William Charles "Bobby" Townsend

Bobby was born May 13, 1928 in Baltimore, but lived in the Lumberton area since he was a very young lad. He was the second oldest child of John Bunyan Townsend and Alice Haite Townsend.

Bobby was an Air Force veteran. He was the owner and operator of Bobby Townsend Electrical, an electrical and heating and cooling contracting company, which he founded 54 years ago. The business is located at 1500 Seneca St. in Lumberton. He took great pride in growing his company. He was devoted to providing quality, friendly and fair services. His work took him throughout the state of North Carolina.

His love of life was evident as he told tales of childhood adventures, love for his former military comrades, his recollecting good times with school buddies, which he remained friends with throughout the years. His appreciation of the good-hearted pranks he and his friends played on one another always brought a smile.

Bobby was a devoted to his parents during their life. He remained close to his brothers and sisters.

Bobby was preceded in death by his father, John Bunyan Townsend; his mother, Alice Haite Townsend; and sister, Marion Schleicher.

He is survived and celebrated by his wife, Susie Townsend; sons, William Townsend and wife Shirley, Allen Townsend and wife Terry; daughter, Pat Townsend Willoughby and husband Paul; stepsons, Chuck Strickland and wife Angie, Tony Strickland and wife Audrey; grandsons, Chad Townsend, Ben Townsend, Brad Townsend, Kyle Townsend, Rex Willoughby, Alex Strickland and Ryan Strickland; granddaughter, Kara Strickland; and great-grandchildren, Karys Townsend, Ty Willougby and Leah Willoughby; brother, J.B. "Chief" Townsend; and sister, Gloria Townsend Turner. A visitation was held from 6 to 8, Thursday, April 28, 2011, at Biggs Funeral Home in Lumberton. A celebration of life service was held Friday, April 29, 2011, at 11 a.m. in Biggs Funeral Home.