William Robert Latimer Jr.

William Robert (Bobby) Latimer Jr., 79, of Bedford, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2009, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, following several months of illness. He was predeceased by his parents, William Robert Latimer Sr., and Kate Smith Latimer; as well as his sister, Jean Latimer Nance. From 1948, until retiring in 1992, Bobby worked for and later owned Latimer Hardware, a business his father started in the late 1940s. He was a lifelong member of Bedford Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and elder. He served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953. Bobby also was a member of the Bedford Jaycees and Bedford Moose Lodge. A loving and generous man, Bobby cherished his family and friends and was always eager to help them and others in need. He was blessed with an electrical / mechanical aptitude by which he could build and repair almost anything, a talent he passed along to, and enjoyed sharing with, his son. He was a hard worker who also knew how to play. Before illness forced him to be less active, Bobby enjoyed traveling in his RV with his wife and sister, and supporting his son's pursuit of racing. He also was an avid boater, who spent many tireless hours on Smith Mountain Lake, teaching others to water ski. Bobby leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of nearly 51 years, Frankie Rector Latimer. Also surviving are his son, William David Latimer (and girlfriend, Emmy); and sister, Anna Marie Latimer, all of Bedford. He also leaves two nieces, Laurel (Mark) Holder, of Roanoke, and Patricia (Paul) Neuroth, of Charlottesville. The family would like to express their appreciation to the medical team at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for the excellent care and many kindnesses shown during Bobby's illness. Memorial contributions may be made to The National D-Day Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, Va. 24523 or Bedford Hospice Care, 815 Summit Street, Bedford, Va. 24523. A celebration of Bobby's life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, September 21, 2009, in the Tharp Funeral Chapel with the Rev. John T. Salley officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 586-3443. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com.