Robert Dickson "Bobby" Orrock Sr. is a Republican politician who represented Virginia's 66th House of Delegates district from 1990 until 2026. The district covers parts of Caroline and Spotsylvania counties in east-central Virginia. A fourth-generation resident of these counties, he was raised on a dairy farm as the youngest of eight children and has deep roots spanning over 150 years. Orrock is a semi-retired agricultural education teacher, having served 39 years in the field, including 34 years at Spotsylvania High School. He volunteered with the Ladysmith Volunteer Rescue Squad since 1973 as an EMT and trustee, serves as a deacon and trustee at Bethany Baptist Church, and is on the State Fair of Virginia’s advisory board. Notable achievements include his long tenure advocating for rural communities, education, health care, and fiscal policy; he also worked part-time as a radio announcer for 37 years. Orrock was defeated by Democrat Nicole Cole in the 2025 election. He remarried widower Debra Shelton in 2017 and has three children: Robert D. Jr., Lila Joanna, and Welford Thomas.

Education and Political Experience

Education: Graduated from Ladysmith High School, where he was active in FFA, 4-H, forensics, and debate. Attended Germanna Community College, earned a B.S. from Virginia Tech in 1978, and a Master’s from Virginia State University in 1986.

Political Experience: Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1990, serving through 2026. Key committee roles included Agriculture, Chesapeake & Natural Resources, Finance, and Health and Human Services. Prior to politics, he worked a year with New Holland farm machinery.