Stonewall Jackson class of '77

 

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Bob Quesenberry

 

Obituary from Charleston Daily Mail:

Retired Chief (DCC) (SW) Bobby J. Quesenberry Jr., 50, of Maryville, Tenn., died Saturday, May 2, 2009, at the family home.

He was born in Charleston, W.Va., and graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1977. He proudly served honorably and with distinction for 23 years in the United States Navy on the USS Belknap DD, USS Gray FFG, USS Racine LST, and the USS Frederick LST. Some of his decorations include: Surface Warfare Specialist, Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal (3), Navy Battle “E” Ribbon (2), Good Conduct Medal (4), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Naval Sea Service Ribbon (2), and National Defense Service Medal. Some of his military education includes, Senior Enlisted Damage Control, Training Officer, Navy Leadership Program. Bob was a member of Maryville Friends Church. He coached youth basketball for Parks and Rec for seven years. Coaching his two sons, Colin and Tyler, was a highlight. He couldn't wait for the season to start each year. He was very proud of Jeannette's academic achievements and their shared interest in family genealogy. He derived pleasure attending Gideon's Maryville High School theatrical productions and listening to his forensics competition performances. He retired September 1, 2001 as Command Chief from the U.S. Naval Reserve Center in Knoxville. For many years, he was involved with the Homeless Veteran Stand Down, Knoxville. Helping other veterans was very important in his life.

He was preceded in death by infant twin sons, Adam and Dylan; father, Bobby J. Quesenberry Sr.; and sister, Debra Jean Clayton.

Survivors include his wife, Daphne Quesenberry; children, Gideon Matthew Quesenberry, Jeannette Rheda Quesenberry, Colin Shelby Quesenberry, and Tyler Morgan Quesenberry; stepmother, Delores Quesenberry Nunley; mother, Vertie Mae Sliger; sisters and brothers-in-law, Rhonda and James Ashworth, Rheda and Greg Knight; brothers and sisters-in-law, Andrew and Susan Quesenberry and Jake and Darcy Sliger; brother-in-law, Keith Clayton; many special nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles; and a large extended family.

Funeral service will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, at Smith Chapel with Pastor J. Scott Knight officiating. Interment will be 1 p.m. Wednesday in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bob's memory to be mailed to The Young Marines, 2101 Alcoa Hwy., Knoxville, TN 37920.

Family will receive friends from 5:30 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, (865) 983-1000, www.smithmortuary.com.

The following photos we previously in our alumni gallery section:

Chief Damage Controlman
Bob Quesenberry
Command Chief of the Navy & Marine Corps Reserve Center
Knoxville Tn Retirement Ceremony 18Aug2001
(NOV 9, 1977- AUG 31, 2001)


May 05 wedding with family. Bob, Jeannette [18], Tyler [10], Gideon [20], Wife- Daphne and Colin [14]

 

Tributes: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 Please submit a tribute of your own
   
Tribute #1 by Jeanette Otts:  

I knew Bobby from Jr. High through he was a true sweatheart -- he could always make me laugh.
Thoughts and prayers to his family -- and Bobby, I know we'll catch up together again.
My love to you,
jeanette


Tribute #2 by Tim Feazell

I remember Bobby just being this big guy we called "Quiz" who was real nice and seemed like he wouldn't hurt a fly. He was always smiling and fun to be around.


Tribute #3 by Caroline Pierce Brooks

Bobby wil be sadly missed, and family in our prayers.
Caroline ( class 80 )


Tribute #4 by Debbie Otey

Gone way too soon. I am fortunate enough to have known Bobby since our days at Glenwood Elementary. It was such an honor to see him dressed up in the Navy regalia at the reunion. I am very lucky to call Bobby friend. God blessed you Bobby and I know we'll meet again.


Tribute #5 by Paul Lewis

Bobby Quesenberry has gone home to our Lord…

I have been approached about Bobby and what happened to take him from us prematurely. I struggled to put a lifetime in a short statement but I’ll do my best to hit the highlights!

Bobby was my first cousin, but we were raised as brothers until he went to Wilson and I to Lincoln in the 7th grade.

The family knew him as Bobby Jr. or “BJ”… while in the Navy he was known as “Quiz”… this came as an extension from SJHS days where most of the guys called him “Quiz”… clearly a take-off of his last name. Latter, as a civilian most knew him as Bob.
No matter what you called him, you would get the same person. Bobby lived life as a kind caring person who would do anything he could for a friend and he could gather friends quickly. With his child-like (seemingly innocent) smile and gentlemen charm, Bobby managed to endear himself with people across all walks of life. As a testament to this, Bobby lived a relatively short time in TN; and yet, people where standing in line to pay their respects at his wake. It is estimated that over 100 people passed to say farewell. This is amazing as most people that knew him were back in WV or worldwide from his military career.

Bobby loved his Navy career and many of us were privileged to see him in his dress whites which he wore during his retirement from the Navy and lastly he wore laid to rest. While he traveled the world, he enjoyed the love, support and patience of Daphne who lived at several bases and kept the home fire burning. They lived many places over 22 years including California, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, WV and lastly in TN. During his service Bobby was known as a go-to guy and he did his work with pride and officially recognized / distinguished for his efforts.

In passing, Bobby was given a Full Honor Military funeral including a 21 gun salute. This was his desire and he was rewarded for giving his country a 22 year distinguished career.

As much as he loved the Navy and proud of his military service… it has always been his family that put a smile on his face. His passion for his immediate and extended family burned as a flame in his heart. He thought of them often and always dreamed that one day he would move back to WV and raise his family as he was raised. After the Navy, Bobby moved back to WV and attempted to live that dream but eventually he realized better opportunities in TN where Daphne’s family was close by and where the lifestyle was closer to how Bobby grew up in WV.

As nature dictates, families tend to lose loved ones which is always difficult. Bobby really took it hard when family would pass away. He didn’t like the loss or the change that takes people away from his life. In keeping with this and as a hobby and personal passion, Bobby became inspired to research the family genealogy and he spent much time tracing the ancestry through the past. Much of this comes naturally because, as a child growing up, he had 36 first cousins on his father’s side that all lived around the Charleston, WV area. Therefore, being family oriented was a way of life. As excited as he was to travel the world, he would always miss home.

I believe that the people that pass before us will always be loved and remembered even though they are no longer making new memories… as long as they are stay in our memories they remain alive in our hearts. Bobby lived his life this way and his kids have heard all of his passionate stories of the past which included nearly every relative (alive & past). Bobby had a way keeping the past alive and passing it forward through his children.

Bobby was particularly proud of his immediate family with his exceptional wife Daphne, they had Jeanette, Gideon, Collin, Tyler and twins (Adam and Dylan who passed at birth). This collective group was the meaning of his life! He often spoke of his kids and how each has their own special place in his heart, noting that they were each unique with individual talents. Bobby lived his life being proud of his family!

In TN, Bobby worked for the TVA and got involved with the local community. He was civic minded and contributed in various ways including extensive work with homeless vets which he was very proud of. Bobby grew up loving old war movies about heroes that made the ultimate sacrifice for god and country. John Wayne was Bobby’s all-time hero and I am sure that Bobby will look him up in heaven for a wonderful chat! Bobby established various events for the homeless vets in the local area and would often have a movie night featuring inspiring heroic films. He was admired and appreciated for his heart-felt efforts to those in need…

While he found this extremely gratifying, his ultimate passion was coaching his kids in various little league sports. As a life-long sports fanatic, Bobby introduced his kids into the sports believing that this was a good way to help them learn valuable skills, like teamwork, sportsmanship, work ethic, etc. Being a head coach was a lifelong dream of Bobby’s and he was incredibly proud to do so with his kids in TN. This created a smile as large as the Grand Canyon!

Unfortunately, over the past few years Bobby began having health problems which caused him to become disabled. 2 years ago, it was discovered that he had likely inherited a condition that caused cysts that could move into the heart much like blood clots and also potentially fatal. Last year he had severe nerve damage in his foot and eventually lost his lower leg. This took a huge toll on him physically and psychologically. Bobby was always very active and loved physical activity with his kids. However, given his health issues, Bobby struggled with the fact that he couldn’t enjoy his time the way he wanted with the family like he used to… he became frustrated knowing that 50 is too damn young to be immobile and not living the life he dreamed about.

In spite of his desire to master his prosthetic leg and once again enjoy sports and other pleasures with the kids, it was not meant to be. Bobby was called home to be on the Lord’s team. There he is reunited with those that passed before him, and now he awaits his loved ones here to join him there!

I (We) love you and miss you Bobby Jr…!

Your “Cuz” Paul “Pooch” Lewis


Tribute #6 by Preston King

I first remember Bobby as that other tall white guy in Wilson. We played ball around the west-side several times while we grew up, in a more simple time. Having missed the reunions (for several other events going on) I will have to wait till reaching heaven to get back on the court again with Quiz. God bless his family and may he comfort them.


Tribute #7 by Barbara Landers

I didn't know Bobby real well but I remember that beautiful smile he always had when I would pass him in the hallway. It took me a long time to make a post in his memory because seems like so many of our class is slipping away. I remember talking to him at the reunion and he and his wife was delightful. I am going to miss him. May God Bless his family.


Tribute #8 by Jeanine Rose Faegre

What a great guy he was! He and his sister, Rhonda, were friends of mine from WWJH through Stonewall (Class of '78). May he rest in peace. I am so sorry for his family's loss.


Tribute #9 by Colin Quesenberry

My Dad continues to be a great man even after death.


Tribute #10 by Becky Casdorph

I knew Bobby at Woodrow Wilson Jr. High School. He was so funny and had such a nice smile. We were in Chorus together, too. He was an all around nice guy...and sadly missed.


Tribute #11 by Sean Rose

I served along with Bobby on board the uss Racine, He was chief of our repair division. I'm saddened he's gone so young, But I can see that he was very loved. He was a good guy and a friend of mine. He'll live on in my memories.

 

 

 


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