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BOBBY DURANGO Obituary

BOBBY DURANGO. On June 2nd, 2012 Bobby Durango, son, brother, uncle, lover, and Rocker extraordinaire sadly left Memphis, that Blues home he loved so much. His new venue will feature some of the greatest musicians ever, who have gone on before him. How those gates are going to rock... Our special thanks from his mother, Kay Griffith and sister, Yvette Grijalva to the wonderful people of Memphis for their love and kindness. Family Funeral Care (901)761-8000 www.familyfuneralmemphis.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Commercial Appeal on Jun. 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for BOBBY DURANGO

Sponsored by Janiss Garza.

Not sure what to say?





Roger Deering

June 4, 2025

Thinking of you today Bobby... we go way back and I´ll always cherish the times we spent together with music..

Kay Griffith

June 5, 2023

Bobby so many people joined in on the 11th anniversary of your passing. Pictures, memories and lots of love . Love you my son

Leslie Van Deest

March 10, 2023

Thought of you today. Miss you and sending hugs to heaven on angels wings!

Rebecca Eden

June 5, 2022

I won't forget your friendship you were a special person bobby

Kay Griffith

June 3, 2022

Bobby it is the tenth anniversary of your passing and I love and miss you every day. I and some of your friends are going to Memphis on September 3rd to remember you properly on the anniversary. I know your soul is soaring and I love you my son .

Mary Kaye Daniels

June 3, 2022

Thinking of Bobby I do every year at this time. Fly high. Xoxo

eric h

April 8, 2022

listening to your music again tonight, Bobby, for the millionth time - this time during a trip to the Azores. thank you for your wild, raw depth - tonight it's cutting into my heart in a whole new way. know that i'll be listening until the end.

sending love to you, Kay - i'm a fellow musician who exchanged some messages with Bobby in the last years of his life. he was an incredible musician and a beautiful person.

- eric.

Kay Griffith

June 4, 2021

It’s been nine years Bobby. There are some who bring a light so great to those around them that even after they have gone, the light remains. Love and miss you my son.

Becky Eden

June 4, 2020

Miss your friendship you are always a kind person that was special

Kay Griffith

June 4, 2020

Bobby you are always in my heart and mind. Your friends mention you often and so love you. Mom

Mary Kaye Daniels

June 3, 2020

Lately I have been having flashbacks and memories of things that we did together. It was always an adventure. Thanks for letting me ride your magic carpet right for a couple of years. Keep flying! Xo Mary Kaye Daniels

Kay Griffith

June 4, 2019

My heart is filled with love for you Bobby. I know your spirit is soaring.

Rebecca Evans

June 3, 2019

Rest easy my friend Bobby D

Kay Griffith

April 27, 2019

Bobby it is a beautiful spring day and my thoughts are with you. Love you forever.
Mom

Bunny Miller

November 29, 2017

Hey Darlin, just setting here at work and your memory rolled down my face, I will always love you....

Bunny Miller

November 29, 2017

thinking of you

Bunny Miller

November 29, 2017

Kay Griffith

November 24, 2017

Bobby we had so many wonderful Thanksgivings together, you are in my thoughts and ❤ this Holiday season. Love you Mom

becky eden

November 14, 2017

bobby you are forever in the heavens, an amazing musician and kind human being

H B

November 28, 2015

I am wearing your denim shirt to stay cozy warm through the holidaze. Yesterday, I had the rad spaghetti western blue (you gave to me, and other pieces of clothing I cherish) with red & white paisleys rocking it round the home.
I am so alone.
Not a day goes by that I do not think of you...tears me up-torn-unicorn...lately it is with tears as I miss u so very, very much.
You are with me always and I feel you so close as do others. Thank you Bobby Angel, for allowing me to bring smiles to your face and love into your amazingly beautiful heart and spirit to share in the final months.You gave me so much wisdom and true unconditional love I have not since and fear never will again know. Sigh. Baby. Ya know I do adore and love luv you madly.
~ FOREVER.
Angels by the Riverside.
~H~

Kay Griffith

November 28, 2015

My beloved son I love and miss you. It is good to see Leslie and Laney reaching out to you recently. You were a light in our lives and a great listener! I know we all would love to talk to you again. I always appreciated your advice. Sending my love Mom

Jan Crutchfield

November 28, 2015

I was just remembering the Thanksgiving in Hollywood (1991) when you came and stayed at my apartment on Franklin and Fuller. I had actually cooked a Thanksgiving dinner that year, you came and had dinner and we hung out and watched movies. Good memories.
Miss you Bobby.
Love ya,
Jan xo

Elaine

November 27, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving Bobby

That's all

Bunny Miller

September 24, 2015

Hey Booby D, Since the day I met you not to many days go by that you don't cross my mind, if I could change the world the first thing I would do is give you healthy mind & body I don't know what's on the other side but man I hope I get to meet you again in a happy place

Leslie Van Deest

September 16, 2015

Thinking of you all the time Bobby (cuz). I wish you were here for a long talk. I need it right abut now... so sad tonight!

January 19, 2014

Hi Bobby I have been thinking of you all day. Found the wonderful pictures I took of you at Gibson in Memphis. Love you son...Mom

Megan Davey

May 1, 2013

Kay,
I took my girls to Swanky's taco the other day. We sat in the same booth where we last shared a meal with Bobby,
and we said a prayer for healing for Bobby's family before we ate.

It's almost summer.. The birds are making their nests furiously, the grass is green and the trees are full again.
We are planning our vacation down to Florida and we plan to stay where we did last year.
The day I found out of Bobby's passing I was sitting on the beach.
I told my kids & husband. They knew how upset I was and allowed me to sit on the beach and watch them play in the ocean while I cried.
When we go back, it will have been a year. Where does the time go?
I know I will be sitting on the beach, and I will think of your Bobby...

March 21, 2013

click on the picture/icon four entries below to put a great big smile on your face! Thank you, Heather!


We miss you Bobby!

South Memphis - 1987 (under the McLemore Bridge)

March 20, 2013

Megan Davey

March 20, 2013

Bobby, i know how you like writing, just one thing we shared with our love of 'different' music & movies...
Last one I wrote after your passing:

I stood outside tonight
The air crisp and cool
The night a thick blanket
The chatter of leaves as they scurried down the sidewalk

"Hurry hurry", they all said
As they raced ever faster.
"On and on we must go
Ahead of the coming snow".

(And so they scurried past
Not paying me any mind...)

"Forward!", the leaf ahead he cried
As the leafs all around him died.
Wounded soldiers from the rear
Charging headlong with no fear.

And God above? He loves us-
E'en though also, we turn to dust.
Charging forward to and fro
Not knowing or caring where we go..

But we don't want to be last- now do we?

March 19, 2013

U where so cool,i miss the time that we spent together friends...ROCK on forever.LOVE LIZ!

Tommi Gunn

March 19, 2013

We were so close to getting together after 20 years, I think about it often. I am glad we reconnected and got to talk several times before you passed. You were so strong and never brought it up, such a brave warrior!! I miss you comrade and am glad for all the times we had together since we were teens!

Heather Bruce

March 18, 2013

Thinking of you Bobby...bet you already know this! (Smiles)
I am always touched by the pure joy that you obviously brought into so many people's lives. I have made acquaintance and friendship with so many amazing people because of our connection of love, Bobby.
I feel you are with us all in unique and special ways for sure.
The smiles and loving memories that you left behind for everyone to treasure and share for the rest of this time we have left on earth are deeply cherished. I pray that everyone who knew you and loved you can find peace and comforts in the beloved memories...however they be and with whomever they be...U lived your life the way that you wanted to and that way was just awesome man!
Life is to short not to hold tightly onto every little special memory of love that we share with our special ones...not even death can take this away from us.
LUV u. We NEED LUV/. They NEED sum Luv...some L-U-V. Tigger Kitten ME

Jeri Hale

January 9, 2013

I thought of you and your family over the holidays, Kay. I know it was tough. Love and peace from Memphis. Miss you Bobby.

Kay Griffith

January 1, 2013

Bobby I love you and miss you. Yvette and I have you in our hearts! All the great Christmases and New Years will never be forgotten, and you are with us.
Mom

William Chadwick

December 18, 2012

Such good times we had at the Coach and Four in Memphis....I think of you often and know that you are in a much better place with much better musicians. Say hello to Phillip for me...oh what the hell- Hey Phillip! Wish I could be there on Dec 31 for your memorial. Love you man.

LIZ POSEY

November 23, 2012

MISS U

Kay Griffith

November 22, 2012

Bobby I have such wonderful memories of our Thanksgiving's. Last year we had a great meal, time to talk and share and than on Friday went to get your new computer, go to a movie. Seems like simple stuff but the memories are truly priceless, and I miss and Love you.
Mom

Jan Crutchfield

November 19, 2012

Thinking of you as I often do, but this time remembering a Thanksgiving dinner I shared with you out in Hollywood. You are forever my very special friend. Just simple times sitting and chatting with you was always a guarantee of good laughs and deep conversation(sometimes over my head). I miss you and at this time of year when we give thanks, I am thankful you were my friend. Love ya

November 17, 2012

" Strangers may enter your life for a short time, but the healing they bring can last a lifetime."

Thinking of you, remembering our short time together and feeling FOREVER blessed by how deeply you touched my life. Miss you Bobby Angel.
Rock N Roll "Tigger" Kitten. FOREVER Love.
=Heather Meow

Eddie Apperson

November 16, 2012

Thought of you today Bobby, and miss you just like everyone else does. Thanks for being a good friend when I really needed one. We won't ever forget you or your awesome legacy. See you soon.

Peace Love and Many Blessings

Heather Bruce

October 5, 2012

Jeri Hale

October 2, 2012

Just thinking of you today, babe. It was very nice to meet your mom at the Celebration of Life and hear and share stories of the great and silly times we had with you. You are greatly missed by us all. Thoughts of you always put a smile on my face...love you man...

Troy B

September 24, 2012

My condolences to the family. I've only shared a few sentences online with him, but his passing will leave a big hole in my musical heart. Much respect, dude. I hope you find your reward on the other side.

Kay Griffith

September 15, 2012

Bobby on September 8, 2012 we held your Celebration of Life at the Peabody in Memphis. It was wonderful, most of your Band members were there, plus many family and friends. We hugged, laughed, told "Bobby Stories" and I played "The Little Rascals" as you had asked me to do. The candle we lit representing your spirit shone bright, it was at the river, and George played your song "Mary" it was magical.Bobby we could feel your spirit and so much love. On Sunday the RCA (what great guys), Rene, Cheryl, and Tricia and I went to Graceland, had a great time, and a RCA "pick" was placed at Elvis Memorial. A very special Memorial held for you,Love Mom

Leslie Van Deest

September 11, 2012

A candle for you cuz!!! Love you, miss you and I have all the hopes that you are with God, Resting Peacefully.

Elisa Mccurry

September 5, 2012

I knew Bobby only through the stories that his Mom Kay, shared with me. All I could say is, what an amazing human being! People like Bobbie are like shooting stars. All of you who were lucky enough to have shared a glimps of his life, have my deepest sympathy for your loss. And for his Mom, Kay, his greatest fan, my heart aches for you. But, you and Bobby are so much alike, I know you will move forward with the same, joy, hope, faith and love that your amazing Bobby did! My prayers are with you.

Jan Crutchfield

July 22, 2012

Just thinking about you and missing you.

Mr Durango & Miss Shatters Best friends

July 21, 2012

Kelly Hersey

July 16, 2012

So sorry for your loss.

My friend Heather introduced her friends on Facebook to Bobby. They were so in love and he was crazy about her, his lil Tigger. Condolences to all.

Alex Smit

July 4, 2012

Jon

June 29, 2012

Your music got me thru some dark days brother............RIP

Uncle Jerry & Aunt Marna Topping

June 28, 2012

Bobby, We have thought long and hard about what to say - miles between us did not allow for a closer relationship, but we thought of you often and loved you very much. You were an incredibly brave and courageous person, in spite of everything you decided to live out your days writing and playing your music, sharing your gifts with all of us. Your example of living life to the fullest is something we will cherish and we thank you for that. Grandpa and Grandma Topping are waiting and excited to hear you sing for them. Please know that your mom and sister will be wrapped in our love and have us to lean on, so you can rest in peace.

A contemplative Bobby pre-show upstairs at The Muse, Nashville, TN - November 19th, 2010.

Larry Poccia

June 24, 2012

Bobby & Jimmy, live at Churchill's - Little Haiti, August 2009

Larry Poccia

June 24, 2012

One of Bobby's favorite RCA posters (and bands - he LOVED River City Tanlines)!

Larry Poccia

June 24, 2012

RCA photo shoot at The Monterey Club, Fort Lauderdale.

Larry Poccia

June 24, 2012

RCA photo shoot at The Monterey Club, Fort Lauderdale.

Larry Poccia

June 24, 2012

Bobby Durango & Jimmy James - Memphis Kung-Fu masters!

Larry Poccia

June 24, 2012

Pre-show warm-up with Bobby & Jorge in Jackson, MS - 2010.

Larry Poccia

June 24, 2012

Art appreciation with Chuck & Bobby at Iron Forge Press.

Larry Poccia

June 24, 2012

Larry & Bobby, live at Churchill's - Little Haiti, August 2009

Larry Poccia

June 24, 2012

Working on songs in Fort Lauderdale, Friday, April 20th 2012.

Larry Poccia

June 24, 2012

Larry Poccia

June 24, 2012

Over the past 26 years, and across three states, our paths have crossed. I was in high school when I first heard of the already legendary Bobby Bondage (how were you already legendary in your teens?). You were a bad-a-- rock n' roll chameleon, and I followed you in the local music rags as you evolved into Bobby St. Valentine before settling on Durango as your final and permanent moniker. Even before we met you were already an influence on me. I got turned on to the New York Dolls and Hanoi Rocks by a former Angel I was in a band with who had been indoctrinated by you first hand, and my creaky little fourth-generation Maxell dupe of the "Teenage Lipstick Boys" demos was well worn.

It was another band, with yet another former Angel in the line-up, that brought me to Tennessee, and as fate would have it you decided to move the Geffen-era Angels from Los Angeles to Tennessee at the same time. We met in Nashville in a house that Geffen records had rented for the Angels. I was a wide-eyed 19-year-old kid, and you were the coolest guy in the room (but then again, when weren't you the coolest guy in the room?). We were all discovering and devouring a ton of musical influences, but you were always ten steps ahead. It's funny the things that impact you when you're young. Aside from the obvious musical influences, I remember being knocked out by two other things: your sideburns and, this sounds so stupid, your black socks. I was still wearing the white tube socks my mom always bought me when I was a kid and I remember thinking "Man, this guy is so dark and cool, even his SOCKS are black!" As for the sideburns, after seeing yours I immediately sprouted a pair and haven't been without some form of them since.

Somehow we both ended up in Los Angeles in the early 90's. I remember giving you a ride home from English Acid one night. I dropped you off and you looked back and said "see ya later my friend!" And we would see each other later. Fifteen years later.

Thanks to the internet we found each other again in 2008. You were living in Memphis and I was in Fort Lauderdale. Who knows if we would have ever seen each other in the flesh again, but you just happened to be dating someone in South Florida and you were coming to town. And so in May of 2008, on one of your visits to see Trish, we reconnected. You played me the rough mixes for the new Rock City Angels album you were working on (at this point it still included your soulful cover version of "Sodomy" which you later wrote new lyrics for and renamed "Comeback" for the final release) and I showed you some of the art and design work I'd recently done. Not long after that you contacted me about giving you some "help" with the cover artwork for the new record. I jumped at the chance.

I've never had anyone give me the complete trust and control that you gave me when I created the artwork for "Use Once & Destroy", and that trust lasted for the next four years that we worked together. Not long after doing that artwork you invited me to play guitar with the Angels. I hadn't played in an active band in years and I had to do some serious rock n' roll boot camp to get back in fighting form, but you encouraged me all the way. It's because of you that I have produced some of my best visual art in years (seeing Chelvis t-shirts populate the planet never fails to bring a smile to my face) and it's because of you that I got the opportunity to play in one of my favorite bands growing up, and that I am now back into writing songs and fronting a new band of my own.

I'm glad I got to see you one more time. I'm glad we got to talk and that I was able to play you some of my new songs. I'm glad we got to turn it up and get loud one more time, even if it was just rehearsals. I'm glad to have known you, and I thank you for your calmness, your coolness, your encouragement, your respect and your friendship.

And I'm so sad to see you go.

Debra Montana

June 23, 2012

Bobby ... I will always remember your smiling face -- we had so many laughs. My heart goes out to your family and loved ones. I am mourning the loss of Bobby, but celebrating his life.

Jennifer Walker

June 21, 2012

I am so grateful for the opportunity to meet such an artistic and creative genius. My love goes out to the family. You will meet again someday!!

Jessica Kross

June 21, 2012

Jessica Kross

June 21, 2012

Jessica Kross

June 21, 2012

Jessica Kross

June 21, 2012

Jessica Kross

June 21, 2012

Jessica Kross

June 21, 2012

Jessica Kross

June 21, 2012

Pics of Rock City Angels Nov. 2011 Monterey Club - Ft Laud FLA

Jessica Kross

June 21, 2012

Liz Posey

June 20, 2012

I miss u!! I feel u asking for a Pepsi In the morning at 2 in the afternoon!!there 1 left 4 U!

Leslie Van Deest

June 19, 2012

Rest in Peace with all my love Cuz!!

June 19, 2012

You are forever missed...Bro

Megan Davey

June 17, 2012

I was thinking of you today, again,
Thinking we'd get to talk my friend.
Share some laughs over Swanky's one day.
Talk about the next gig you'd play.
Can't believe that now you're gone.
Still can't get it in my head-
It just feels wrong.

Miss you my friend...

Jeri Hale

June 16, 2012

Bobby...you already know how I feel. Love you and miss you. A free spirit is now truly free...

Nevena

June 15, 2012

Bobby, great artist and friend, beautiful soul.... You gave us your creative work, wonderful stuff ! Rest in Peace Bobby Durango

June 15, 2012

May you rest in peace after that long hard road for you and your Mother. Your Mothers friend Joan

Kelly Baptista

June 15, 2012

You are dearly missed. My heart to your family and all who love you. You will fly free forever. OX

Nancy Phelps

June 14, 2012

Good night sweet Prince, you will be missed

Tricia Ramsby

June 14, 2012

Bobby - you and your sister are and always will be the bright stars of your mothers life. Watch over both of them in this terribly difficult time. I am very thankful that I was able to hear you play in Orlando. Rest in Peace knowing you have made a huge difference in so many lives!

Jessica Kross

June 14, 2012

I wish, I really wish I knew you were coming back down here again, South Florida loved you. Rock CIty Angels music will always live on in our hearts and minds, but oh to see you live again. And for your bandmates my heartbreaks. Much Love and respect. Jes

Kimberly Peters

June 13, 2012

Rock Stars Die, But Legends Live Forever.
RIP, Bobby Durango

Leighann Potter

June 13, 2012

Gonna miss you, Bobby... You & I have been friends for so long....I know that you have left us, here on this earth, but You are definitely with us all in Spirit....My heart goes out to your Family...Keeping them in my thoughts & prayers...Rest in Peace,My friend..Your music lives on, and you are and will be missed by many..They broke the mold, when You were made! There will NEVER, EVER be another like you!!
...I love you, my sweet, dear friend...See you on the other side.. You are truly our rockin' Angel, now....

Ringo Jukes

June 13, 2012

My sympathies to your family and many friends. I am gonna miss ya for sure old friend. We made some killer music together and had some unforgettable tymes.

Keep on Rockin' forever ... now u truly are an ANGEL in ROCK City. :)
Ringo Jukes

June 13, 2012

Rest in peace Bobby. We'll meet you there. J. Nagol

Jan Crutchfield

June 13, 2012

I am going to miss you so much. I loved your wit, your talent and the way you could always make me smile, even when I was feeling down. You were one of a kind for sure. My sympathies to your family and many friends. I am so thankful I was lucky enough to know you and call you one of my dearest friends. Love ya

Carra Smith

June 12, 2012

Bobby, you truly are a rockin' angel now. We'll always have Maine. Love to your family. xx

Jenn & Aaron Topping

June 12, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with Kay and the family. I regret never having the chance to meet Bobby. May he rest in peace.

Bobby, Twin Peaks, San Francisco

Rene Griffith

June 12, 2012

Bobby was truly a special young man . . . talented, loving, genuine, kind, and humble. Our family loved him deeply, but little did we know how much of the rest of the world loved him as well. He taught us to live life fully every single day and to put our heart and soul into doing what we love most. It's what brings us joy. Joy is what Bobby brought to the world. We shall all miss and remember him. With love, Aunt Rene

Aunt Sarita

June 12, 2012

Bobby was always the sweetest boy and he never lost that as he got older. He was smart, talented, kind and funny! I'm so glad that I got to see him when he visited California a few years ago and get caught up on his life. We will all miss him tremendously. He has left a big hole in our hearts. We are so touched by the outpouring of love and ways that Bobby impacted others lives. May he rest in peace and in God's hands.

Richard Allen

June 12, 2012

Bobby,
You were an important part of my life in an important time in my life. I'm glad I got to see you again recently, and after twenty years you were the same great guy. You will be missed. Love you my man

Debbie Maul

June 12, 2012

Kay,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bobby was so blessed to have you as his Mother!

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