Robert

Lakes

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

Robert Lee Lakes, affectionately known as Bob, was born on November 3, 1939, in Albany, Georgia to the late Nathaniel and Charlie Will Lakes. He and his family were members of Greater 2nd Mt. Olive Baptist Church. He was educated in the Dougherty County school system. After high school, he attended and graduated from Tuskegee University.

After college, he moved to Jersey City, New Jersey, to live with family. In 1971 he married Equilla Logan, and years later their daughter, Carlisse, was born. Although their marriage ended, they remained friends as they raised her.

In January 1968, he accepted a position at the Veterans Medical Center in East Orange, New Jersey. There he supervised the Pathology Lab for 38 years until he retired in November 2006. During his tenure he received many achievements, including a Special Contribution Award in 1987 and Performance Award in 1995.

With New Jersey becoming home, he joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Plainfield, New Jersey where he served faithfully for over 40 years. Because of his dedication, he was appointed to the Deacon board by the late Reverend Jerry W. Henry. As a faithful servant, he sang in the men’s choir, was a member of the men’s fellowship and lead a church cell group where he connected with members in small groups for bible study and social events. He had a passion for singing that led him to attend the Hampton University Ministers Conference in Hampton, Virginia, each year.

As an avid sports fan, he was a fan of the New York Giants and New York Knicks. He also enjoyed cruising with family to experience new places. Though New Jersey became home he frequently returned to Albany, visiting relatives and lovingly caring for his mother and brother.

In 2016, he moved to Virginia to be closer to his daughter and son-in-law. In his community he quickly became known for his warm smile and gentle spirit. He would regularly enjoy his favorite game of Bingo and attend service and fellowship at Fifth Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Through the strength of the Lord and the care and love of his daughter, he overcame health challenges until he was called home on Friday, September 18, 2026, at his residence, The Estates at the West End (formerly Morningside) in Henrico, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his brother Bennie Lee Lakes. He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter Carlisse (Ronnie) Davis of Toano, VA, many cousins, close relatives, and friends who loved him. His gentle presence, loving smile and kind and servant spirit will be missed.