Bobby Gene Clayborn

Bobby Gene Clayborn, 83, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Bobby Gene Clayborn, III; and by his 15 siblings.

Bobby proudly served his country in both the U.S. Army and Navy. He owned and operated his own lawn care business and swore by all things John Deere. Bobby often helped those in the community who had experienced a death in their family, mowing their lawns with no expectation of compensation. He was a talker and would spend all day talking to friends and also looking up internet information on the phone if you’d let him. Bobby loved cracking jokes and laughing at them even if they weren’t funny. He had nicknames for everyone even if he had just met them. If the truth be known, he just couldn’t remember their names.

He is survived by “his Annie,” Anne Puckridge; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Clayborn Cox and her family; son, Robin Lee Clayborn and his family; his bonus family, Ronnie and Debbie Patton and her children, Jodi and Butch and their family, Ricky and Janice Buckner and their children, Christy, Julie and Jeffrey and their families; his closest friends whom he considered brothers, Ronnie Rice and Jesse Rhew; and several nieces and nephews.

His hope was to be met in God’s glorious meadow by his three pets, Little Girl, Paul Harvey and Lylah.

The memorial service for Bobby will be held at Teagues Chapel on Sunday, August 30, at 2:00 p.m. The Rev. Randy Burrell will officiate with military honors performed by the U.S. Navy.

The family wishes to thank Richard Adkins, for his time and effort spent in getting Bobby to and from doctor’s appointments, the Leicester Volunteer Fire Department, who were immeasurably helpful during Bobby’s illness, and a special thank you to Bobby’s circle of prayer warrior friends: he was forever grateful for all of the prayers.

Bobby’s favorite Bible verse was the first verse he learned, John 3:16. He’s now receiving God’s holy hug.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.