Bobby London

Bobby London
Oct. 18, 1945- July 27, 2010

KINGS MOUNTAIN- Bobby Gene "Pepper Head" London, 64, of 5614 Lennox Drive, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at Kings Mountain Hospital.
A native and lifelong resident of Cleveland County, Bobby was born Oct. 18, 1945 to the late James Franklin and Elease Downs London.
Bobby began his education at Cleveland High School. Due to hardships in his family, he delayed his education to help his mother. He later continued his education and graduated in 1966.
Bobby always had a love for music and gift for singing. He started out using this talent in the school glee club. From there, they formed neighborhood groups and performed locally. He would travel to Lake Lure, singing with a group managed by the late Edgar Campbell. While with Mr. Campbell, he learned to beat drums. He later became the lead singer for the Ambassadors. They performed up and down the east coast and the deep South from the early 60s until the early 70s. They played for local events including high school proms. The Ambassadors opened up for famous groups such as the Isley Brothers, Johnny Taylor, The Four Tops, James Brown, The Commodores and many others. The Ambassadors recorded a hit song, "The Apple of My Eye". Bobby used his talent faithfully wherever he could at church, weddings and funerals. He also sang with the Spartanburg Gospel Music Workshop of America Choir for several years.
Following his years as a singer, Bobby worked as a shipping clerk for J & C Dyeing Company for over twenty years. After leaving J & C, he worked at Combustion Engineering and later became an employee of Reliance Electric, now known as Baldor Electric where he was planning to retire from, later this year.
Bobby was known locally for his spirited cheerleading for Shelby High football. On any given Friday night during football season the stands would vibrate with him telling the players how to play and the umpires how to call the game. He later went on to become an official himself and was a member of the NCHSAA ( North Carolina High School Athletic Association).
Bobby was a devoted member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church where was a faithful member of the all-male, the adult and senior choirs.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, John London, James Franklin London, Jr. and Billy London and grandson, Tawarren Mitchell.
Left to cherish fond memories of him are his wife, Deborah Annette London; three sons, Barry L. London of Miami, FL, Vintrus J. London and Orrin O London both of the home; three daughters, Loutretra Carroll of Shelby, Harriet Hardin Forney (Eric) of Belmont, NC and Amica Kennedy (Jason) of Salisbury, NC; four brothers, Paul London (Cynthia ) of Shelby, Steve London, Sr. of Grover, Tommy London (Sharon) of Roanoke, VA and Claude London (Monica) of Shelby; four sisters, Patsy Ratchford and Betty Wade both of Shelby, Carolyn London of Charlotte, NC and Linda London of Shelby; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; an aunt, Mildred Rouse of FL; two additional sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; long time friend and barber, Mack Corry of Shelby and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation: The family will receive friends one hour before the service
Funeral: Monday, 3:30 p.m. at Malcom Brown Auditorium
Officiated by: Pastor M. Lamont Littlejohn
Burial: Sunset Cemetery
Funeral home: Enloe's Mortuary
Online condolences: Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloes.net