December 13, 1934 – May 23, 2021
Bobby Ray Bissette, 86, of Middlesex, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 23, 2021 at his home. He was born in Nash County, son of the late Daniel and Laura Helen Lewis Bissette. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Ross Bissette; son, Jim Lassiter; and sister Linda Liles.
Bobby was well known in the community serving 13 years as the Mayor of Middlesex and was an active member on the Heritage Bank Board. He was a veteran of the Army and a member of the American Legion Post #0278. He owned and operated the only grocery store in town for many years and took great pride in that. Bobby retired as a 2nd generation farmer and was happy to pass his farming legacy down to his son and grandson. Nothing made him happier than riding around checking on the crops. He appreciated the value of hard work and believed in the motto “you get what you work for.” He was a tough worker and a driven man, instilling those traits in his family. After years of hard work he was able to fulfill his dream of building a mountain house on Three Top Mountain in West Jefferson. He loved the mountains and enjoyed taking friends and family to “The Hills” to visit his home. Bobby loved maps and prior to his health decline you could find him in his chair eating chocolate candy reading road maps, trying to decide where he wanted to go next. He would always joke that he was going to Vegas, Kansas City, and Middlesex, New Jersey to name a few, but one of his all-time favorite places to go was “The Gallberry.”
Bobby is survived by his son, Derek Bissette (Lisa) of Middlesex; daughter, Myra Lassiter Brown (James) of Middlesex; grandchildren, Matthew Bissette (Lisa), Kristen Bissette Webb (Jimmy), Dustin Brown, Amanda Brown Horne (Jason); great-grandchildren, Lawsen and Weslyn Bissette, Eden and Brantley Webb, Riley and Emma Horne all of Middlesex.
The family extends their sincere appreciation to Community Home Care and Hospice of Rocky Mount and caregivers: Darlene, Gail, Diane, Sarah, Brenda, and Pam for the loving and compassionate care provided during his declining health.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to The Golden Girls Ministry, PO Box 575, Middlesex, North Carolina 27557.
Graveside service 4:30 PM, Tuesday, Hollywood Cemetery Middlesex. Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell.
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