Bobby Gene Holcomb

Bobby Gene Holcomb, 87, of Smithfield, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at University of Louisville Hospital (UofL Health) in Louisville, Kentucky. He was born on August 23, 1938, in Henry County, Kentucky, to Arvey Holcomb and Lena (Cullen) Holcomb. Bobby attended school in Henry County, Kentucky. On April 4, 1961, he was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Booth and they were blessed with a daughter, Lisa Ann.

Bobby served in the United States Army as a member of the Regular Army, achieving the rank of Private First Class, and received his Honorable Release from Active Duty in 1959. After his service, he built a long and varied career as a truck driver and farmer. Over the decades, he operated a wide range of trucks, including many years on local grocery delivery routes for Barber Grocery Company in Madison, Indiana; owner operated long haul refrigerated tractor trailers; and dump trucks hauling rock, soil, and heavy materials. His strong mechanical aptitude served him well-he repaired farm equipment while working for Russell Equipment Company in Madison and He enjoyed working on cars and lawn mowers, and could fix just about anything with a motor. In 2001, he retired from Holly by the Sea in Navarre Beach, Florida, after several years on their maintenance team.

Following his military service, Bobby moved from Pleasureville, Kentucky to live in Madison and Canaan, Indiana, for 25 years. He later moved to LaGrange, Kentucky, before relocating to Florida for many years. After retiring, he returned home to Smithfield, Kentucky, where friends and family welcomed him back to Henry County.

Bobby will be remembered for his kindness, humor, unique style, fun loving personality, and deep devotion to his family. He loved driving everywhere, open highways or scenic backroads, it was all freedom for him. He loved spending time visiting with friends and neighbors and "tinkering" with anything mechanical. He enjoyed old westerns on television, all kinds of music - especially country, and collecting hats, vests, jewelry, and unique clothing. Auctions and flea markets were favorite pastimes, always in search of a good bargain or interesting find. Buying, selling, and trading vehicles brought him endless joy-he loved autos of every kind and was happiest with a new car, truck or motorcycle to work on or trade. He proudly displayed his hunting trophies, including a large buck he harvested with a bow and arrow when in his 80s. A lifelong Elvis Presley fan, he loved karaoke nights at local spots and performed many Elvis songs in his unmistakable "Bobby style."

He was a devoted member of Daybreak Baptist Church in Eminence, where he found fellowship and community. The Senior Citizens Center in New Castle, KY was an important part of his weekly routine; he enjoyed the communal lunch gatherings each week and always looked forward to the monthly restaurant outings, where he enjoyed good food and good company.

Bobby's life will be cherished by his loving daughter, Lisa (Bob) Bradley; his brother, Arvey B. (Imogene) Holcomb; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Martha E. Caldwell; his brother, John C. Holcomb; several siblings; and his parents.

Military honors will be rendered by the United States Army and Major Samuel Woodfill Post #9, American Legion, at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 1415 North Gate Road, Madison, Indiana, with columbarium placement to follow.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Major Samuel Woodfill Post #9, American Legion, where Bobby was a long time member. Contributions may be made at Lytle Welty Funeral Home or below.

Lytle Welty Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Vail Chapel, is entrusted with the arrangements.

Our heartfelt thanks to Mike and Barbara Alexander and Barbara Sue Owens and her family for their compassion and caring for Bobby, especially in his later years - truly wonderful friends. The family extends our gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Baptist Health LaGrange and Baptist Health Louisville; the caring admissions, nursing, and rehabilitation staff at the New Castle Nursing Home; and the expert trauma and neurology teams at University of Louisville Hospital for their compassion and care.

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