It was on an ordinary spring day in Clay County, Alabama on April 3, 1943 that an extraordinary and precious baby boy drew his first earthly breath. His childhood was filled with difficult and challenging times but was rich in abundant love and compassion between his parents, brothers and sisters. He met and married Betty, the love of his life and forever friend. For nearly 57 years, with Betty by his side, he worked diligently, using his God given talents and self-taught skills to create the most beautiful and peaceful oasis where they would spend there remaining years loving and caring for one another. We all knew him as a man with a servant's heart, never turning down a request for help from friends, family and even strangers. He was a man with an unbelievable work ethic, having worked for the Alabama Board of Corrections as the Prison Maintenance Supervisor for 30 years. He maintained an unshakeable conviction of doing the right thing which demonstrated his impeccable integrity and honor. He blessed his family and friends by setting examples of unselfish love, kindness toward everyone, courage, faithful "never met a stranger" friendships, strength and perseverance during his78 remarkable years on this earth. He fought so hard and so long for the six grueling months he was hospitalized after having surgery on November 4th, overcoming medical issues and health challenges that would have taken out any normal human being. His patience was amazing no matter what was asked of him. He begged daily to put his shoes on, his feet on the floor and for help to get in his truck and come home. He came up with the most ingenious ways to sneak out so no one would see us. It became unbearable to try and explain why he had to stay there but that did not stop him from trying to talk us into accepting his suggestions and demands to go back to the home he loved so dearly and of which he was so proud.
On Sunday, April 25 at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, Bobby Joe was finally granted the one wish for which he had begged so often... he was coming home!!! Because he was unable to talk or comprehend that he was about to be taken there by ambulance, the Lord granted us the glorious memory of him opening his eyes, looking around and smelling the familiar sweet scent of his home just as he was being carried over the threshold of the front door. Sadly for us, but with the assurance of the promise of seeing him again, he took his last breath in this life at 6:05 P.M. to breath eternally in the arms of his beloved Heavenly Father. Those who have gone before and have now been happily reunited with him are his parents, Lois and Marjorie Gautney, and sister, Jean Gautney, his beloved mother in law, Annie Lois Pitts and father in law, J. Herman Pitts. Left to miss him dearly are his wife, Betty Pitts Gautney, daughter, Tina Fondren (TY), beloved grandson, Josh Fondren (Hope), brother Charles Gautney (Juanita), sister Sherrie Cotney (Jimmy), other dear family members, niece Dawn Gautney, aunt Bobbie McConnell, a beloved friend "Miss" Kay Cotney, sisters in law, Linda Gortney, Peggy Pitts Darby and his "Sis" Barbara Pitts Lindsey, who worked alongside him as his apprentice, gopher, remolding partner,shopping buddy for hundreds of trips to Home Depot and Lowe's and most important to both of them..they were food enthusiast and chronic overeaters enjoying every meal they consumed.
Visitation will be from 10:00 to 10:45 with Graveside service at 11:00 on Friday, April 30, 2021 with Leak Memory Chapel directing.
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