Paul Umpford Bobbitt, 88, formerly of Galax, passed away after a brief illness September 18, 2006, surrounded by his two daughters in Sentara Obici Hospital, Suffolk, Virginia. He lived at the Village At Woods Edge in Franklin.
Mr. Bobbitt was born December 3, 1917 to James Green and Cynthia Tilson Bobbitt in Carroll County, Virginia. He had seven brothers and sisters. Retired Chief Petty Officer, Mr. Bobbitt served his country proudly with more than 22 years in the United States Navy as Chief Gunner's Mate and Turret Captain. He served 7 years aboard the U.S.S.Tennessee and was at Pearl Harbor during World War II. Mr. Bobbitt served as Turret in Captain on board the U.S.S. Wisconsin during the Korean War. According to the Navy Admiral, Mr. Bobbitt's energy, initiative, and professional ability were largely responsible for the reliable and outstanding performance of Turret III. Under Bobbitt's direction, his turret was constantly maintained in an excellent state of material readiness. Because of his leadership and steadfast devotion to duty, he was awarded the Commendation Ribbon with Combat Distinguishing Device.
After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Mr. Bobbitt completed his education at Danville Technical Institute and returned to Galax where he retired from P.H.. Hanes Corporation and lived there until 2002.
Mr. Bobbitt was a 53 year member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Galax. He was a member of the Khedive Temple of Norfolk, a VFW member, and U.C.T. member.
Mr. Bobbitt was predeceased by his wife, Lorenia Jennings Bobbitt. Left to cherish his memories are is two daughters, Linda Bobbitt Hicks and husband H.J. Hicks of Richmond, and Becky Bobbitt Spalding and husband Dr. Harry Spalding of Franklin, Virginia, He is also survived by three grandchildren, Kendall Hicks, Harrison Spalding, and Hayden Spalding, two sisters, Opal Andrews and Christine Sells of Galax and several nieces and nephews,
Mr. Bobbitt will always be remembered as a Christian man, caring, kind, strong, and compassionate. He was a leader and a fighter. Mr. Bobbitt will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
His family will celebrate his life with family visitation at Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home, Galax, VA, Thursday from 7 to 9pm. His funeral will be held at Cliffview Church of God, Galax, Friday at 11 am with military burial at Felts Cemetery, Galax. Flowers will be accepted or contributions can be made to Cliffview Church of God, Galax, or Joy Ranch Home for Children, Woodlawn, Virginia.