BOBBY LEE ELMORE

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Bobby Lee Elmore, widower of Mary Anderson Elmore, died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014, at Lake Marion Nursing Facility in Summerton. Born March 14, 1935, in North Wilkesboro, N.C., he was a son of Minnie Wiles Elmore and the late Jason “Jack” Elmore, and always held a special place in his heart for his hometown. The values he learned from them shaped him into a hard-working but gentle man who loved to build and create with his hands. Bobby was a wonderful big brother to Linda McNeil of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Savannah Williams of Kentucky and the late Mary Hayes and Geri Whittington.   Through perseverance, he gained the blessing of Willie and Doretha Anderson of Roaring River. and married his beloved Mary. Eventually, they left the foothills for the flatlands of South Carolina, taking with them their four children whom they raised with love, understanding and needed doses of discipline. Bobbi Jo Elmore, Sonya Elmore and Robby (Susan) Elmore of Manning and Todd (Candee) Elmore of Waxhaw, N.C., are so grateful for all that was done for them, even the discipline.   Besides carpentry, Bobby's favorite pastime was talking. Having never met a stranger, Bobby could quickly turn any conversation to his time working for Lowe's Companies, also born of Wilkes County. It was this career that eventually brought him and his family to settle in Manning.   Bobby retired twice from Lowe's before owning and operating Deep South Restaurant. He later worked at Boyle Motor Company.   Bobby and Mary's devotion to their children resulted in their being deeply involved in the children’s education at Laurence Manning Academy. Bobby's hard work on the rebuilding of the school after it was burned was rewarded when he was appointed to the Board of Trustees.   His family knows he was proud that three of his beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth Anne, William and Ansley, still walk the same halls of the school that was so important to him.   It was through the school and his sons’ football years that Bobby came to know and later adopt as one of his own Danny (Meri) Hall. Several years later, Bobby was at the hospital to welcome Harvin Hall and was honored to be considered a third grandfather.   Upon the arrival of his first granddaughter, Kayla, Bobby let it be known that thereafter he would be “Papa” as his father was before him. Kayla, followed by Audrey and then Lillie, soon discovered that a state line can not diminish a grandfather’s love as Papa headed north as often as possible.   Bobby’s family would like to acknowledge those that took such great care of him during his final years. Annie Montgomery and Lisa Cooper enabled him to stay at home a little longer. When that was no longer possible, Bobby became part of the family at Lake Marion Nursing Facility, where he was once again “Daddy” and everyone from the administrator, her staff, nurses and assistants through the custodial staff enjoyed his good nature. They, along with Mrs. Eartha Perry, returned his smiles with their own while watching over him and gently caring for him as they would their own fathers.   Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Saturday at Oak Grove Baptist Church. Visitiation will be held one hour prior to services at the church.   Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.  

You may sign the family’s guest book at www.brunsonfuneralhome.com.

 

Brunson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15 E. Hospital St. in Manning, is in charge of the arrangements. (803) 433-2273.