Franklin – Robert Francis "Bobby" Stradley, 74, went to be with the Lord July 14, 2009. Bobby was born November 10, 1934 in Murfreesboro, NC, the youngest son of the late William Charles and Blanche Bess Stradley. When he was a young child, the family moved to Franklin where they made their home. Bobby was a 1952 graduate of Franklin High School and then served in the U. S. Navy. On December 29, 1956, Bobby married the love of his life, Gail Thompson. Together, they had three daughters, Fran, Robin, and Mary Beth. He treasured his three girls individually for who they each are. Bobby's family was his life and he gave them all he could. He was retired from his painting and wallpaper business.
In recent years, he has revelled in the joy of his three grandsons, Dillon Taylor, Matthew Lassiter, and Lucas Dooley. He has also enjoyed his two sons-in-law, Tim Lassiter and Michael Dooley. Fran's friend, Larry Neave, has also been a faithful companion to Bobby.
His brothers, Ralph T. and Charles N. Stradley, half brothers, J. Q. and William Henderson, and half sister, Blanche Karnes predeceased him. Bobby is survived by his younger sister, Clara S. Worrell and husband, James, of Holland, half sister, Edith Lovitt and her daughter, Carol, of Georgia, and a sister-in-law, Sylvia Stradley of the Dockside community near Franklin. Bobby has a multitude of nieces and nephews who have always brought him happiness and love. In his final days, the family came together to remember all the great times they were blessed to share with him.
Bobby's easy personality and loving manner enabled him to fill his life with many special friends and family. Some have gone on before, some remain. His life was filled with laughter and good times shared with friends who became family. He was blessed to have his life touched by these special people. Some of those that Bobby held dear to his heart are Donnie and Nancy Wright, Carroll and Joyce Vick, and Gerry and Margie Burt.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am Friday at Franklin Congregational Christian Church with Rev. James H. Hyatt officiating. A private graveside service will
held for the family. the family will receive friends at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bobby's name to the Franklin Congregational Christian Church, 412 North High Street, Franklin, Va. 23851. Wright Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.wrightfuneralhome.org