Bobby "Bob" Gene Orrell

Bobby Gene Orrell, age 79 of Knoxville, TN left his earthly home to join his Heavenly Father on Friday, January 1, 2021 after a courageous battle with Cancer. Born in Coffeyville, Kansas to parents, Jesse Curlin and Eva Lee Orrell. Bob moved to Knoxville his Senior Year and attended East High School where he met the love of his life and his wife of 61 years, Judith Anne Edmonds Orrell. After graduation, he attended the University of Tennessee. He was a member of Meridian Baptist Church of Knoxville. Bob was a member of the Boy Scouts of America where he achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout and went on to become a Scout Master. He was always prepared and loved to reminisce about his trip to Phil Mont Scout Ranch.

Bob was a Past Master of South Knoxville Lodge #769 and a Current Member of the Burlington Masonic Lodge #763 and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was also a member of the Kerbela Shriners of Knoxville, Royal Order of the Jesters.

Bob was an avid Outdoorsman. He treasured his time in the outdoors his entire life. He was a past President of both the Smoky Mountain Game and Fish Club and the Tennessee Valley Sportsman Club. Bob also was a volunteer Hunter Safety Education Instructor for TWRA with a focus on Hunter Ethics. He was blessed with many various hunting, fishing and camping trips over the years, but especially enjoyed his time spent duck hunting.

Bob enjoyed a long and successful career in the Tire Industry. Some of his career highlights include Office and Credit Manager for Firestone, Commercial Salesman for Tinsley Tire Company and opening and growing the Knoxville location of Universal Tire Company on Middlebrook Pike. After retiring in 2006, he continued to serve his community as a Volunteer Van Driver for Shriners Hospital for Children transporting families to and from care at various Shriners Hospitals.

Bob was a Proud American and staunch supporter of our Military and Law Enforcement.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Curlin and Eva Lee Orrell; brother, Curtis Dale Orrell and brother-in-law, David Michael Stratton.

Bob is survived by his wife, Judith Anne Edmonds Orrell; son, Douglas Alan Orrell and daughter, Catherine Elaine Orrell Upchurch (spouse, Willard DeOlivar Upchurch Jr.; grandson, David Alan Upchurch; granddaughter, Amy Suzanne Upchurch; great grandson, Elias Shadi Murfiq and great grandson on the way, Ryker Cole Upchurch; sister-in-law, Jane Edmonds Stratton; many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Family invite friends to pay their respects at their convenience Tuesday, January 5th between 3-6pm at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home. Due to the pandemic, the family will have a private funeral service with entombment at Lynnhurst Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at www.donate.lovetotherescue.org

Bob was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather (Pappy) and Great Grandfather who was dearly loved and cherished and will be forever missed until we are all together once again. He was truly a good Christian man, who genuinely loved life. Bob believed he was born and lived in the absolute best period of time.