Robert Marion Sayre, Jr.

Robert M Sayre, Jr., 71 of Lynchburg, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

He was born in Washington, D.C., the eldest son of Ambassador Robert M. Sayre and Elora A. Sayre.

Bob, as he was known to his family and friends, grew up in Washington, D.C., as well as living overseas throughout Latin America, where his parents led important diplomatic work for the United States. Bob graduated from Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia, in 1977, and began a career in retailing with a prominent D.C./Va./Md retailer at that time, Britches of Georgetown. He quickly rose through the ranks of Britches to become their leading salesman, store manager, and then buyer, a key role in which he traveled the world, creating the next trends in fashion and retailing. He progressed to roles of increasing national importance with major retailers in the Midwest and Southern California, raising with his wife Megan Mays of Bethesda, Maryland, three children, Colin, Graham, and Quinlen, who ultimately settled on the West Coast.

Later in life, Bob returned to his native Virginia, to a historical family homestead, Walnut Hill, in Appomattox, where he pursued his lifelong passion of American history, especially of the Civil War, by joining the staff of the American Civil War Museum in Appomattox, and then that of Richmond. Robert’s various roles included Site Director in Appomattox and Director of Retail and Visitor Services. At the museum for over a decade, until retiring last year, he never tired of welcoming and sharing his deep historical knowledge and perspective with thousands of visitors of all ages.

Bob is remembered lovingly by his family, friends and the entire Appomattox community as an authentic Virginian, who was deeply proud of his home state, and of its people, culture and rich history.

He is survived by three children, Colin Robert Sayre and wife, Raye Evrard of Washington state, Graham Travis Sayre and Bailie Johnston of California, and Quinlen Parry Sayre and AJ Gaikar of California; two siblings, Marian Sayre-Oreska and husband, Julius Oreska of Richmond, VA, and Daniel H. Sayre and wife, Ileana Sayre of Florida; one brother-in-law, Kit Mays and wife, Alisa of Maryland; nine nieces and nephews, Matthew Oreska and wife, Emily, Julian Oreska and wife, Ena, Christian Sayre, Annette Sayre, William Sayre and wife, Lindsey, Madeleine Sayre, Travis Mays and wife, Natalie, Kali Mays husband, Paolo Tranquill, and Madison Mays.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Robert Mays and mother-in-law, Helen Mays.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Civil War Museum, 490 Tredegar Street, Richmond, VA 23219 or ASPCA, PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929.

Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. An online condolence may be sent by visiting www.robinsonfuneral.com.