Robert Thomas "Bobby" Jessie, 80, of Tifton passed away Monday, December 14, 2020 at Tift Regional Medical Center. Graveside services were conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus, Indiana.
Robert was born March 15, 1940 in Columbus, Indiana to Marvin Thomas Jessie and Betty Compton Jessie. He was a retired truck driver with Global Van Lines. At Christmas time, he would decorate his truck with so many Christmas lights; he was made to take some off. His truck was named "The Blue Streak".
Robert loved antique cars. He and his wife had several. His favorite was a 1955 Crown Victoria "Miss Vicky".
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 49 years at her death in 2011, Dorothy W. Jessie; four brothers, John Thomas, Ronnie Joe, David Ray and Dewey Lee Jessie and three sisters-in-law, Sharlene Jessie, Jean Jessie and Julia Jessie. His stepmother, Brenda Faye Jessie, was his caregiver for the past nine years. He lived with her for the last five years when the doctor said he could not live by himself any longer.
Robert is survived by his stepmother, Brenda Faye Jesse of Tifton; one daughter, Vivian (Ron) Rice of Elizabethtown, Indiana; one grandson, Donald Rice; and one great-granddaughter, Paige Rice, both of Columbus Indiana; two sisters, Patricia Hutt of Columbus, Indiana and Sheila Jessie of Florida; two brothers, Charles and Glen Jessie both of Florida; one step-sister, Mary Conley of Georgia; four step-brothers, Bobby Junior, Tony, Kenny and Tim Goforth, all of Georgia; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial gifts may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org; or Saint Jude Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org.