Since I was a child the smell of fresh cut grass has always brought me much comfort. All my life I saw my Dad constantly mowing, seeding, and watering the lawn. He was very passionate about the work he performed. I was, and very much still am, so proud of my father. He ran his own business while he raised a family. He always gave us the love and attention we needed. He sparked my love for science while watching him enjoy his lawn and plants. It was not work for him. I was always amazed when he explained how certain plants had to go in specific places to grow properly, or this or that was needed for the soil to make them grow even better. I now have a huge collection of plants in and around my home.

My father was proud of the fact that the work he did helped to protect the environment and educate other people to do the same. I do not think he knew how much of a staple he was in this industry. After speaking with so many people that worked with him, it made me very happy to see how much respect they had for him. Most people I spoke with were speaking more of a friend rather than a business relationship. When he talked of his business, he was always so humble saying that he needed to do more, take this new course, or get into this new product. He never wanted to stop evolving and learning. I am still stumped as to how he was able to do so much in one business. It is difficult to explain to people in one short description what my father, Robert Barksdale, did for us.

The relationship I had with my father was more than any daughter could ask for. He was my mentor, my friend, and so much more. He taught me to be an independent woman, as well as, the value of education, kindness, and hard work. He taught me that these virtues could take me further- further than I could imagine. He left me with all the skills I need to make it in this world and I will never forget his teachings. I hope I can be as great a woman as he was a man. I thank all of those that have helped me through this time in my life and I thank my father for leaving such a great group of people to lean on.

I had the pleasure of meeting Robert as a young man when he claimed the “ripe old age of 25.  At that time he was working at the Lakeview Golf Course.  Ric Moore had been his manager and Ric had come to work for W. S. Connelly one year earlier.

Ric and I were beginning a new business, Hydro Lawn Spray in 1976.  I hired Ric to help us get started in the residential lawn care business.  Ric suggested we hire Robert Barksdale.  Thus, on or about 1980, Robert Barksdale joined W. S. Connelly & Co., Inc. and would remain with the company for over 20 years.

Robert began his career with us in our residential lawn care division---Hydro Lawn Spray.  He quickly became our most successful producer.  He set the production bar very high. In fact, so high that year in and year out he held the achievement record for highest spray production.  Robert ultimately earned a leadership role in the Company and assisted in running the LCO division until we sold it in 1987 to TruGreen Lawn Care.

By this time Robert had become a household name at W. S. Connelly and practically a Connelly family member.  But with sale of the LCO division Robert was left wondering whether he had a job and what that job would be. Seeing no point in him wondering for very long we purchased a little known distribution business located in Forest, VA called Landscape Supply.

Because of his loyalty and an amazing work ethic, Robert committed to a daily commute from Roanoke to Forest.  He continued this two-hour round trip for about 1 year util the decision was made to move Landscape Supply to Roanoke, VA.

Not long after LSI arrived in Roanoke, we set up its permanent headquarters there.  We hardly opened its doors, when Robert Barksdale assumed the role of General Manager.  He began this position in spring of 1984 and continued as General Manager until June of 2000.

During those 16+ years, under Robert’s guiding hand, LSI grew from a small erosion control distribution concern in Forest, VA to a successful wholesale distribution business recognized as a market leader in the Virginia Professional Turfgrass Industry.

During Robert’s 20-year employment tenure with W. S. Connelly, he was a loyal member of our team.  No matter the assignment Robert was a positive force, never second-guessing and always dedicated to simply getting on with the task at hand.

And the work was certainly not without challenge as during those 20 years, W. S. Connelly opened 4 businesses, sold 3, acquired two going concerns and closed 3.  No matter how challenging or difficult the assignment Robert was not simply willing; he was committed and prepared to take the steps necessary to insure success.

As those two decades passed Robert became much more than simply a “member” of the management team. Instead be became part of the fabric of what we all held dear, both at W. S. Connelly & Co and in the Connelly family.

He helped us through our ups and downs that further marked him as a key player in our success.  But as is often the case in life the success we now enjoy was preceded by a great deal of difficulty.  A great deal.

1989 was s red-letter year for W. S. Connelly & Co. as we hit the wall hard and slid down into face the distinct possibility having to declare bankruptcy.  It was during that summer that I asked Robert to stand shoulder to shoulder with me in an effort to save W. S. Connelly & Co. from financial peril.

I’ll never forget that June/July period of 1989 when Robert and I were locked up in our conference room for 30+ days straight, approximately 10 hours a day, sifting through thousands of sheets of paper in an attempt to pinpoint what had contributed to our financial difficulties!!

As my anxiety grew Robert never deviated from his task nor did he ever lose his optimism. We never found anything that adequately explained that situation so within two months Robert and I were forced to lay off 25% of the W. S. Connelly company and close three businesses.

As dark and depressing as those days were for me personally I was amazed by Robert’s dedication, commitment and loyalty to W. S. Connelly & Co. and his always being able to see the glass as half full.  It was during the year 1989 that I realized how much I loved and respected Robert Byrd Barksdale; not simply as an employee but as a man who did what he did because it was simply the “right thing” to do.

The years between 1989-1992 were very difficult but Robert played a significant roll to pull us through!!   I asked Robert to manage Landscape Supply and to grow it as quickly as possible while maintaining a profit.  And that’s exactly what he did.

I regularly look back at that tentative, tenuous, dangerous 3-5 year period between 1988-1993 and I realize just how important Roberts management of Landscape Supply was in the salvation of W. S. Connelly & Co., Inc.

By 1998, Robert had been with us for 18 years and decided he wanted to go open his own business.  My favorite memory of Robert concerns his process of leaving W. S. Connelly.  I did not want him to go but he was committed to doing so.  He gave me a 6 month notice which evolved into a year.  At the end of the first year, I talked him into staying 6 more months, which evolved into 12.

I had my fingers crossed, that he would not actually leave, and would remain.  But, it was not to be. Robert left in June of 2000, a full 2 years from the date of his resignation notice!!  We both loved and respected each other having worked together for 24 consecutive months after he gave notice. We worked through that two year period without one cross word, one misunderstanding, not one harsh word.  Truly remarkable in light of who Robert worked with!!!!

We remained very close friends and confidants for the following 14 years until the day of his passing.

When I received notice of Robert’s passing, I was convinced it was mistaken information and that actually his father (also Robert Byrd Barksdale) had died.  His dad was almost 90 years old when Robert died this past May and I was sure some information had become misreported, but it was not to be.

We lost a great friend of the W. S. Connelly & Co family when Robert B. Barksdale left us last May.  Not a day goes by I don’t laugh at his laugh and crack a smile remembering his.  He will never be forgotten!

I remember Robert when I was just a youngster working during summer break at Landscape Supply.  I can still see his office full of Miami Dolphins and Boston Celtics posters and trophies.  Even as a kid, I remember Robert as the life of the party, always full of laughs and good times.  As I grew older, I recognized how instrumental he was in the survival and success of W.S. Connelly.  

As the company was transitioning from one industry to another, Robert was the glue that kept us together, kept the company going.  His commitment and loyalty to our family business is something rarely seen then or now.  While always jovial and ready to have a good time, when it came to business he knew what was needed to get the job done and done well.  

When I meet with my dad and brother we often find ourselves in a discussion about Robert.  That discussion always gravitates to our wishing that he was still on the team. It would have been a good thing for him to experience first-hand the positives experienced over the last decade as the company has grown and enjoyed success.   

Robert carried our company, kept us all focused on overcoming the challenges we faced.  Robert came to my father’s side during those difficult times and stuck with him when most jumped ship.  Looking back that fact alone places Robert head and shoulders above most with whom I’ve come in contact with over the course of my career.

My brother Patrick and I will always remember and honor the icons that came before us and laid the foundation enabling our current success.  Men of integrity like Willard Connelly, George Miller, and now Robert Barksdale.  Three icons that kept this company together as we faced and ultimately overcame all that was placed in our path.  

Robert will always be respected and appreciated by all the Connelly’s.  He will always be a member of the LSI family.

“I grew up working at Landscape Supply and Robert, or the General as we called him, left a lasting impression that has influenced me to this day.”  Robert told all who’d listen that his great, great grandfather was a famous Confederate General who fought in many of greatest Civil War battles – General William Barksdale.  “We never looked into the claim but none doubted Robert’s having a famous relative and that’s why we always called him the General.”

“From my perspective one over-riding memory of Robert was how he expressed his view of others.  “Robert never had a cross word for anyone.  “In fact, Robert was one of the most positive people I’ve ever met in this industry.”  “He always led with a huge smile had a positive word to say about everyone with whom he did business – friend or competitor alike I never heard a disparaging word from Robert about any other human being.”

One measure of a persons’ life is how he/she impacted others and the resulting legacy they created while on this earth.  “From where I sit Robert left a huge footprint on Virginia’s Green Industry.  “Over 15 years I suspect Robert directly touched the lives of well over 30,000 Lawn Care Operators to whom he provided pesticide recertification training.  “In fact, over the course of his career Robert probably influenced the careers of close to 100,000 folks in our industry – golf course superintendents, sports turf managers and LCO alike have profited from the teachings and services provided by Robert.”  “We all profited a great deal by knowing him and by having the benefit of his expertise.”

Warren Hutton, Classmate at Staunton Military Academy

Everyone knows of Bob’s good nature, always be willing to help no matter what the request.  I also remember how mean and tough he was. You see, he played nose tackle and I played middle linebacker for our championship football team in the season of 1974, my senior year at Staunton Military Academy (class of ’75).

We had so much fun smashing people together we got quite the reputation.  In many ways Bob “Fireplug” Barksdale was the soul of the defense.

Built so low to the ground, and as stout as he was small in stature, he was the ultimate nose tackle. There was no way any offensive lineman was going to get lower than him, and with his strength, the leverage he used against larger players was too much.

I will always remember the time we both hit the opposing fullback behind the line of scrimmage on a stunt.  The look of surprise and terror in his eyes when Bob and I hit him at the same time was particularly satisfying as this player had transferred out of Staunton for not getting enough playing time. Be careful for what you wish.

I will miss Bob’s good cheer and will cherish the memories of his ferocity.

Tom Tracy, PhD, Executive Director, Virginia Turfgrass Council

I find it difficult to find the proper words to describe Robert Barksdale. “Helpful,” “Enterprising,” “Honest,” and “Encouraging” are just a start of very long list of adjectives that attempts to capture my memories.

Until his untimely death, he was a major force in Virginia’s turfgrass industry. From his foundational work at Landscape Supply, to his service with the Virginia Turfgrass Council  (which included serving as President), to his state-wide consulting and training business, Robert’s touch was always present.

The Virginia Turfgrass Council experienced many changes during the time I knew Robert: the Annual Conference moved from Virginia Beach, to Richmond, to Fredericksburg; the publisher of our Journal changed from a Florida company to Leading Edge Communications; membership soared; and regional seminars were developed and offered across the state. Robert was a key part of each of these changes. He provided wisdom, guidance, and a confidential listening ear.

I can best sum up my feelings and respect for Robert with the following revelation. He was on the very short list of persons whom I felt I could call if my car ever broke down on the road. No matter the time or the place, I knew Robert would help.

Sandra Payne, Controller – W.S. Connelly & Company, Inc.

I met Robert in 1994 and enjoyed my relationship with him to the day of his passing.  I continually marveled at his ability to see the good in everyone and to remain upbeat no matter the challenge or circumstance.  Robert offered everyone he met an infectious smile and a laugh that let all see how much he truly enjoyed life.

My memory of Robert will forever be marked by his loyalty and dedication to Landscape Supply and to Kip Connelly.  He was a hard worker, a person who placed emphasis on building relationships knowing that sales would naturally follow.  Whether in business or in his personal life when Robert shook your hand as a friend you knew you’d remain so for life.

There are so many memories of Robert but one that always brings a smile to my face involves his great, great grandfather.  You see Robert claimed kinship with General William Barksdale a stalwart member of Robert E. Lee’s command.  This great, great something relation evidently was a point of great pride so much so that Robert repeatedly reminded all about his kinship to the good general.  He mentioned this so often that several of us in the office made 25-cent deposits to a coffee can kept in my office each and every time General Barksdale was mentioned.   I don’t recall how much we collected in a year but suffice it to say the proceeds bought a few lunches.

Since I was responsible for much of the company’s accounting, the task of deciphering Robert’s handwriting fell on my shoulders.  Repeatedly, I’d have to call him over to the office to translate.  He was always apologetic but took no direct responsibility for his poor penmanship.  He claimed that his writing so illegibly was the result of mean spirited defensive linemen who over the course of his football career managed to inflict great harm to his hands. So it was football that made it impossible for most to make hide or tail of what he was trying to convey.

While Robert was a jovial person he also had a serious and emotional side to his personality. I had occasion to share some private time with Robert shortly after his youngest daughter Susan was seriously injured in an automobile accident.  He shared with me the realization that life was so very precious yet fleeting.  We shed a tear or two as the condition of his daughter clearly was a tremendous concern.  Robert simply hated to see “his baby” in such pain.

Robert Barksdale was as dedicated to his family as any man I’ve ever known.  His wife Mia (Helen), daughter Anna and his youngest Susan were the reason for Robert’s joy, his motivation for facing each day. He left this earth way to soon.  His departure has left shoes that won’t soon be filled and all in the Virginia Green industry will remain in his debt for many years to come.

Rick Moore, Owner – Green Up Lawns & Landscapes

I have known Robert Barksdale most of my life. His parents were the reason my parents moved to Roanoke. His father and mine both worked at Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern, (Architects and Engineers) together for years.

After college I worked as a Greens Superintendent at Lakeview Country Club in Hollins, Virginia. Robert came to work with me at Lakeview and when I left to work at Hydro Lawn Spray, Robert took over as Greens Superintendent at Lakeview. A few years later Robert came to work with me at Hydro Lawn Spray and then subsequently to work for Landscape Supply.

After I started my own business, Green Up Lawns & Landscapes, Robert handled my account for Landscape Supply. After Robert left Landscape Supply and started his own consulting business he would do an annual pesticide recertification program at my office for our employees. Robert and I would always catch up on old times and family when he did the recertification program.  We’d talk some business but most of our time was spent bragging on our family and sharing stories about our kid’s accomplishments.

I will miss Robert both professionally and personally. All of us expect to live forever and we assume our friends will too, so when a good friend dies it is a shock. Robert's death was a shock.

Robert was one of the good guys; truly a cut above. It really is hard to put in words what a good guy Robert was, but as I told his Mom when I wrote her after his death, he was a man his mother, father, brother, sister, wife and daughters could be proud of. I would also add that he was a man the Green Industry could be proud of. Our industry will miss him.

Dr. Michael Goatley, Jr.

Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist

Virginia Tech

“Robert was the most successful person I have ever met that took his deep passion for the turfgrass industry and turned it into a ‘job’ that I still don’t know how to classify! 

He immediately made me feel welcome in Virginia and that was most appreciated by someone making a move to a new job mid-career.  RBB Consulting and Sales did it all and he served not only a diverse group of clientele, but also many of our professional and state regulatory agencies.  

He truly enjoyed his work and definitely enjoyed people.  It was his bubbly personality that made some very dry subject matter tolerable (if not enjoyable!).  He was a leader in this industry both in actions and word and his love of all things ‘Hokie’ was worn on his sleeve. 

It was a pleasure to partner with him in educational programming because he was a professional that related well to all, regardless of their education or background.  He touched the lives of countless people and made everyone’s day just a little bit brighter when he was around. 

Robert’s efforts will likely be imitated, but never truly duplicated as he was one of a kind.”

Joe Hammer, Colleague and fellow employee at Landscape Supply

I first met Robert Barksdale in 1987, when I came to work at Landscape Supply. Since his youthful passing this year, I frequently think about him. I will remember him for his knowledge, humor and his caring attitude. He was a friend and mentor to many in Virginia's Green Industry and will be missed.

Joe Hammer

Don Whitmire – Purchasing Agent at Landscape Supply

My first recollection of Robert goes back to the late 60s and early 70’s where we knew each other during our time in high school.  But we didn’t become good friends during our teens as we didn’t travel in the same circle of friends.  Several years after we graduated from high school I came back into contact with Robert as a potential employer.   I will never forget coming in for an interview at Landscape Supply and sitting in the room with Robert asking me questions.  That was back in April of 1988.  Fortunately, I got the job and had the distinct honor of working for or with Robert for the next 14 years.

When I think of Robert I always see a man happiest when he had a line in the water; a place he longed to be every time the fish happened to be biting.  Robert was also famous for his annual “derby” parties.  It was during those wonderful events that he seemed happiest as friends and family gathered to enjoy time together. 

I suppose another of my memories of Robert was his strength and leadership of his family following a terrible car crash that almost took his youngest child’s life.  In much the same way that he carried the company through challenging times Robert was at his ultimate best when forced to carry his family through an ordeal as all rallied to help his daughter through a long and painful period of rehabilitation.

It’s odd how people come back into our minds.  I thought of Robert back in June when Kip and I were agonizing over the redesign of our private label fertilizer bag and discussing the upcoming changes in Virginia’s Fertilizer Law.  Robert had such a strong commitment to the Green Industry, to stewarding the environment and to doing all possible to promote great turf while protecting the environment.  Robert helped so many lawn care operators, golf course superintendents and sports field managers as they worked to grow and maintain beautiful and healthy turf.  Kip and I both thought he’d approve of our design.

Bo Phillips, Green Industry Professional, Colleague and Friend of Robert Barksdale.

Robert Barksdale AKA “Little General”

Did you know that Robert Barksdale was related to TWO generals from the Civil War (if you spent any time around him, he would have told ya)!

I met Robert when I first came to Landscape Supply in August of 1998. He walked me around, introduced me to everyone, and then we returned to his office and that’s when it started…The learning had begun. We spent the next two days in that office going over the products one by one. Categories of products after categories of products… Seeds, Soil Amendments, Fertilizers, Herbicide, Insecticides, Fungicides, Erosion Control products, etc. You name it and he knew it! He wasn’t teaching me from any propaganda / manufactures literature piece, he was talking (teaching) from what was in his head, walking around, finding literature to give to me while he poured out everything there is to know about that product we were discussing, making notes in the margins, drawing pictures and diagrams (fyi – he had big fingers and his handwriting nor artistry were all that good, but he would have told ya that upfront and apologized for it).

He knew so much about everything he would answer questions with a two answers - the first one would be a long and drawn out answer going all the way back to the invention of seed – the second answer would always follow these words “The short answer…” followed by a loud bellowing laugh (and he would have then apologized for being so long winded on the first answer). He was so very passionate for the green industry. You could tell that it was what he loved to do. To me he was the a leader, but even more so an Educator. I don’t think he ever stopped educating us.

He loved some things in life, the green grass that he knew so much about, Virginia Tech Football, and a nice bourbon, but he loved a couple of things much more. Robert loved The Kentucky Derby and the party he threw for it every year. He would have invited ya! – The More The Merrier! I’m not sure what drove that passion, the time of year, horses, or the party? But he sure loved it. And the thing that Robert loved the most in the whole world were his girls. Wife – Mia and daughters Susan and Anna. He cherished every second he could be with them.

If ya ever wanted to know, (just ask, and he could have told ya)…

Robert will be missed by many. I’m pretty sure he is in heaven trying to grow turf on the clouds, watching horses in Kentucky every May, and smiling down on his beautiful girls every day.

Thank you Robert for always educating, laughing, and loving…

Alex Wood, President – The Cutting Edge

“I will always remember Robert from the first time we attended a sales meeting in Ohio. Being from the south we were a bit out of our element with most of the attendees being from the northeast and Canada.

We arrived a bit late and rushed in to find a couple of seats at a very crowded event.  Someone had asked? We are you guys from?  I think our accent made them curious.  Robert piped up "Virginia, and I am Robert B. Barksdale great, great, grandson of Colonel B. Barksdale, famous Yankee Killer from the South. 

Well, you could have heard a pin drop.  I was preparing for a hasty exit until Robert erupted into that contagious wide mouth laugh of his, and the rest of the table broke out in laughter.  To this day I don't understand the punch line, but that was how he was. 

I never knew anyone who didn't like Robert.  When I think about it, we are all very saddened that Robert was taken from all of us way too soon, but in his life look at what he accomplished, the people he taught, the relationships he built.  He did so much it is hard to comprehend. 

We should all be so fortunate to leave an impression on this earth like Robert.  RIP RBB.  Love ya Brother.