Bobby Monroe Lebby

With profound sadness, we mourn the passing of Bobby Monroe Lebby, our beloved husband, father and grandfather. He passed away as a result of a short illness on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Commonwealth Memory Center in Norfolk, Va.

Bobby Lebby, born on June 1, 1933 in Indiana, is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Nelson Lebby, his sons, Scott Hudson, Mark Hudson, Jonathan Lebby, his sister, Laura Lee, his nephews, James Lyons, Donald Lyons, Davis Lyons and all of his loving grandchildren.

Bobby came to Norfolk, Va as a very small child and grew up in Willoughby. He attended Ocean View Elementary School and Granby High School. As a young man, he served in the United States Air Force. During his military career, Bobby traveled the world and had many adventures and exciting experiences that he enjoyed sharing with all of us through his many stories. He returned to his beloved Willoughby and married his childhood friend and life partner, Mary Lou Lebby. Together they raised their children and became the founders of one of the undoubtedly loved icons of Ocean View, the legendary, Willoughby Inn.

Through the Willoughby Inn, Bobby had another family, an entire community. Generation after Generation, for 42 years, people got to know Bobby for his kindness, unlimited generosity, and beautiful spirit. As Mary Lou would say, “He was a Southern Gentleman." Bobby will be truly missed by all of us.

A memorial service will be held at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, 818 Norview Ave., Norfolk, VA 23509 on Saturday, January 17, at 3:00. Please join us. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.smithandwilliamsnorfolk.com.