Robert E. Shannon (Bobby), 78, of Starkville, MS, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 26, 2023.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rosemary Kelly Shannon; daughter, Connie Shannon Barber and husband, Mark; granddaughters, Mary Austin Barber Billups and her husband, Gex, Mallory Rose Barber, and his grand dog, Molly Grace. He is also survived by two brothers, A.C. Shannon (Mildred) of Greenwood, MS, Allen Shannon (Faye) of Olive Branch, MS and numerous sister and brother in-laws, and nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his cherished sons, Grant, and Clayton, twin brother of his daughter, Connie, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Shannon, and a brother, Joe Dean Shannon.
Bobby was born in Friars Point, MS to Adrian and Hazel Shannon. He graduated from Clarksdale High School and attended Mississippi Delta Community College on an athletic scholarship. He was a talented athlete earning several high school state records in high hurdles. He loved hunting and fishing and held the title of Mississippi’s Fisherman of the Year in the seventies. He served in the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. He earned the Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge Air Medal, 1st Class Gunner (M-60 MG), and Expert in the rifle.
He worked for the United States Post Office for 30 years, serving as Assistant Postmaster at Mississippi State University and as Postmaster in Mathiston, MS, where he retired in 1999.
His precious granddaughters called him Poppy, and he loved them dearly. They enjoyed being together outside on his back patio or sitting in his lap in his recliner. He enjoyed Mississippi State football, working outside in his yard, and being with his family.
He was a member of Meadowview Baptist Church. His family is comforted with the assurance that when he closed his eyes in death, he opened them in glory seeing the face of God.
Graveside services will be held at Memorial Garden Park Cemetery in Starkville on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. Brother Jason Middleton will officiate.
Memorial donations may be made to any of the following: Meadowview Baptist Church, 300 Linden Circle, Starkville, MS, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
