Bobby Franklin Kinsey
Bobby Franklin Kinsey, 79, died peacefully at his home in Soddy Daisy on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, with his wife and daughters by his side.
He was born July 31, 1943, to Edward and Bertie Sandifer Kinsey; as the youngest of their four children, it wasn’t long before he became an uncle. He loved family more than anything and remained close to his twelve nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Bill (Ruth), Betty (Clarence) Williams, and Bennie (Ruby), and two nephews.
A graduate of Central High, Bob enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1963, where he worked in the motor pool. He loved to tell how he was at Ft. Sill, OK when President Kennedy was assassinated; his base, one of the closest to Dallas, was on red alert until after the funeral.
Bobby had always wanted to be a police officer, so working for the Hamilton County Sheriff was, quite literally, his dream job. He took great pride in being tough but fair. He retired in 2011. His favorite thing to do was watch old Westerns on TV, while keeping a finger on the pulse of Facebook at all times.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Joan; two daughters, Kim (Bryan Chambers), and Lisa; former wife (mother of his daughters), Sandy (Lamar) Goines; stepson, Chad (Dee Jay Mizzell) Haas; his last surviving cousin, (who was more like a brother) David (Jackie) Sandifer; four granddaughters, Emily Haas and her mother, Deidra Hendrix; Cambrey Gifford and her mother Kristy; Kinsey and Maecie Haas; two grandsons, Conner and Parker White; ten nieces and nephews and many friends, including his “Blue Family”.
Bobby was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church, and was active with the Knights of Columbus until his health began to decline.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Chattanooga, and especially his favorite nurse, Morgan, for their loving and compassionate care.
In accordance with his wishes, Bobby is being cremated, Funeral mass will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, 930 Ashland Terrace, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m., with Fr. Charlie Burton officiating. A reception and visitation will follow in the Parish Life Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Shriners’ Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, 423-531-3975. www.hamiltonfuneraloptions.com