John Landrum "J.L." Bobo, Jr.

John Landrum Bobo, Jr., 89, devoted husband of Mary Helen Keasler Bobo, died peacefully at their home in the Shady Grove community, on November 27th after a seven-month battle with MDS. Born in Liberty in 1934, Mr. Bobo was preceded in death by his parents, John Landrum Bobo and Mary Frances Austin Bobo, as well as a sister, Faye Bobo Simms, and a brother, Frankie Austin Bobo.

Mr. and Mrs. Bobo were married for nearly 70 years. He was an honorable, just, and wise man, respected by all. 

Mr. Bobo loved his work. He spent his entire adult life working in the grading and road construction business. During this time he helped build the St. Lawrence seaway, the first roads of I-85, the Greenville Spartanburg airport, the dams and lakes of Jocassee and Keowee, and the Cliffs properties. He was privileged to work the last 44 years with Ashmore Brothers in Greer. Mr. Bobo was a hard worker and due to his strong and principled work ethic, unique vision and talent, he was revered by everyone. He didn’t retire until his mid 80’s. When not on the job, he stayed busy washing his cars, mowing grass, gardening and being outdoors in the sunshine.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Bobo is survived by three daughters, Vicki Sasson, Patti Grantham (Jim), Mandi Hennigan (Dave), seven grandchildren, John Sasson, Tara S. Keenan, Sellers G. Petromichelis (Paul), Hagood Grantham (Hayley), Reed Hennigan (Jessie), Zachary Hennigan (Madison), Ben Hennigan (Holly), and five great-grandchildren, Vivian Keenan, Steele Keenan, Jaycee Armstrong, Ella Grace Hennigan, and Landrum Petromichelis.

“Pa-Pa” was happiest when his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren gathered on Sunday afternoons at their home, by the falls which he designed and constructed or on the patio, and while spending time together at Pawleys Island and Caesars Head. He loved life and was happy in it. His personality was full of warmth, kindness and a keen sense of whimsical charm. He never met a stranger and left people better for knowing him. Mr. Bobo was an avid collector of Lionel trains, frequently driving as far as Pennsylvania for a “train meet” to buy, sell, and swap with the many friends he had accumulated over the years.

 Because of his patient nature and inquisitive mind, he loved a project and he became a tinkerer and a Mr. Fixit in learning to repair both his and his friends’ trains, particularly in his retirement.

Mr. and Mrs. Bobo were members of Shady Grove Baptist Church the duration of their marriage. The families are at their respective homes and will have a private service to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Bobo to a charity of one's choice.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Downtown, Easley.