Robert M.  Paige, 71, formerly of Lagrange passed away in Richmond, VA.

Robert McGhee Paige the son of the late Edward and Dora McGhee Paige was born in LaGrange. He was a graduate of Ethel W. Kight High School Class of 1969. Robert relocated to Springfield, MA and studied law enforcement and later moved to New York. In 1970, Robert married his high school sweetheart Mary A. Slay and were happily married for 49 years. Robert’s career spans from Dog Handler with the U.S. Customs in Texas, Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark airports to a U.S. Customs/Border Protection Inspector. He was a survivor of the tragic Sept. 11th attack and assisted many victims to safety. Robert continued his 40 yr career with the U.S. Customs/Border Protection until his retirement in 2013.

“Uncle Robert” as he was affectionately known, enjoyed teaching and mentoring the neighborhood kids and spending time with his immediate and extended family.

He is preceded in death in addition to his parents, by six brothers (Edward Jr., Maxwell, Van, Gwen, Alvin, and Ralph), and four sisters (Harriett, Evelyn, Mildred and Emma).

Robert leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Mary Alice; two children/nephew and niece, Rahim Robert(Sara) Paige and Sakina Karima Paige (Jamal) of Richmond, VA., three grandchildren,  two sisters; Elizabeth Thornton of LaGrange, and Maxine (Skelton) Key of Norwalk, CT., one brother Arnold Paige of Atlanta, beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, 1 p.m. at Warren Temple UMC with the Rev. Dr. Deborah S. Holloway officiating. The interment will be in Restlawn Memory Gardens. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

A service entrusted to Mackey-Wilson-Jennings Funeral Home.