Robert Byron Artis

Robert Byron Artis aka “Bronco” was born on January 2, 1928 in Newsom, Virginia to the late Robert Artis and Fady Evans.
 
He received his education in DC Public Schools and graduated from Phelps High School.  He served three years in the United States Navy as a Seaman.  He was assigned to a historical mission, The Subchaser 1264 (Black Company), which was the first all black submarine chaser.   He was honorably discharged in 1946.  On October 29, 1949 Robert was united in holy matrimony to Doris Louise Artis (Dorothy Blake) where they had 8 children (Roberta, Charles Michael, Doris Maria, Linda Diane, Robert, Joseph, Nadine, and Traci).  Robert was employed at the Department of Commerce for 12 years.  He decided to attend trade school for bricklaying and became a prominent bricklayer.  Proud of his work he would take the family to view his masonry skills throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia.  
 
Robert was a man of few words and with every discussion there was a lesson to be learned.  Bronco had a way of making one think about the conversation that you held with him.  His words were not straightforward but were put forth in a manner that you had to figure out what he meant.  He believed in the importance of family, that families should support each other, and education. He loved sports including football (running back) and baseball (first base, third base, and shortstop).  Baseball was his true passion which he played until he was in his early forties.  He played football for the Stone Walls and the Pioneers; and baseball for the Virginia White Sox, the Pioneers, and the Black Sox.  He was known to have a “golden arm” when it came to pitching horseshoes.  His friends loved to make side bets and brag about how good he was.  His gift of athletics was endowed to his children and he enjoyed watching and supported his children’s participation in various sports.  In addition, Robert was a bid whistologist and loved talking trash while slamming the cards down.  He also enjoyed playing poker and pinochle.
 
Robert, baptized at Mount Salvation Baptist Church located in Arlington, VA attended church at an early age.  He participated in Vacation Bible School, and worked on special programs.
                                                
He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 62 years, Doris Louise Artis; his children, Joyce Powell (deceased); Roberta L. Artis (Eric) DeLoach, (both deceased); Charles Michael (Connie) Artis, LaPlata, MD; Doris Maria Artis, Upper Marlboro, MD; Linda Diane (Robert) Smith, Temple Hills, MD; Robert K. (Samantha) Artis, Capitol Heights, MD; Joseph O. Artis, Washington, DC; Nadine T. Branch, Hyattsville, MD; Traci E. Smith, Oxon Hill, MD, and adopted son Timothy Riche, District Heights, MD.  He is survived by twenty grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, three great-great grand children, and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

On Tuesday, January 24, wake from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Ephraim Baptist Church, 610 Largo Road Upper Marlboro (map/directions).  Interment, Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA (map/directions).  Repast will follow at Amazing Grace Baptist Church, 7930 Cryden Way Forestville, MD (map/directions).