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Bobby Haley Obituary
IRMO — The Rev. Bobby Haley passed away peacefully on March 20, 2017 at his home in Irmo, S.C., from complications from Alzheimer's.
Bobby, son of the late Melvin Haley and the late Neva Travis McElhinney, was born on August 24, 1938 in Wesson, Miss.
Bobby was a graduate of Mississippi College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Upon graduating from Southwestern in 1966, he was called by First Baptist Spartanburg as Youth Minister, where he served until 1977. Bobby was Minister of Youth and Education at First Baptist Rock Hill from 1977 until 1980 and Minister of Education and Outreach at First Baptist Church, Pickens, from 1980 until his retirement in 2000.
During his ministry, Bobby impacted many lives. Through numerous mission efforts, including Kentucky Missions, choir tours, outreach efforts in the local area and other endeavors, Bobby passed on his love of missions and Christian service to countless others. He led over 40 mission trips to lead Bible Schools in the hills of Bell County, Ky., and also participated in mission trips to Jamaica, Brazil and the lower part of South Carolina.
He was involved in denominational work and led many VBS and Sunday School conferences throughout South Carolina. Bobby mentored and encouraged people of all ages, and many of the students in his ministry went into full time Christian vocations.
Bobby was an encourager and friend to all, never met a stranger and loved to make others laugh. An avid sports fan, his day wasn't complete until he read the sports section of the newspaper. He especially loved cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Carolina Gamecocks.
He met his wife, Sylvia, while at seminary and the two celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July 2016. Following his retirement, Bobby was an active member of both Berea First Baptist and Easley First Baptist and sang in the choir, served as deacon, Sunday School teacher and VBS teacher.
He was a proud, loving and selfless father to his three children. He helped raise and mentor a young man, Travis Lollis, whom he loved and treated as a son. He adored and doted on his six grandchildren and they lovingly referred to him by his first name. Bobby cherished his son in law and daughter in law and shared a close relationship with both.
Throughout Bobby's illness, Sylvia was his primary caregiver and an example of love in action as she cared for him at home.
Bobby leaves a legacy of kindness, gentleness and humility and the impact he left on his family and friends is immeasurable. His smile, laughter and personality will be missed by many. It only takes a spark …
A service to celebrate Bobby's life and ministry will be held at Easley First Baptist Church on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 2 p.m. with visitation following the service.
The family would like to offer special thanks to Lighthouse Hospice of Irmo.
Surviving Bobby are his wife, Sylvia Hall Haley of the home; three children, Angela Marie (Spartanburg), Jeff (Terri) of Chongqing, China, and Cheryl Cooley (Johnny) of Irmo; grandchildren, Kate, Jack and Luke Haley of Chongqing, China, and Nate, Seth and Zach Cooley of Irmo; sister, Lynda Hurteau (Randy) of Spartanburg; and nephew, Doug (Erica) of McClellanville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to ELIC (English Language Institute China) at www.my.elic.org/support/teacher_pages/haleys; or Lighthouse Hospice Group 110 Oak Park Drive #C of Irmo, SC 29063; or Kentucky Missions of First Baptist Spartanburg 250 East Main Street Spartanburg, SC 29306.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bobby Haley
Nate
November 2, 2017
He was a great person. He was my grandfather. I miss him. And I saw him on his death bed, but when I realized he passes I cried hard, put new there was a hope for a better place, Heaven , where there is no pain and Alzheimer's .
March 30, 2017
Dear Haley Family,
What a life well-lived! Sylvia, you and Bobby influenced me greatly as I visited FBC, Sptbg with my best friend. The I Wonder Choir, which you and Bobby assisted, was such a blessing in my high school years! Thankful for you!
Heaven has received a precious man!
Love and prayers,
Jean Fletcher Aylor
Benny Dorr
March 29, 2017
I sit here in tears this morning as I just learned of Bobbys passing. These are sad but also happy tears as I reflect on the joys shared with this man. I was fortunate to go on 13 Kentucky trips led by Bobby. As a man who has had very few influential men in my life, I put Bobby at the top of the list. Heaven is a little brighter today with him there along with those that are and will be there due to his tireless efforts to share the love of god. I love and miss Bobby and look forward to seeing him again in glory.
March 27, 2017
What a great tribute to your father, Cheryl. I know that his funeral was a celebration. What a wonderful example and legacy your father showed for you and your family and siblings. I know you will miss him but you have lots of memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for sharing this obit with me. It lifted my spirit as I read of this godly man who impacted so many people in so many different ways. You are blessed to have had such a great earthy father who had the heartbeat of God! Blessings and comfort to all your family. (Sandra B. Deming coworker at DFMS)
Steve and Sharon Corn
March 27, 2017
Know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. When we think of our good times at Pickens First Baptist , we will always think of Bobby . He was a wonderful man and had many wonderful talents.
Kim Hamilton
March 26, 2017
I was privileged to go on 7 trips with Bobby to Kentucky and he changed my life through his example of love and commitment to our God. I have never forgotten his impact on my life and have mentioned his commitment to our Lord to others many times through the years. Our condolences to his family and love to you all as we miss our brother. Today I will hear his voice in the praises to the King.
March 25, 2017
So saddened to hear of the loss of Bobby from this Earth, but so gladdened to know we will meet again at the feet of Jesus. It only takes a spark.... there are so many candles and beacons of light Bobby Haley ignited, rekindled and caused to flame all to the Glory of God. Thank you, Sylvia, for sharing him with us and for loving him.
Donna Blackwell Childers (FBC-Spartanburg)
Mike Bulman
March 24, 2017
Sylvia & Family,
I knew Sylvia many years ago when her dad, Cecil Hall was Minister of Music at Southside Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC I was the church pianist then. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss.
Mike Bulman (Boiling Springs, SC)
Delia Evett
March 24, 2017
Sylvia, Angela, Jeff and Cheryl, you and your families are in my prayers during this difficult time. Bobby was such an important part of my life and I will be forever grateful for his ministry and friendship to me while at First Baptist Pickens. Lots of wonderful memories. I love you all.
Dale King
March 24, 2017
Bobby played an important part in my life during the "I Wonder" years. I feel blessed to have known him and will always remember the love and concern that he had for "his kids." Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Carolyn Blankenship
March 23, 2017
Sylvia, Clarence and I were deeply saddened by the news of Bobby's death. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you today and in the days to come.
With love and prayers,
Carolyn Blankenship
CAROL DICKARD
March 23, 2017
My favorite lesson from Bobby was to keep pushing people's buttons until one day, when the last button is pushed, that person receives Jesus as Lord & Savior. I have tried to use that lesson all these years and hope I have had a small part in the salvations of many children I've worked with. Bobby was a good friend and mentor to me and I will miss him. My prayers for all his family. God bless you, Carol Dickard
Peggy Seymore
March 23, 2017
Sylvia, Please know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. You were a devoted wife. May God bless you on the days ahead.
RoyceEllen Walsh
March 23, 2017
Dear Sylvia and family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Bobby's passing. He was truly a man of God with a servant's heart. We enjoyed worshipping and working with all of you at Pickens 1st Baptist Church and then again, most recently with Sylvia and Bobby at Easley 1st Baptist. We will certainly keep all of you in our prayers. May you feel God's loving arms around you.
Sylvia, what a faithful wife and caregiver you were to Bobby. All of y'all were so loving and attentive.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Royce and Ellen
Victory Missionary BaptChurch Rev. James Polly, Pastor, Rev. Wilkie W. Saylor, Asst. Pastor
March 23, 2017
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gravest me to do. John 17:verse 4. We love you all very much....we will keep you in our prayers. Victory Missionary Baptist Church, Pineville, Kentucky. Rev. James Polly, Pastor, Rev. Wilkie W. Saylor, Asst. Pastor.
March 23, 2017
To the Haley family, may God give you strength, peace, over, joy, and happiness during this season in your life. You family had a huge impact on my life and work.
March 22, 2017
Jeff and Terri, I am so sorry to hear of your loss and pray for comfort and peace at this most difficult time. Love in Christ....Charlene Counts
Amanda
March 22, 2017
Oh, what a joyous well done my good and faithful servant met him. I am so sorry for your loss. I can think of no greater legacy than the one he leaves here. Always had a smile and love to share. Praying for comfort and love for his family.
Alton Crapps
March 22, 2017
I can just see Bro. Bobby --in heaven--keeping his eye on the teens there around him. He just loved all peoples, but especially the teens. Eph. 2:7. We'll miss him, but not for long. Cause we'll see him face to face. He was a man with a missionary heart!
Alton Crapps Leesville, S.C.
David Harper
March 22, 2017
Sylvia and family. Know that Kerry and I will be praying for all of you in the days ahead. Bobby was a wonderful Christian man who loved everyone he met. The Master Life class he taught at PFB continues to be a blessing in my life. Thank you Bobby for the lasting impressions you made in my life in serving Christ!
Tom, Laura and George Touchberry
March 22, 2017
Jeff and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We can see that Bobby was a faithful servant for our Lord. You must be so proud of all he did to bring others to Christ.
Sara Trotter
March 22, 2017
This was such a sweet obituary. Bobby served alot of people and made friends with everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Stan Jones
March 22, 2017
So sorry to hear of Bobbys passing .
Your cousins in Mississippi are praying for you all.
Jessica Gambrel Broughton
March 22, 2017
Bobby you were such an inspiration to my family and me. We always looked forward to you coming to Victory Missionary Baptist Church for VBS every year. I can picture him standing in the front of the church with 150-250 kids a night doing Father Abraham and Rise and Shine. You blessed so many with your missions. Wish that I could be there. You will be missed and loved by many.
Susan Stone Chapman
March 22, 2017
Some of the best and most memorable times in my life were spent with this wonderful man of God. I can see his smiling face and picture him singing Father Abraham at the many VBS's over the years. He truly worked daily to fulfill The Great Commission. Prayers to the family. How proud you must be of this good and faithful servant. What an amazing life he led.
Ben and Vickie Hiott
March 22, 2017
Thank you Bobby Haley. You married my wife and I in 1984 and that is a lifetime memory for us and we are forever grateful for your friendship and your prayers for us through these years
Janice Gipson
March 22, 2017
Prayers for this precious family,
from your extended family in Kentucky
Kelly Gilstrap
March 22, 2017
Sylvia and family, I
I am so sorry to hear about your all's loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love and prayers,
Kelly Gilstrap
Fran Bagwell
March 21, 2017
My love and deepest sympathy to Sylvia and the rest of the Haley family.
March 21, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
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