WILLIAMSBURG - Shirley Campbell Robertson, 94, lifelong resident of Williamsburg, died peacefully on Dec. 30, 2014, surrounded by his family and devoted caregivers of Woodhaven Hall. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Doris Parker Robertson; his parents, Boone McCutcheon and Juanita Parker Robertson; a brother, Homer Robertson; and a sister, Pauline Robertson Cross. He was born in Williamsburg, VA, graduated from Matthew Whaley High School and attended The College of William and Mary, where he studied Fine Arts. Shirley served a six-year apprenticeship as a silversmith under Max Rieg, a German Master Craftsman employed by Colonial Williamsburg. It was there that he developed his love for pewter. Shirley served with the US Army in World War II, and later in the Korean War as a proud member of the 45th Infantry. After returning from active service, he began the ambitious undertaking of creating a pewter company. In order to support his family while pursuing his new career, Shirley handcrafted pewter pieces during the day and patrolled the streets of Williamsburg as a police officer at night. Shirley was the founder, owner and master craftsman of Shirley Pewter Shop for over 55 years. He was a founding member and three-time president of the American Pewterers Guild and a member of the Pewter Collectors Club. Throughout his life, Shirley gave back to the community he loved. He was a lifelong member of the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church for more than 80 years. In addition to serving as Deacon and Elder, Shirley lovingly designed and hand-crafted the collection plates, the communion chalice and paten and a brass altar cross. Shirley loved spending time with the youth of the church. He and his wife Doris served as sponsors of the Senior High Fellowship, opening their homes for meetings and social gatherings for many years. Shirley was the proud recipient of the 1987 Prentis Award, a prestigious award given annually to recognize an individual in the community for strong civic involvement and support of the College of William & Mary. He was a founding member and president of the Merchants Square Association. He also volunteered his time with the Peninsula Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years, acting in every capacity from Assistant Scoutmaster to member of the Board of Directors. He was a founding member of the McClurg Corporation, which later became Williamsburg Landing, where he served 9 years on the Board of Directors. He was a founding member of Old Colony Bank (now Bank of America); serving on the Board of Directors for 8 years. Perhaps the organization he loved most is the Pulaski Club, the oldest men's social club in America; dating back to 1779. Members meet once a week, weather permitting, at "The Benches" on Duke of Gloucester Street to reminisce about the history and beauty of the Williamsburg they all love. Above all else, Shirley loved his family most and enjoyed sharing time for fishing, hunting, boating and re-living humorous stories of his childhood on Dunbar Farm. And he never missed an opportunity to slip away for a few hours of bass fishing with a close friend or family member! Mr. Robertson is survived by one brother, Alwyn Robertson, of Elizabeth City, NC, two sons, Bruce P. Robertson (Clara) of Williamsburg, Robert Scott Robertson (Mary Ann), of Asheville, NC; 5 grandchildren, Lori Robertson Hackney (Ashby), Derek Robertson (Thea), Caitlin Robertson Rudders (Dave), Boone Robertson, Mary Skye Robertson; 9 great-grandchildren, 3 nephews and 2 nieces. Following a private interment, a Celebration of Life will be held in the Alvin P. Anderson Auditorium at Williamsburg Landing on Friday, January 9, 2014 at 3:00, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Parkway, Williamsburg, VA 23188, or the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
Published in Virginia Gazette on Jan. 3, 2015