Bobby Edwin Mettetal

March 4, 1929 – October 17, 2025

Bobby and his twin sister, Betty, were born at home in Johnson City, TN on March 4, 1929. The twins were the youngest of six siblings born to Ray and Gwendolyn (Wallace) Mettetal. The first year of the twins’ life was touch-n-go. Beatrice, the family goat came to the rescue and provided the necessary nutrition. Bobby spent his formative years in Johnson City, graduating from Science Hill high school in 1947. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1948 and was stationed on various bases, including England where he continued his art lessons in addition to engineering drafting courses. Bob was a gifted artist, very creative and painted using both watercolors and oils.

After his years in the Air Force, Bob moved to Des Moines, Iowa to work for the state of Iowa, and eventually with the USDA, Soil Conservation Service. It was during his employment at the statehouse he met his wife, Nancy Jane Bingaman. It only took three months of dating, and they married on August 21, 1954. Family was the priority for both Bob and Nancy. Susan Diane, JoAnn, Virginia Anne and Robert Harold completed the family. In 1965 they moved from Des Moines to the suburb, Urbandale, where they resided until 1992 when they moved to Odenville, Alabama and eventually Leeds, Alabama.

Faith was also a priority for Bob and his family. Their Alabama church home, Cedar Grove Baptist Church was a fellowship of many special people, especially their Sunday school class. When their health allowed, they served in the children’s ministry where they loved teaching and caring for the little ones.

The last years of Bob’s life were somewhat challenging with the onset of dementia. Though his memory was fading, he never lost his sense of humor, love for his family and friends. He loved browsing the aisles of Lowes, or the nearby flea market, reading, watching football and basketball on T.V. and of course, enjoyed a bowl of ice cream before bed.

Bob and Nancy were married for 65 years before Nancy’s death in 2019. Bob was also preceded in death by his daughter, Virginia Ann (Ginny) Mettetal in 1992 of Cystic Fibrosis. Bob is survived by his daughters, Susan Mettetal and JoAnn (Jody) Edwards, and son, Robert. Grandchildren, Virginia (Ginny) Edwards, Matthew and Christopher Mettetal and Sarah Mettetal Wheeler; and great granddaughter, Addi Wheeler.

Bob Mettetal’s 96-year race to his heavenly home is now complete. He left a legacy of love and faith for those of us left behind.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Cedar Grove Baptist Church from 11:00AM to 12:00PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Cedar Grove Baptist Church with burial to follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery.