Mr. Bobby Joe Stamm

He was born in Memphis on February 16, 1974, to Gwendolyn Dodd and the late Ralph Dodd. Following Gwendolyn's marriage to John Stamm in 1980, Bobby was lovingly adopted by John in 1981 at the age of seven.

A noted practical joker who had a sentimental streak and a deep love for people, especially his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, he somehow maintained his carefree ways despite a long, courageous battle with severe heart disease. This fight ultimately led to a heart transplant in 2013 when he was just 39 years old. He was celebrated as the first person in the Memphis area to survive long enough on a biventricular assist device to receive a new heart.

You wouldn’t know he was a transplant patient; he seldom mentioned it, even at work, not wanting anyone to make excuses for him.

Grandchildren loved their “Boppy” and would instantly flock to his side, reveling in his funny faces, weird sounds, and crazy antics. No doubt, that was when he was at his happiest.

A 1992 graduate of Kirby High School, he loved sports, fantasy football, hunting and fishing, the Cardinals and the Cowboys. He excelled in basketball, displaying a smooth shooting stroke and using his height to his advantage.

He is survived by his sisters, Kellie Goodwin (Ed) and her sons (Steven and Alan), and Lisa Nerren (Casey) and her children (son Mason and daughter Sophia). He shares two children with his former spouse, Amy Bruley Stamm Day (David): Wyatt Stamm (Kae), parents to their only child, Sienna; and Emily Grace Stamm-Dunning (Garrett), parents to children Grayson, Josie, and Georgia. He also shares a son, Tristan Stamm, and a stepdaughter, Shanleigh Roberts, with his former spouse, Brittany Stamm Bronte.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held August 31 at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave., from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Committal Service will take place at Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Mid-South Transplant Foundation or to a charity of your choice.