Robbie Graham Dooley, Sr.

Robbie Graham Dooley, 60, passed away on May 6, 2026. He was devoted husband to Meredith Parry Dooley for over 30 years and loving father to Robbie “Graham” Dooley Jr. and Parry Elizabeth Dooley. Robbie, known as “Dool” to friends, was born in Bedford on June 8, 1965 to Kenneth and Kitty Dooley. He attended Thaxton Elementary and was in the class of 1983 at Liberty High School. Robbie graduated from Ferrum College (BS), James Madison University (MPA) and Virginia Tech (EdS).

Robbie started his 32 year education career as a teacher at Forest Middle School. He worked 20 years at Franklin County High School, serving as a building administrator and later supervisor of career and technical education (CTE). In 2023, He joined Lynchburg City Schools as supervisor of CTE. He served as a leader in state CTE organizations including VACTEA, VATIE and SkillsUSA. In 2022, Robbie won the VATIE Outstanding CTE Educator Award.

Robbie loved to play and watch sports. He played high school football, wrestled and was part of the 1982 regional tennis championship team. He coached his children’s baseball and softball teams. Robbie was a regular golfer at the Bedford Country Club. He was a devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Braves.

Seeing live music was a big part of Robbie’s life. He saw the Grateful Dead over 100 times 1986-1995, then many more concerts, shows and festivals around the country with friends through the years.

Robbie was happiest being with his family. He loved being at home with dog Suzy and cat Katy Kat, on family trips and relaxing at the beach.

He is survived by his wife Meredith, son Graham (Colleen), daughter Parry, brother and sister-in-law JT & Gloria, mother-in-law Emily Parry, nephew Jamie (Erin), niece Melissa Bickford (Chad), niece Heather and their families as well as many friends far and wide. He is predeceased by his parents Kenneth & Kitty, brother Ken, nephew Michael Wayne, great nephew Jake Grant and father-in-law Ed Parry.

A service to celebrate Robbie’s life will be held on Monday, June 8 at 1 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Bedford. Visitation will be Sunday, June 7 from 6-8 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford.

If you would like to donate in Robbie’s memory, please consider the Virginia SkillsUSA Foundation c/o Robbie Dooley Scholarship Fund 715 West Main Street Salem, VA 24153. All donations will be used for students who need assistance with expenses to attend the SkillsUSA National Conference. Also consider the National D-Day Memorial as Robbie’s father was a D-Day veteran. “May the four winds blow you safely home.”