Robert (Bobby) M. Jeffords

Robert ?Bobby? M. Jeffords, 75, died peacefully in his home on Thursday, May 29, 2014 from diabetic complications.
Bobby was born in Wilmington on April 2, 1939 to the late Marion M. (Capt.?Speed?) Jeffords and the late Lois McNeil (Jeffords) Cherry. He was also predeceased by his step-father Delmus ?Dick? R. Cherry and a step-mother Daphne B. Jeffords, and by two infant sisters, Marion Jean Jeffords and Diane Cherry, as well as a number of close aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He graduated from New Hanover High School in 1958, joined the National Guard, and was then employed by the former Timme Corporation prior to enlisting in the military. Being deeply patriotic, he proudly served in the USAF Security Service traveling extensively abroad for 5 ½ years. After discharge from military service, he was employed for 33 years in banking and credit/finance positions, including the management of the Bank of NC and with the Bob King dealership in Wilmington, as well as serving on the original planning committee for the New Hanover County youth football league now known as ?Pop Warner?. He enjoyed being a coach on the football and Little League baseball Optimist leagues.
Bobby?s greatest abiding joy was his family. Surviving are his wife of 50 years Janice Johnson Jeffords, their two daughters Cyndi J. Edmonds and husband Bobby, and LeAnne J. Groves and husband Kevin. He was the most dearly loved ?Papa? to five grandchildren, Bobby ?Trey? Edmonds, Kayli Groves, Ryan Edmonds, Audrey Groves, and Andy Groves. He was an adoring big brother to Debbie Cherry Lorance who resides in Belmont, NC with husband Dennis. His niece Ashley Lorance and husband Gerrit Baumann, and grand-nephew Hugo Baumann all reside in Charlotte. His other niece, Emily L. Rall and husband Toby reside in Freising, Germany. Additional surviving family includes half-sister Gail Jeffords Holley of Goldsboro, NC , Carl Marshburn, Eddie and Jean Lawler, Juanita Jeffords, Bryan Debose (wife Sabra), Kim (Debose) Poplaski with husband Rick all of Wilmington, as well as several cousins.
He was also blessed with extended family including Jean Hufham Piner and husband Mike, and four beloved God-sons Gurney, Kenneth, David, and Mack Hufham.
A memorial service will be held Monday, June 2, 2014 at Andrews Valley Chapel on South College Road at 11:00am with a preceding visitation from 10:00 ? 11:00 at the same location. The family asks that any memorial gifts be made to serve our nation?s military or local humane society as these were two of Bobby?s great loves.