Thomas B. Bobo, Jr.

Tom was born in Charleston, South Carolina on July 31st, 1947. His family has resided in South Carolina since 1719. His parents are Thomas Sr. and Julia Starnes Bobo. His siblings are Juliana, Jean, and Sarah.

At the age of 1, Tom and his family moved to Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania where Tom grew up and graduated from Dallas High School in 1966, where he was a member of both the Rod and Gun Club and the Chorus. He attended Paul Smith’s College and earned an Associate Degree in Hotel Administration in 1968. Tom left to attend UNLV, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hotel Administration.

Tom worked hard and began his own jewelry manufacturing company. He enjoyed creating and designing in silver. He worked on a machine to make silver piercing more precise. Tom also worked at the Flamingo Hilton and received the Employee of the Month while working in the purchasing department. Later, Tom became a sub-distributor for a waffle company. He is remembered by so many for his waffle breakfasts.

Tom’s happiest years were those of inventions. He designed and improved upon waffle irons and communion dispensers and others. He loved to see his ideas become a drawing, then building the prototype. He taught himself CAD drawing and read everything there was on patents. He filed his and received acceptance on the waffle iron. He also was a mentor to other inventors.

Tom and Terry Leigh Temple were married for 49 years and have two amazing daughters, Amy and Ruth. Their five grandchildren brought them joy beyond words: Graham, Liam, Madeline, Mia and Ethan! Your Papa loved you so much!

Tom enjoyed biking, hiking, and fishing. At 41 years of age he rode his bike 191 miles in 2 days for the Best Dam Bike Get Together to fight MS. In his 50’s, he hiked the Narrows with his friend Larry and son-in-law Jeff. He hiked Angel’s Landing three times in Zion without Terry.

Tom was an amazing dad, papa, and husband. He was a family-first guy. He enjoyed taking the family fishing at the lake, fishing in the surf, and deep sea fishing, too. His favorite vacations were trips to see family in South Carolina, and to stay at Pawley’s Island, his childhood’s favorite memory. Tom would fish in the surf and the kids would be close by to see the catch. Thomas and his family also went together to church camp at Calvin Crest, located outside of Yosemite, for 14 years.

Here are some words to paint a portrait of Tom: a hard worker, Terry’s handyman, a self-starter, gardener, quick learner, nonfiction reader, funny, unlimited puns, a volunteer, trustworthy, patient, hopeful, caring, dependable, child of God, spiritual leader, chef, Larry’s pinochle partner, non-speller, stock market rookie, risk taker, window washer, dreamer, Van Morrison fan, and content. These are in no particular order.

Tom loved his family and the friends that were part of his journey here. He was so grateful for your prayers especially.