Obituary
Remembering…..
Robert David Weagraff 1932 – 2021
Robert (Rubbie) Weagraff, 88, passed away on Saturday,
August 7, 2021. He was born on September 13, 1932 to
Robert and Mary Lou Weagraff. A second generation
Floridian, Rubbie was born in Tampa, FL. At his death, he
was the last remaining person in his family.
Rubbie grew up here in Taft, one of 8 children to a
penacostal preacher and homemaker. Growing up in the
Depression era, Rubbie told many stories of his Mama
cooking whatever he and his brothers could gather with
a slingshot or a fishing pole as the family meal. At the
age of 14, Rubbie lost his right leg in an accident and
spent a year in the hospital. Determined to finish school,
he fashioned his own peg leg from a chair leg. This
invention took him all the way to Orlando High School
located downtown. Many times he walked or hitchhiked to get there and back.
After graduating from Orlando High School where he excelled in Art, Rubbie went to work
for Trade Engraving Company as an engraver. While employed there he met and married
the love of his life, Barbara Stephens. Together they began their own company, Freelance
Engravers. Rubbie’s work was known world-wide, designing stationery artwork for former
US Presidents, other world leaders such as Anwar Suddat (former President of Egypt) and
embassy seals for locations all over the globe. He was known for the quality and precision
of his artwork.
The Weagraff family has deep spiritual roots in the small community of Taft. Since the start
of the Methodist church in 1910, the Weagraff family has served others. Rubbie continued
that work. He has served faithfully as a deacon for over 60 years in the First Baptist
Church of Taft. He served his Lord by teaching, singing, building and working in any way
he was needed. He became the face of his little church in the community of Taft where he
lived. Rubbie was also a Gideon. He handed out many New Testaments and Bibles in a
variety of places. One has to wonder how many lives were inspired by his commitment to
spreading God’s Word.
Rubbie has been influential in the community of Taft. He helped in the fundraising and
actual building of the Taft Community Center, his business sponsored Little League and
even basketball teams. He served on the Taft Historical Society from it’s beginning until
his passing.
Even though all of his work was important to him, Rubbie was a family man first. He loved
his wife Barbara and their 5 children. He was a wonderful father and grandfather and took
pride in his family and their accomplishments.
He is survived by his 5 children: Stephen from Winter Park, FL, Donna Smith and Laura
Petrik from Orlando, Daniel from Teaneck, NJ and William from Orlando. He leaves
behind 7 Grandchildren and 5 Great-Grandchildren.
His Homegoing Celebration is being held on Saturday, August 28th at 1:00 PM at his
home church, First Baptist Church of Taft (9284 2nd Avenue Orlando, FL 32824). His
Interment will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha, FL at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to First Baptist Church of Taft at the address
above or the Gideons at sendtheword.org.
What can I say about him… he was a good man
God, family, church was his life
He will surely be missed.