwanis and Hunting Hills Country Club in Roanoke, Va. He had a boisterous laugh, a slow easy smile, a love of animals, a dedication to helping others achieve greatness, a love of music, and (after his running years) great walks and beach bocce games.
He is survived by his adoring wife, Ruby, his “princess” of 45 years; son, Robert Linkous Jr.; son, Richard Linkous (Paula); daughter, Joan McClellan (Greg); daughter, Leigh Anne Nordt (Rob); daughter, Vickie Linkous (Tim); daughter, Cynthia Crawford; son-in-law, Robert Willm Jr. (Carmen); 12 grandchildren; his cat, Gracie; many beloved family members and friends; and his dear friend and co-worker of 51 years, Richard Simpson.
The family would like to express extreme gratitude for the wonderful and loving care provided by Good Samaritan Hospice, Friendship Manor, and his much-loved niece, Kelly Witt.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, Va., with Dr. George C. Anderson officiating. A reception will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall. The family invites any of “Coach’s” players and families to join the family prior to the service in the Hospitality House for seating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Mountain Avenue Fund @ Second Presbyterian Church in support of disadvantaged families and children.
He was born on December 28, 1931, in Radford, Va., to the late Harry and Lola Mae Linkous. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Bowman Linkous; daughter, Ruth Linkous Willm; daughter-in-law, Tana Linkous; and beloved cat, Sam.
After a disadvantaged youth, he entered the United States Air Force at the age of 17 and was honorably discharged after his service in 1952 as a Staff Sergeant. Upon his return at 21 to Radford, Va., he married Patricia, started his family, and began his professional career in wholesale and industrial supplies and a lifetime career in coaching, mentoring, and refereeing youth.
“Chick,” as many called him, was a member of Radford Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon. While in Radford, he became a Boy Scoutmaster and achieved the Order of the Arrow. As Scoutmaster of Troop 140 in the New River District, he graduated seven Scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout during one ceremony in 1961. While in Radford, he was also recognized as “Citizen of the Year.”
After relocating to Roanoke, Va., in 1966, he joined Second Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher and remained a member throughout his life. After the passing of his first wife, he married Ruby in 1976 and opened Linkous Supply in 1980, a family business that they co-owned and operated until 2018. He was named Roanoke’s Father of the Year in 1975 and recognized for Youth Leadership. “Coach” led many young men and women in many different aspects of youth development.
While in the USAF, he coached and played football, basketball, softball, and baseball. He led his team to victory in the 1951 European Fast Pitch Softball Championship and always celebrated the game ball until the time of his death. After his service, he began a fulfilling 33-year voluntary passion with little league coaching, in both Radford and Roanoke, Va. He coached football, basketball, baseball, golf, and tennis. He mentored youth to be disciplined and excel in every aspect of their lives. He frequently stated that the relationship with his players, “his boys,” was one of the most special in his life.
He was an avid runner and golfer. He was a former member of Kiwanis and Hunting Hills Country Club in Roanoke, Va. He had a boisterous laugh, a slow easy smile, a love of animals, a dedication to helping others achieve greatness, a love of music, and (after his running years) great walks and beach bocce games.
He is survived by his adoring wife, Ruby, his “princess” of 45 years; son, Robert Linkous Jr.; son, Richard Linkous (Paula); daughter, Joan McClellan (Greg); daughter, Leigh Anne Nordt (Rob); daughter, Vickie Linkous (Tim); daughter, Cynthia Crawford; son-in-law, Robert Willm Jr. (Carmen); 12 grandchildren; his cat, Gracie; many beloved family members and friends; and his dear friend and co-worker of 51 years, Richard Simpson.
The family would like to express extreme gratitude for the wonderful and loving care provided by Good Samaritan Hospice, Friendship Manor, and his much-loved niece, Kelly Witt.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, Va., with Dr. George C. Anderson officiating. A reception will follow in the Church Fellowship Hall. The family invites any of “Coach’s” players and families to join the family prior to the service in the Hospitality House for seating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Mountain Avenue Fund @ Second Presbyterian Church in support of disadvantaged families and children.