Bobby Jones, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, musician, storyteller, golfer, gardener, and faithful servant of God, peacefully passed on to spend eternity
with Jesus, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of love that reaches far beyond the boundaries of family.
To know Bobby was to know that family was not defined simply by blood. He was ”Grandaddy, ”“Poppy,” and “Uncle-Daddy” to many who were fortunate enough to grow beneath his loving influence. Although he had one daughter of his own, Bobby helped raise several girls throughout his life. Some of us were blessed to call his home our home during different seasons of our childhood. He opened his heart, his home, and his life to children who needed a place to belong, and he became a father and grandfather figure to many who will forever carry his love with them.
Bobby was preceded in his journey to Heaven by his beloved mother, Sarah Lee Lain; grandparents, William Edward and Nellie Jane Lain; uncles, Ralph (Lorraine) Slater and Eddie Lain; father and mother-in-law, Jack and Marjorie Barber; brother, Bill (Linda) Jones; his first wife, Kathleen Graham, and dear loved ones who passed on early in their lives.
Bobby’s mother joined God in Heaven when he was still a young man. His Nannie and Grandaddy played an important role in raising Bobby and his brothers and sisters, and their family loved and honored them both deeply. The love, values, loyalty, humor, faith, and devotion that they instilled in Bobby remained woven throughout his life.
He is survived by the love of his life and beloved wife, Patricia “Dale” Jones, with whom he shared a beautiful life and an enduring partnership; his devoted daughter Selena (Michael) Yocco; step-daughter, Kimberly (Chris) Anderson; grandchildren, Travis Yocco, and Emeline and Gray Anderson; sisters and brothers, Patricia (Danny) Jackson, Brenda Olson, and Gordon (Sarah) Douglas; Jack (Dawn) Barber, and the many nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply.
He also leaves behind a wealth of genuine friends, some who became family through the years. Bobby dedicated 36 years of his professional life to Union Camp and International Paper. He began his career as a papermaker and, through hard work, intelligence, leadership, and an ability to build genuine relationships, rose to become Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately Manager of Technical Services. His career took him around the world, where he traveled extensively and built lasting professional relationships with people from many different cultures and communities. Yet for all that he accomplished professionally, those who loved Bobby knew that his greatest accomplishments were found in the relationships he cultivated and the lives he touched.
Bobby and Dale were deeply involved in their church, First Baptist Church of the Islands, and in the wider church community on Wilmington Island. In the church he served as a deacon, Chairman of the Building Committee, a member of the choir, and, together, they taught Preschool Sunday School for many years, pouring their love, patience, humor, and faith into generations of children. Bobby became so beloved by the children he served that his church family affectionately called him the “Preschool Rockstar.” And a rockstar he was.
Bobby loved music with his whole heart. He played guitar and sang nearly every day and was always happy to perform for anyone willing to listen. He especially treasured the opportunity to sing and play for his church family. Throughout his life, he wrote songs that were funny, tender, mischievous, thoughtful, and deeply heartfelt; often writing songs especially for the people he loved. His music was one of the many ways he expressed what came naturally to him: making people smile, making people feel seen, and making people feel loved. Bobby also loved golf; and, naturally, he considered himself “THE” Bobby Jones, with all the humor and confidence that name implied. His love of the game became part of his personality and his playful sense of humor, but some of his greatest enjoyment came from the friendships and camaraderie he shared with his many golf buddies, who brought laughter, fellowship, and countless good times to the course. In one of the many songs he wrote for those he loved, he even promised that he would give up anything for the love of his wife, Dale… including golf… “for a day or two.” While he was always competitive in his golf game, that little joke perfectly captured Bobby: devoted, endlessly playful, and never one to take himself too seriously.
He also loved the water. There was perhaps nowhere Bobby was happier than out on his boat, enjoying the rivers surrounding his beloved home in Savannah, Georgia. He loved being outdoors, exploring the waterways, feeling the freedom of the open water, and sharing those experiences with the people he loved. He found joy in gardening, too, taking pleasure in planting, nurturing, and helping beautiful things grow. In many ways, that was a reflection of Bobby himself. He spent his life helping people grow; especially children, nieces, nephews, friends, and members of his church family. He nurtured people with encouragement, humor, acceptance, faith, and an enormous capacity for love.
Most of all, Bobby loved Jesus.
He loved his adoring wife, Dale, and the life they built together. He loved his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He loved his brothers and sisters, his enormous extended family, his friends, his church, his community, and the countless people whose lives became intertwined with his.
But perhaps Bobby’s greatest gift was that he had a way of making people feel that there was always room for them at his table, in his home, in his family, and in his heart.
He was a brother, a father, a grandfather, a husband, a mentor, and a friend. He was the man who showed up. The man who welcomed you in. The man who could make you laugh. The man who would sing you a song. The man who helped raise you, teach you, encourage you, or simply give you a place to belong.
His life was rich not because of the titles he held or the places his career took him, but because of the people he loved and the love he gave so freely.
Bobby leaves behind an extraordinary family tree; one that grew not only from blood, but from devotion, friendship, faith, generosity, and an open heart.
The seeds he planted will continue to grow. His songs will continue to be sung. His stories will continue to be told. His laughter will continue to echo in the memories of those who knew him.
The love he gave will continue to live in all of us who were fortunate enough to call him husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, or friend.
Bobby loved Jesus, and we take comfort in believing that he is now home with Him, reunited with those who went before him, and held forever in the peace and love of God.
You are forever loved and appreciated, Bobby Jones.
Rest peacefully. You are deeply loved, dearly missed, and you will always be remembered.
The family will be receiving friends 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026 at First Baptist Church of the Islands, 6613 Johnny Mercer Blvd, Savannah, GA 31410.
A memorial service will begin at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice Savannah, or First Baptist Church of the Islands.
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