Rufus P. Bobo

Rufus P. Bobo, age 88 and a long-time resident of Columbia, passed away at Lifecare Center on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012 surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Bobo was born on Nov. 20, 1923 in Phil Campbell, AL to the late Charlie J. and Lula Baker Bobo. In 1942 he married Bonnie Prince who preceded him in death in 1998. They had five loving children together.

One of the things in Rufus’ life was the fact that he was a proud veteran of WWII, serving on the ground with the 483rd AAA in active combat at Iwo Jima, Anguar and Peleliu. He saw the raising of both flags at Iwo Jima. He had many memories of this time and his family was so proud that he had such a special place in the history of our great nation. He was the president of the 483rd Army unit and met with them annually for 55 years. He was also a member of the American Legion Herbert Griffin Post 19.

After the war, Mr. Bobo worked at Foremost Dairies. Later he worked at Union Carbide and retired from there. Following his retirement he spent several years working as a parking attendant for City Parking in downtown Columbia.

His son-in-law recounts that Rufus could do virtually any kind of handy-man work. He was always there for his family in any way needed. He loved gardening and giving away the fruits of his labors, especially his pears. Another family member remembers that “with the loss of her Uncle Rufus this world lost a good man and Heaven gained another Saint. He was loving, kind and compassionate. This world needs more good men like him.” She asks that you keep the sweet family in your prayers. Mr. Bobo worshipped and was a member at 1st Assembly of God in Columbia.

Mr. Bobo had a great love for music, especially the old hymns. During his last days when he was unable to talk he would join in whenever the family would sing hymns to him, especially “I Come to the Garden Alone”.

Rufus P. Bobo is survived by four children: Laura (Monty) Gilliam, Barbara Tosh, Roger (Becky) Bobo and Eddie (Eugenia) Bobo; sisters: Dorothy Bobo Griffy and Joyce Bobo Hutton; 10 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, he is preceded in death by his son: Randy Bobo and 11 siblings. He also is survived by his constant companion, his dog, Caesar (Bruiser).

Funeral services for Mr. Bobo will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home at 819 N. Main Street in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Norman Lestarjette and Rev. Charles Blythe officiating. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the United States Army. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday, September 18, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Brandon Bobo, Daniel Bobo, Steven Bobo, Dennis Prince, James Thomas Tosh, III, Wendell Griffy, Dr. Michael Bobo, and Bobby Bobo will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Alan and Cheryl Sweat, Jimmy Rowland, Bill Yancey, Stanfill and Archie Farris, Arthur and Maggie Hanes, Terry (Lightning) Bridges, Dr. Shawn Gentry and staff, Dr. Hrishi Kanth, Dr. Rodney Poling and staff, Behavior Health Care, ASU Unit at Lifecare Staff, Retired Employees of Union Carbide, Prime Times Ministry of 1st Assembly of God, Senior Sunday School Class of 1st Assembly of God and Members of 483rd AAABN with whom he served in WWII and American Legion Herbert Griffin Post 19.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Pat Summit Foundation Fund which provides funds for Alzheimer’s research. Donations may be made by following this link: https://donate.patsummitt.org/sfDonate.jspx?uq=1347892601306&id=PATSUMMITT or by contacting the foundation at 625 Market Street, Suite 1400, Knoxville, TN 37902, Phone: 865-524-1223 or TOLL FREE: 877-524-1223.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.williamsfh.com .