Bobby Howard Oakes passed away on Monday, July 18, 2016 at his home. He was born and raised on a tobacco farm in Rice, the second of six children born to Howard G. Oakes and Estelle Morris Oakes.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ann Victoria Martin Oakes (Vicky) — the love of his life. And also, by two daughters, Tammy Jo Oakes Todd and husband, Jason, and Mariea Kae Oakes LeFevers and husband, Jimmy; three adoring grandchildren, Anna, Charlie, and Lily; three siblings, June Oakes Thomas and husband, Bill, James “Danny” Oakes and wife, Gloria, and Norman Oakes and wife, Rita; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends — including the “son” that he chose for himself, Ben Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Phyllis Oakes Martin and his brother, Douglas MacArthur “Mack” Oakes.

Bobby was a man of many talents and hobbies. At different times in his life, he hunted, fished, bred dogs, raced dragsters, worked as a commercial electrician, farmed, enjoyed his CB radio, played cards, followed “professional” wrestling and collected cars. He was a proud union man, who recently received his 50-year service pin from IBEW Local 70. As a Mason in good standing for more than 45 years, he served as a catechism coach and mentor to others. He also served with pride as a veteran, a paratrooper, and a member of the VFW.

You could certainly call him a character. He was never afraid to tell you what he thought, a trait that both endeared him to, and sometimes exasperated his friends. Bobby was a “talker” who will be missed “up at the store” where he could often be found enjoying a cup of coffee, a piece of chicken, some lively conversation, and some little sweet dessert that he was trying to sneak past Vicky.

In the last two decades of his life, Bobby was an avid and extraordinary beekeeper who was known throughout Southside Virginia for both his excellent honey, and his willingness to share his expertise and love of bees with others.

He will be remembered by his family and friends as Bobby, Boo-Boo, Smoke Blower, Bob, Bob Howard, Daddy, Pop, Brother, and Friend.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 22 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Puckett Funeral Home with interment to follow in Trinity Memorial Gardens.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 21 from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. at Puckett Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Prince Edward Rescue Squad or the March of Dimes.

Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, is serving the family. www.puckettfh.com