WHEREAS, Robert Fielding Cage of Halifax County, a man of remarkable talents, who was a sculptor, painter, world champion tobacco auctioneer, expert tennis player, and a devoted husband and father, died on November 19, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Robert "Bob" Cage, a native of Charlotte County, lived in Halifax County for most of his life; he served in the United States military during World War II and after the war, he taught himself to be a tobacco auctioneer, soon becoming one of the most sought-after auctioneers in the region; and

WHEREAS, Bob Cage's tobacco chants were hypnotizing and legendary; he embraced his trade and worked at tobacco auctions throughout the South, and also in Rhodesia, which is now Zimbabwe; he won several auctioneering contests, and also displayed his tobacco chanting talent later in life at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival held on the National Mall; and

WHEREAS, locally, Bob Cage was known for the sculpture garden he created on 10 acres in South Boston; Bob's Sculpture Farm features dozens of his creations, mostly large metal artworks in various styles, constructed of steel and scrap metal; and

WHEREAS, in his artistic endeavors, Bob Cage never hesitated to push himself and try new things; he was a well-regarded painter whose sculptures and paintings have been displayed in museums, galleries, and private collections; additionally, he was a nationally ranked tennis player; and

WHEREAS, as a careful steward of the land, Bob Cage worked to keep the area attractive for future generations; he favored Halifax County's rural atmosphere and enjoyed working on his land and strove to leave the world a more beautiful place; and

WHEREAS, Bob Cage, who was predeceased by a daughter, Dani, will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his wife, Sandy; and by his children, Robin, Barbara, and Fielding, and their families; and by many other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Robert Fielding Cage of Halifax County, a sculptor, painter, world champion tobacco auctioneer, and expert tennis player who was a devoted husband and father; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Robert Fielding Cage as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.