Kessinger, Bobby Ray
Bobby Ray Kessinger, age 87 of Newport, VA passed away peacefully at his home December 26, 2024, after battling cancer for over three years. He was born June 9, 1937, to the late Robert Ray and Mary Helen Meredith Kessinger. Bobby was preceded in death by older brother, Jimmy Kessinger and two infant sisters.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Carolyn McCoy Kessinger; daughters Kimberley (Bobby) Farmer of Newport, VA; Clara (Craig) Whittaker of Whitegate, VA; Deidra (Rick) Farrell of Newport, VA; grandchildren Susanne Koontz (Bud), Amelia Phillips (Matt), Luke Whittaker, Dayde Farrell (Destiny), Coltan Ray Farrell, Quintan Farrell, and Levi Farrell; one great grandson, Abraham, due to arrive in May, 2025; brother, Darrell (Joyce) Kessinger; and many nieces and nephews.
Bobby was born, raised, and lived his life on Spruce Run which he frequently referred to as “The heart of the universe”. Before he graduated from Newport High School in 1954, he had already learned the value of hard work at a young age on the family farm. He carried this work ethic into various trade jobs before pursuing his professional career as a hardware sales representative throughout Southwest Virginia. He began his career at Graves-Humphreys and retired from Moore-Handley. During his long career he made many life-long friends.
An avid sportsman, he loved playing baseball, softball, basketball, and continued playing golf even during his illness. “The Mule” was a charter member of Castle Rock Golf Course where he formed friendships with people of all ages and will be remembered for his sense of humor and friendly spirit.
Bobby loved spending time with his family and particularly enjoyed the week spent at Little Meadows each summer. He was a member of both Little Meadows Hunt Club and Spruce Run Sportsmen’s Club.
Good Samaritan Hospice was an invaluable help and blessing to the family during the final weeks of his life and we thank each person who came into our home. We greatly appreciated the smiles, encouragement, support, and amazing care given to him.
He worshiped at Castle Rock Baptist Church in Pembroke, VA and loved God. Bobby supported many charities and in lieu of flowers the family requests you donate to a charity of your choice in his memory.
Funeral will be held Monday, December 30, at McCoy Funeral home in Blacksburg, VA. Visitation from 10 to 11 with service to follow immediately after.
