On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, God called to eternal rest Robert Lee Artis. He was born December 29, 1961 in Chesapeake, VA to the late Annie and Calvin Artis, Sr. He met and later married the love of his life, Kimberly Walton Artis, and they shared 36 wonderful years together.
He grew up in the Deep Creek area of Chesapeake, where he attended Deep Creek High school and was a standout basketball player. He attended college at Northern Arizona University and Baptist College at Charleston on a basketball scholarship before returning home to Virginia.
His career spanned many areas, starting with the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Department where he served in a variety of positions for 5 years. He later went on to work as a Reefer Mechanic for the International Longshoreman Association for 11 years and served as the inner guard on the executive board of ‘Local 1970’. He retired in 2004 for medical reasons.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Kimberly Artis; three daughters, Jazmyn Kristine Smith (Justin) of Maryland, Krystal Anne Artis of Portsmouth, and Cassandra Price (Steven) of Chester; a son, Joshua Lee Artis of Portsmouth; two brothers, the late Calvin McCoy Artis Jr., Huther Lee Artis (Abrunder); two sisters, his fraternal twin Roberta Ann Artis King (Andrew) and Joyce Artis Jenkins, all of Chesapeake; three grandchildren, Jaiden King, Caleb Smith and Charli Price; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Robert was a beloved husband, father, “Granddaddy”, brother, uncle, friend and so much more to all who knew and loved him. He found joy in spending time with his wife and children at home, listening to smooth jazz music, keeping his cars spotless, and weekend road trips. He was best known for having a video camera in his hand, capturing every moment from basketball games, band competitions, birthday parties, and various celebrations. He loved to support his family in any way he could, whether that was simply making a joke to lighten the mood or rooting for his nieces and nephews at their various sporting events, Robert didn’t miss an opportunity to be there. Robert was a faithful Christian and found joy in reading the word of God when he wasn’t helping his family.
He will be truly missed, but his memory will live on through those who knew and loved him.
Condolences(20)-
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
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Sheila Harris says
March 26, 2021 at 3:49 pmDear Rob,
You are so charismatic, fun and always smiling and cracking jokes. You are such a loving, generous presence in the lives of your dear wife Kim, your children and all family and friends. I have fond memories of being around you and other family at various gatherings including a fun evening when I was a student at ODU.
In my mind, you are eternally young, happy and always joking and smiling.
You are an honored ancestor now. Rest in Power dear cousin.
Sheila
Tiffany
Crystal, Kodi Jane
Shamika Niles says
April 1, 2021 at 10:26 pmJazmin and Family,
Sorry 💔 to hear about the loss of your dad. I’m praying 🙏 for you and your family strength during your time of grieve.
Adam, Georgia, Tanesia, Kim, and Taylen Mack says
March 27, 2021 at 10:08 pmRob was an extremely helpful and friendly neighbor. He kept his cars and lawn impeccably clean. He was a Christian man who kept exceptional care of his family. He kept watch over our neighborhood, watched out for the safety of the kids at the bus stop, and would readily transport the kids to school if they missed the bus.
Please know that we empathize with the family as we are feeling the loss of his presence daily. He was not just a neighbor, but a role model to many in our community.
On a personal note, my son, Taylen, was invited to throw the ball around with Rob and Josh as he was growing up throughout the years. He always spoke highly of “Mr. Rob”, and adored the relationship that Rob and Josh shared. He was sadden by the news, but immediately prayed the comfort of God over Kim, Crystal, Jazmin, and Josh.
Rob’s Christian light shone through his quiet strength and amazing selflessness. Remember the beautiful spirit that was his life. He will be truly missed, highly remembered, and have a life that should be celebrated greatly.
Phyllis A Sendejo says
March 29, 2021 at 10:01 amSending Heartfelt condolences to the Artis
Family and Roberta his
Twin and. Huther&Joyce I
Knew Robert as
A child growing up in Deep
Creek he was one of the
Sweetest person and very
Respectful in the neighborhood community
He always had a big 😃
He will be Missed
RIH
PRAYERFULLY
Phyllis Sendejo
John Fish Speller says
March 29, 2021 at 8:51 pmIt was with great sadness that I learned of Robert’s passing. Robert was a giving person. My home boy, friend and teammate. We grew up in a small neighborhood in Deep Creek. We played many sports together. Robert was a great athlete. Robert was a high school legend. I learned alot from him in basketball. May fond memories of your loss bring the family comfort during this hard time in your life. My heart and prayers go out to the family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Rest In Peace.
Sheila (Jackson) Wilson Phil Wilson and Princess says
March 30, 2021 at 10:07 ammy deepest condolences on the loss of your brother don’t let go of your precious memories they’ll get you through this difficult time.
Jackie Harris says
March 30, 2021 at 4:03 pmDear Kim, Huther, Roberta, Joyce and family,
Robert was such an amazing gentleman. He was such a thoughtful & loving person. He will be greatly missed. I pray that the lord is giving you comfort for your loss. My deepest condolences. Love you all.
Curtis GUNN, Electoral Board Vice Chair says
March 31, 2021 at 8:48 amMrs. Artis, Portsmouth Chief Election Officer, and family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mr. Artis. I pray that the Lord will provide you solace during your bereavement and that the fondest of memories of Mr. Artis be forever enjoyed.
james l king says
April 2, 2021 at 2:16 pmPlease forgive my late condolence, i was unaware of your love one going to sleep, my heart is sadden by this and i wish your family the strength, peace of mind, and the love of Christ, family, friends, and neighbors to help your family through this loss. i pray that GOD continue to be with your family and that he continue to comfort you.
Shelby Ward-Quamiley says
March 31, 2021 at 11:58 amOn behave of the Ward–Quamiley family,Mrs. Artis,Roberta and family we’ll sending our deepest condolences in the passing of your husband Robert. We where classmates and friends for years. He was a great guy and man.
May God’ s continue comfort be with and your family.
Rev. Shelby Ward-Quamiley
Joyce Kidd Stukes says
April 1, 2021 at 1:05 pmDear Kim and family ,
You have my deepest sympathy and condolences on the loss of your husband Robert. I haven’t seen you since my freshman year at Norcom. It’s such a small world because my uncle knows Robert’s brother Huther very well and thats how I found out about Robert’s passing. I will be praying for you and your family and remember:”Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5. Take care Kim!
Donna C. Darden says
April 1, 2021 at 3:02 pmI extend my sincere condolences to the Artis family! He was a gentle giant among men! You ALL are in my prayers.
Jessie Ruffin says
April 1, 2021 at 7:12 pmMy condolences and prayers are with you.
tammy leachman says
April 2, 2021 at 11:53 amWishing you strength for today and hope for tomorrow🙏🙏🙏
brenda benn says
April 2, 2021 at 12:13 pmKIm
My condolences to you and your family.
I just heard the news yesterday.
Neighbor from 1421 Holt Drive
Vicky Porter says
April 2, 2021 at 12:55 pmSo sorry for the loss of Robert . Praying that God will give the Entire Family the Strength to Walk down this Journey Today . God Bless You All . 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
Helen Samuel Simon says
April 2, 2021 at 3:17 pmKim and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Robert. Please know that we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. May God keep you in his loving arms during this difficult time.
Love you all,
Helen Simon and the Samuel Family
Pamela E Harris says
April 2, 2021 at 3:30 pmSending our deepest condolences Kimberly, your dear children, Roberta, Huther and Family! Heavenly Father is with you all as you go through this time of bereavement each day to day helping you along the way! Praying God’s strength…
We Love you dear family!
Pamela Harris & Daughter Danae🙏❤
Cornell Perry says
April 2, 2021 at 8:51 pmTo the Artis family.
My condolences goes out to you for your lost. I know it’s hard to loose a loved one. We loved him but God loves him more. Now he is in eternal rest without any more suffering. I pray that God will fill the void that you fill in your heart with His Peace and His Joy. Continue to trust God because He doesn’t make any mistakes. I will missed you cousin.
Huther artis says
April 3, 2021 at 11:36 amLove you Robert my baby brother you will always live and be with us….trust me
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