Bobby Gammons

Bobby Gammons, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025 at the age of 94, surrounded by love. Bobby was many things to many people — but to his family, he was first and foremost our protector. He loved fiercely and showed it in countless ways, both big and small.

He had a curious mind and a knack for tinkering. If he spotted a vacuum cleaner on the side of the road, he couldn’t resist bringing it home just to see if he could fix it. He loved western novels, could spend hours working a crossword puzzle, and always had a project (or two) in progress.

Living on the river brought him joy every day. He kept the bird feeders full for all the wild birds, especially the Cardinals – his “red birds”, though he had a lifelong battle with the squirrels that often tried to sneak in. When his daughter Shelia finally found squirrel-proof feeders, Bobby got a real kick out of watching them tumble off. He even made friends with a little chipmunk he named Buddy, who would climb up his pant leg and eat right out of his hand.

In spite of long workdays when Bobby’s children were young, he always made time for them. Whether it was driving the kids to practices, games, or school activities, he showed up — no matter what.

His now grown children would testify that he always gave solid, common-sense advice (whether or not it was always followed), and his steady presence reminded them that they were never alone.

His love story with his late wife, Melba, was one of true devotion. They took care of each other through every season, partners in every sense of the word, looking after each other through all of life’s ups and downs. In their younger years, they camped with their children, creating memories under the stars. In their later years they built their retirement home on the river — a place where they shared many happy years together.

Bobby loved Melba deeply and always.

Family was ever important to him. He made sure they stayed connected, traveling often to Tennessee to visit relatives and reminding his children to cherish those bonds.

Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Melba, his daughter Patricia {Trish} Molinary, daughter-law Antoinette {Toni} Gammons, son-in-law Michael {Mike} Moore, and his grandchildren Michael Moore, Erin Varner Selvey, and Richard Varner.

He is survived by his children: Timothy (Deborah) Gammons, Shelia Moore, Diane Varner, Bruce Gammons, and Melissa (Joel) Wilson.

He was a proud grandfather to Vanessa (John) Pallaria, Nikol Molinary, Justin Molinary, Jessica Moore, Michelle (Dan) Gamache, Meghan Moore, Lindsay Moore, Steve Varner, Rebecca Varner, Bradley Gowanlock, Krystle Gammons, Sean Gammons, Drew Gammons, Tiffany (Patrick) Hallman, Nathaniel Wilson, and Alec Wilson.

He also leaves behind 29 great-grandchildren: Travis (Heather) Gammons-Pallaria, Hailee (Curtis) Reynolds, Daniel Belcher, Lily Molinary, Connor (Victoria) Gamache, Logan Vega, Michael Mahaday, Kaylynn Giddings, Devin Gamache, Eva Reck, Trinity Giddings, Gretchen Reck, Hannah Savelle, Avery Gamache, Michael Savelle, Chloe Savelle, Elizabeth Mateja, Joey Mateja, Lydia Brauher, Lyllian Brauher, Elizabeth Varner, Emma Varner, Eliana Selvey, Eden Varner, Erica Varner, Charles Evan Varner, Hunter Gowanlock, Declan Gowanlock, and Louis Hallman.

He was also blessed to meet the newest generation — his great-great-grandchildren: Ryker Gammons-Pallaria, Paiton Reynolds, Mavis Reynolds, Evie Reynolds, Greyson Belcher, Aiden Moore, Harper Gamache, Josephine Gamache, Laurelia Reck, and Nathan Ortiz.

We’ll remember him with his Santa-style beard or mutton chops, a twinkle in his eye, and a pool cue in hand (he was a bit of a shark). But most of all, we’ll remember the way he loved us: fully, fiercely, and without condition.

He was always there for us, and he always will be — in the lessons he taught, the laughter he left behind, and the love we’ll carry with us forever.