Mr. Donald Lewis Bobbitt, Sr.

Rocky Mount – Donald Lewis “Duck” Bobbitt, Sr., age 80, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024.  Born in Halifax County, NC on May 17, 1944, he was the son of the late Boldie Owen Bobbitt, Sr. and Mary Viola Lewis Bobbitt.  He was also preceded in death by his sisters, 2^nd Lt. Earlene Bobbitt Phillips and Jean Bobbitt Aycock; and his brothers, Boldie Owen Bobbitt, Jr., Walton Henry Bobbitt, Lt. Bert Arnold Bobbitt, and St. Clair Bobbitt.

When Don was young, his family owned a General Store in the Ringwood community outside Enfield where he was often known to sneak ice cream from the icebox.  Don graduated from high school in Enfield, NC in 1962 and then attended Wake Forest University.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1968 during the Vietnam Conflict.  His 4-year stint began with Basic Training at Lackland AFB, Texas.  Following basic, Don was assigned to Larson AFB near Moses Lake, Washington before being stationed in Thailand, and lastly being stationed at Blytheville Air Force Base in Arkansas. It was there that he met Linda Leslie who would become his wife.  He and Linda returned to North Carolina, where he owned and operated Bobbitt’s Personnel Service. Don was later employed by Ewell Ford in Enfield.   Together, he and Linda purchased a house in Rocky Mount that would be their home for the next 30 years, until Hurricane Floyd in 1999.  Don and Linda then relocated to a new home and have lived there since.

Don was a long-time member of the Breakfast Optimist Club.  He coached their Little League Baseball Team for many years.  Don’s true passion was instructing Rocky Mount youth on how to play the game of baseball.  He delighted in coaching his son and passing on his love of the game to other young athletes, several who went on to play high school and college baseball.  Don also enjoyed working the chains and announcing at high school football games for Rocky Mount Senior High and American Legion baseball.

He also belonged to the American Legion and was a charter member of the Unofficial Rocky Mount Sports Club which met once a week at a predetermined local restaurant where sports, politics and current events were discussed.  In recent years, he also enjoyed Friday lunches with close friends at Smith’s Restaurant in Dortches.  Don’s blood was undoubtedly black and gold as he was an avid and loyal fan of Wake Forest University.  He attended many sporting events there as long as he was healthy.  If he wasn’t attending a Wake Forest sporting event, he would surely be found in front of the TV watching some kind of college or professional game.

Don was a Deacon at Turkey Branch Baptist Church in Enfield and thoroughly enjoyed attending meetings.  The only thing Don loved more than Wake Forest University was his family. He understood the value of hard work and instilled core values of honesty and integrity in his children, taking great pride in their accomplishments.  As a grandfather, Don was loveable and full of humor.  There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his children or grandchildren, always deeply involved in their lives and activities.  He looked forward to his trips to Charlotte and Napa, California to visit Donnie and Dianna and their families and watching the grandchildren’s school and sporting events.  He also enjoyed trips to Arkansas to visit Linda’s family.  A dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and good friend to many, Don will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Don is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda Leslie Bobbitt; his son, Donald Lewis “Donnie” Bobbitt, Jr. (Lisa); his daughter, Dianna Bobbitt Messenger; his grandchildren, Turner Bobbitt, Harrison Bobbitt, Emery Messenger, and Griffin Messenger; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and good friends.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Don’s life will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Rev. Mike Edwards officiating.  A Private Burial will be held at a later time at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or to PAWNC, 2455 Hurt Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.