While the rest of the country is preparing for their Thanksgiving, our community paused today to give thanks for the life of one of our own who left his mark in the daily landscape and lives of Habersham county. Hundreds lined the halls of Hillside Memorial during visitation as neighbors stood to offer their stories and condolences to the family. Today, Bethlehem Baptist Church was filled as mourners began to claim a seat an hour before the service was to begin. A neighbor’s poem printed on the service program.
A Son spoke, grandchildren shared memories of “Daddy Bob.” A recent letter written by an “English” son-in-law to his Mother-in-law offered praise and appreciation for his Father-in-law. Stories of golf and yard work, precious memories of a life well lived. Over 50 years with his beloved wife leaves many memories. A Pastor recounted being taken in and “adopted” when he arrived in Habersham.
Long a revered member of the banking industry, Bobby Black left the halls of a bank he served for 34 years to join an upstart, a new bank. Sidney Roland, Senior Vice-President of Southern Bank and Trust observed, “Bobby was a lifelong banker serving over 50 years in the banking community of Habersham County. He was a well-respected and well liked banker inside and outside the organizations he served. Bobby was an integral part of the start-up process of Southern Bank & Trust in 2005 and continued to be a very important part of the Southern Bank & Trust team until his death. His death is a tremendous loss to, not only our Southern Bank & Trust family, but to the entire Habersham community in which Bobby worked, lived, served and loved.” David Stovall, his colleague at Habersham Bank echoed Roland’s words and added, “I was blessed to work with Bobby for many years. He was a great banker and Christian, and was very involved in the community.”
Many community members shared stories of help and assistance. Will Lockwood said, “we were raised together and I worked with his Mother, Ms. Hassie at the telephone company. When I was ready to buy my house, it was Bobby who helped me.” Similar stories were echoed throughout the crowds. Bobby Black’s slight frame and crown of white hair was a familiar sight around town. He was quick to smile and offer his hand. He would cross a room to ask how you were, how was your family.
State Representative Terry Rogers summed it up, “We all lost a good friend and the community lost a valuable asset with the passing of Bobby Black. Bobby was the picture of a professional banker, but never lost his sense of caring and compassion for the people he served. He was always the first to get behind any plan or organization which would help our area, especially when it came to athletics or kids. He will be sorely missed, however the way he lived his life should serve as an example for all of us.”
So tonight, let us give thanks for Bobby Black and his life of service.
