Mr. William (Bill) Lee Bobbitt of Lexington, TN passed away on February 20, 2021 at the age of 85. He was born December 19, 1935 in Jackson, TN to the late William Luther and Ione Thompson Bobbitt. He was married to Frances (Buck) Bobbitt on September 9, 1961 in Lexington, TN.
Bill graduated from Lexington High School in 1953 and graduated from the University of Memphis with a B.S. degree. He briefly taught school in Henderson County, and later moved to Memphis where he was employed by the National Bank of Commerce. He left banking to become an insurance adjustor for State Farm and then Ohio Casualty. As an employee of Ohio Casualty in 1969 he moved with his family back to his beloved hometown of Lexington. Later in his career he returned to teaching and was employed by Henderson County and the Lexington City Systems. He was an avid sports fan and a loyal supporter of the Memphis Tigers basketball and football teams. High school football was a passion. He officiated high school games throughout West Tennessee for 50 years. He loved baseball, particularly the St. Louis Cardinals.
Bill was a member of Lexington First United Methodist Church. He served in many leadership positions, volunteered at the food pantry, and traveled with the mission team for many years.
One of Bill’s hobbies was growing orchids. He enjoyed sharing the blooms from his plants with friends for numerous occasions. Upon retirement he, along with his wife Frances, became Master Gardeners with the Madison County group. Together they were selected as Master Gardeners of the Year in 2015. One of Bill’s greatest joys was traveling. He and Frances traveled extensively in the United States and all over the world.
Bill is survived by his wife Frances of Lexington; two sons William (Alla) Bobbitt, Jr. of Silver Spring, MD; Robert Bobbitt of Jackson, TN; two grandchildren – Arthur Bobbitt and Olivia Lemieux; and a brother John (Linda) Bobbitt of Lexington.
Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, February 23 at 2:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Rev. Chris Haynes officiating. Interment will follow at Lexington Cemetery. Visitation will be at Pafford Funeral Home on Monday, February 22, 5:00 -9:00PM and at First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, 1:00 – 2:00PM.
The Bobbitt family has requested that memorials be directed to First United Methodist Church of Lexington and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Due to the continued risk of COVID 19, the family ask for everyone to please wear masks at the visitation and funeral service and respect social distancing.
