Robert H. Jennings Jr.

In Loving Memory of Rob Jennings

Robert Hutchings Jennings, Jr. passed away on October 1, 2026.  He will be remembered for his dedication to protecting and cleaning up the environment, his love of the outdoors, and his many passions.

Rob graduated from the University of Virginia in 1987 with a degree in Environmental Science and went on to earn a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University. He remained a loyal Duke basketball fan throughout his life, carrying his enthusiasm for the Blue Devils well beyond his years in Durham.

Rob dedicated much of his professional life to environmental protection and disaster recovery. As a contractor for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), he helped communities recover from and prepare for the devastating effects of natural disasters. His work took him to Louisiana after hurricane Katrina and to Puerto Rico in the aftermath of other hurricanes, to Iowa following severe flooding, and to Missouri in response to several tornadoes.  He proudly helped with the clean-up efforts following the tragedy of the World Trade Center on 9/11. Through this work, he contributed to efforts that helped communities rebuild and become more resilient in the face of future disasters. He also helped establish solar farms for Dominion Energy, furthering his commitment to environmental stewardship and renewable energy.

Rob found joy in the simple pleasures that made life meaningful. He had a passion for food and cooking, a deep appreciation for bluegrass music, and enjoyed playing around on the guitar. He loved being outdoors and embraced opportunities to hike, bike, and fish, finding happiness in nature. Every summer he took great joy in taking his kids to western North Carolina, where they hiked, fished and swam in the waterfalls of Pisgah National Forest.

Rob is survived by his children, Austin Goodwin Jennings and Emma Elizabeth Jennings, and his sisters Anne Jennings Meiser and Mary Jennings Luger.  A service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Ivy, Virginia, on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the church. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and share in remembering Rob.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Conserving Carolina, an organization dedicated to protecting the natural landscapes and wild places that Rob loved so dearly. Donations may be made online or by mail, at  https://conservingcarolina.org/donate/