Hall of Fame
Robert Tolley graduated from West Virginia Tech with his bachelor’s degree before moving out west to pursue his master’s degree at Western State College in Colorado.
Prior to his time at Tech, Robert played football for Merrill Gainer at Big Creek High School in West Virginia. After a solid high school career, Tolley came to Tech where he represented the Blue & Gold on the grid iron as a lineman for four years. While a Golden Bear, he was an All-Conference selection in 1952, helping compile a 30-4-1 record.
After graduation, Robert served in the Army before spending thirty years as a high school teacher at Groveton and West Potomac High School in Fairfax County, Virginia. In addition to his teaching duties in Fairfax, Robert was also involved with sports as a wrestling referee and golf coach. He was also focused on his work in the Industrial Cooperative Training where he guided hundreds of students to successful careers until his retirement.
Upon his retirement, Robert devoted much of his time to County Parks and Recreation programs and taking classes in picture framing and golf.
Robert is survived by his wife, Peggy Morrow Tolley and their three children, Shirley Hancock, Ronald Tolley and Judy Hunt.
