Robert Otey Abshire, age 84, of Cottontown, passed away Monday, July 29, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Abshire was born December 31, 1939 in Franklin County, VA, the 4th of 9 children for the late James Willie Abshire and Reva Wright Abshire.
He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served almost 3 years in Germany where he was a tank driver and on the rifle marksmanship team. Mr. Abshire lived in Roanoke County, VA where in 1971 he wrote and performed the original song “Virginia Is For Lovers”. Today a copy of the record is in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington DC.
Bob moved to Nashville in 1973 signing a songwriting contract with Screen Gems Columbia Music, Inc., having songs recorded by George Jones, Johnny Tillotson, Roy Head, and the McPeak Brothers. He recorded and sang a song in the movie “China Syndrome” and “Police Story”.
He loved his family and grandchildren, always making sure he always had candy bars and Hershey’s Kisses (which his grandchildren called “One Mores”) for them. All chocolate of course. Bob loved to travel, and he looked forward to going on a yearly vacation with his sister, Bonnie and her husband Ron. Rom and Bob sitting on the balcony at the beach with binoculars watching the “ships” come in.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Abshire was preceded in death by 2 of his grandchildren, Gracie and Jonathan; and brothers, Herbert, Curt and Jim Abshire.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Daris Abshire; sons, Chris Abshire, and Tim (Tammy) Abshire; daughter, Terina (Roger) DeSheles; 9 grandchildren, Christopher, Jeremy, Magan, Heather, Sam, Ciah, Kayla, Keylee, and Tess; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Jack Abshire; and sisters, Josie Shockley, Dorothy Shockley, Joyce Akers, and Bonnie (Ron) Ballard.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12 pm Saturday, August 3rd at The Church at Grace Park, with Pastor Tim Abshire and Pastor Eddie Hodges officiating. Burial will follow in White House Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 pm Friday at the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House, and again from 10 am until time of the service at 12 pm Saturday, at the church.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House is in charge of these arrangements.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME-533 HIGHWAY 76 E, WHITE HOUSE, TN (615) 672-5000 https://www.austinandbell.com
For more obituaries visit https://sumnercountysource.com/obituaries/
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