Bobby Coley

After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Bobby Dallas Coley, 74, of Oakboro, NC passed away on April 17th at Forrest Oakes Healthcare Center in Albemarle, NC. His funeral service will be at 3PM at Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church which he actively attended and loved. The Reverend Ed Lowder and Larry Coley will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday, April 20, 2019 from 2:00PM until 2:45PM prior to the service.

Bob was born July 18, 1944 to the late Spurgeon Charlie and Olar Agnes Hinson Coley. He was the youngest of seven children. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ernest Dale and Joe Craig Coley and sister Patsy Jane Coley. He is survived by Janice, his loving wife of 54 years, a son Mark and his wife Cheryl, two grandsons, Jackson and Aaron of Raleigh, NC, and grandson, Chris of San Diego, California. He is also survived by two sisters, Mallie Lanier, Lila Ingold, and brother James (Jim) Coley and wife Mamie of Albemarle and two sisters-in-law, Joyce Coley of Norwood, NC and Clarene Coley of Spring Arbor.

Bob learned the importance of honesty and hard work as he grew up on the family farm in the Aquadale community. Later, he worked as a knitting machine fixer, carpenter, and retired from Custom Doors, Inc. in 2009. Bob loved working with his hands and was very mechanically minded. Having an excellent memory, Bob was often approached by family and acquaintances to share his memories of previous events and recall dates of certain happenings. He was a devoted husband, father, and a proud “Poppy”.

Being an avid gardener, he enjoyed sharing his produce with others. He particularly enjoyed growing the unique moon & stars watermelon. He loved all sports, especially the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Braves. His love of antique tractors took him to numerous tractor pulls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church, 24819 Barbee’s Grove Rd, Oakboro, NC 28129. Hartsell Funeral home of Albemarle is serving the Coley family.