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.