In memoriam: Justin Robey, senior majoring in mechanical engineering, College of Engineering

Born on Oct. 10, 1989, in Elizabeth City, N.C., Justin Robey left this earth on Feb. 12, 2014.  

Justin attended First Flight Schools K-12, where his inquisitive mind and focus on his academic studies resulted in numerous awards, including induction into the National Honor Society. Justin graduated in the top 5 of his 2008 First Flight High School class and was a University of North Carolina Morehead Scholar nominee.

Justin held a keen appreciation for a wide variety of music throughout his life, and he fulfilled this passion as a percussionist, drummer, cymbal player and drum line captain for the First Flight High School Marching Nighthawks. He was a member of the First Flight High School Jazz Hawks and traveled to Europe in 2007 to perform in Italy and France.  

Justin received numerous musical awards throughout high school. He was a member of the Dixie Do Daz band, which placed first in the National Youth Jazz competition in 2005, and was also selected as a member of the Centennial Band, which performed at the First Flight Centennial, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight.

In college, Justin became a member of the UNC Marching Tarheels, and after transferring to Virginia Tech he was a rank captain in the Marching Virginians, “The Spirit of Tech,” and had the honor of performing in three bowl games, including the Orange Bowl in 2009.

While a member of Troop 116, Tidewater Council, BSA, Justin became an Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable, awarded for dedication, service and leadership skills. In line with his early commitment to service, he joined the Army National Guard while at Virginia Tech.  

While carrying a full course load in mechanical engineering, he also went through the strenuous 18-month Officer Candidate School, and he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 116th BCO Unit BSTP (Military Intelligence). Justin was awarded his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech in February of 2014.

When not focusing on his studies, Justin enjoyed valued friendships and a passion for cars, hockey, music, international cuisine, microbrews, and fine wines. He loved languages and studied Latin, German and Japanese, with a goal to travel to Japan next year. 

His appreciation of diverse cultures inspired him to travel to Europe, Israel, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands. He also made several trips across the United States, and one of his favorite getaways was traveling with friends to New York City. Justin was known throughout his life as a loyal friend, and we would be remiss not to mention the special bond he shared with his pet, Revvie.

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church by the Sea in Nags Head, N.C.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations for engineering scholarships can be made to Virginia Tech with the designation:  In Memory of Justin Robey. Checks made payable to the Virginia Tech Foundation Inc. can be mailed to Office of Gift Accounting (0336), University Gateway Center - Virginia Tech, 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061. Donations can also be made online.

Justin was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Marian Korta Felick, and his paternal grandfather, John I. Robey Sr. He is survived by his mother, Elaine Felick Robey of Kill Devil Hills; his father, Jack Robey of Kitty Hawk; his maternal grandfather, Bob Felick of Kill Devil Hills; his paternal grandmother, Bernie Robey of Ft. Worth, Texas, and many beloved family members.

We wish to thank our family and friends for their continuous support during this difficult time, with a very special thanks extended to Ronnie Hudgins; Susan Pritchett; the faculty of Virginia Tech -- we will forever be proud members of the Hokie Nation; the wonderful people of Blacksburg, Va.; and Justin’s special friend, Sarah Hall.

During his lifetime, Justin remained a tremendous source of joy to his family and friends and he was a pride to his community. He will be desperately missed, but we know his beautiful legacy will always shine brightly.

McCoy Funeral Homes Inc. of Blacksburg, Va., assisted the family with arrangements.