Robert Randolph Naumann

Robert “Sonny” Randolph Naumann, 85, of Mechanicsville, VA flew into the arms of Jesus on April 12, 2024, surrounded by his family and pastor. Sonny was preceded in death by his father, Robert “Bob” Elmore Naumann, and mother, Amanda Palmer “Peg” Ladd Mann Naumann, nephew, Everette Allen Felts II, many cousins, and best friend, J.D. Fisher. Sonny is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Judy Bruce Naumann, his daughter, Carri (Marco) Naumann Monti, and children, Marcello, Olivia, and Sofia Monti; Kim Garnett Mayo and children Mallorie (Tyler) and Macie Mayo; Bryan (Heather) Garnett and children Caleb, Baylee, and Savannah; and Erin (Rodney) Garnett Leeper, and children Kimora and Gabriel. Sonny is also survived by his three sisters, Barbara Naumann Kelley, Marie Naumann Felts, Rebecca (Bob) Naumann Roop, niece Vanessa Kelley, nephew Darron Roop, nephew Nolan (Kelly) Felts, and niece Amanda (Matthew) Roop Alley, 6 great-nieces and nephews, cousins including Julian Mangum, Jerry Averett, and William Nelson, brother-in-law Harold (Donna) Bruce, sisters-in-law Diane Atkins and Michelle Bruce, and Jazmyne Giroux and children Preston, Isaias, and Micah, friend Sam and many more loved ones. 

Born at home on May 19, 1938, in Richmond, VA, Sonny was a third-generation owner and operator of E.P. Naumann Florist and Greenhouses, established in 1911 by his grandfather Paul Edward, and later by his parents Bob and Peg. Sonny and his former wife Brenda co-operated at three Naumann’s Florist locations in the mid-1980s: Sandston, Mechanicsville, and Richmond. Sonny’s devoted work ethic was unparalleled and resolute, as he gave the business his all, every day, for 55 years until its closing. Sonny was a masterful floral designer, creating exquisite arrangements for all occasions. He loved delivering flowers, with the window down and knew his way around Richmond as if he mapped the city himself, with a remarkable sense of direction, one that only London cab drivers could rival. He was always the last to lock up “the shop” for the day, and daily as each employee left, he thanked them and called them by name, as he was so appreciative of them. After Naumann’s closed in its 97th year, Sonny joined the Coleman Brothers Florist family as a driver, which he loved. 

Growing up at the florist beside Central Airport instilled Sonny’s love of aircraft, namely Warbirds. Attending large and small airshows like Oshkosh, Sun & Fun, Oceana, Langley, and the Flying Circus were thrills for him over the years, as was spending hours with Marcello spotting planes arrive and depart at Richmond Airport. 

Sonny loved to be in God’s creation, in the sun, especially his hammock at home, or at the river, cutting grass and working on projects, but mostly on his blue boat he named the Carri Lynne, which was always filled with laughter from family and friends. He taught countless friends and family how to waterski over the years and took delight in seeing how quickly he could throw an unsuspecting rider off of the Sea Biscuit tube. A gifted storyteller, Sonny checked all the boxes: he could remember names, the sequence, the dates, (his memory for dates was unbelievable), the details, and details, and more details, and had the facial expressions to illustrate the stories that were uniquely him. This gift, combined with a gathering around the picnic table with several bushels of crabs, made for memories that his family and he still recollected. He loved Judy’s cooking and time spent around the table with family. Sonny never met a stranger and was a genuine, caring, kind, loving man with the sweetest soul who will be missed immensely. 

The family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19 at Fairmount Christian Church, 6502 Creighton Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 with a Celebration of Life at 12:00 p.m.. with reception, fellowship with Sonny stories, following at the church. His earthly remains will be scattered privately. Contributions toward the OnWard Campaign may be made to Fairmount Christian Church PO Box 788 Mechanicsville, VA 23111. In his memory, roll down your windows, take a plant to a friend, and tell a good story together outside in the sun.

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