T L ributes ove of
Wisdom, Strength and Legacy!
Dad, you were a man of great wisdom, strength, and unwavering determination. You always showed up for your family—ready to listen, to support, and to stand beside us no matter what.
You had such a sharp mind for business and a deep understanding of life, but what I admire most is your tenacity. When you set your heart on something— like starting that farm—you pursued it with vision, courage, and determination. You believed in building something meaningful, and you never gave up.
My heart aches that you are no longer here with me. But I am glad you received your wings. I know there will be moments when I’ll wish I could turn to you, just to feel that comfort of knowing you always had my back. Even in the midst of my illness, you stood strong for me, supporting me as I cared for my sick mom and found my way through it all.
I will forever be grateful for the times you listened, for your strength, and for your love. I love you, Dad, and I will carry you in my heart always.
Your love, your strength, and your legacy will live on through me forever.
Your
Daughter, Valerie Ann
~ Acknowledgements
~
On behalf of the family of Willie Lee Bobo, we wish to express our deepest appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of love during our time of bereavement. Whether you reached out via a phone call, text, or email, or shared a thoughtful expression of sympathy, your kindness has been a source of great strength. Perhaps you shared a quiet prayer, sang a song of hope, sent beautiful floral arrangements, or prepared a meal for our family. Whatever gesture you made to console our hearts, please know that we felt your love and support deeply. We are truly grateful for your caring hearts and your demonstrations of Godly love.
Special Acknowledgments:
• Pastor Rodney Corbin & New Haven Baptist Church: Thank you for your unwavering spiritual leadership, support, and prayers.
• The Veterans Administration Hospital (Memphis, TN): Our sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff for their dedicated care.
• Friends & Extended Family: To the many others too numerous to name, we thank God for using you to reflect His grace toward us.
The Family
~ Active Pallbearers ~ Family & Friends
~ Interment & Military Rites ~ Thursday, April 16, 2026 • 9:00 A.M. West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com
Life’s Reflections
Willie Lee Bobo was born on March 19, 1949, in Elaine, Arkansas, to the late Cottrill Bobo and Mattie Bobo House. The fourth of eight children, Willie was preceded in death by his beloved son, Kenya Bobo, his sister, Bertha Bobo-McDowell, and his brothers, Lloyd Bobo, Louis Bobo, and Vernell Bobo.
A proud member of the Lakeview High School Class of 1967, Willie answered the call to serve his country that same year by joining the United States Army. As a courageous veteran of the Vietnam War, he was decorated with the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal for his honorable service. He also earned the prestigious Parachutist Badge, reflecting his elite service as a paratrooper. Following his time in the military, Willie dedicated many years of hard work as a truck driver before retiring from J.B. Hunt.
Willie accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at St. Peters Church in Elaine, Arkansas, where his early faith was nurtured. He later worshiped faithfully at Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church until his health began to decline. His unwavering belief in Christ remained a constant, guiding presence throughout his life.
A devoted outdoorsman, Willie had a profound connection to the earth. He held a deep-seated belief in self-reliance-that everyone should own a piece of land, cultivate their own food, and remain keenly aware of the world around them. Bringing this vision to life, he purchased 8.8 acres in Bolivar, Tennessee, affectionately naming it “Paradise Found.” It was his ultimate dream that this land would serve as a lasting sanctuary and safe haven for his family in times of uncertainty. When he wasn’t tending to his land, his adventurous spirit often led him on travels to explore the natural beauty of America’s National Parks.
Willie was called to eternal rest on March 28, 2026. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughters, Kiasi Malone (Kedrick) and Valerie Bobo; three grandchildren, Jasmin Walker, Kedrick Malone Jr., and Kloe Malone; one great-grandson, Kendall Walker; two brothers, Troy Bobo (Carrie) and Cecil Bobo; one sister, Loretta Love; one sister in law Sherrye Bobo,; his best friend, Earl Dixon; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will always be remembered for his extraordinary wit, his profound wisdom, and his boundless compassion for all people.
Willie Lee Bobo was a man of quiet strength, boundless intellect, and a heart that beat for his family and his Creator. To the world, he was a visionary and a worker; to me, he was simply “Daddy”—my biggest cheerleader, my nightly debating partner, and the man who taught me what it truly means to live a rich life.
Daddy didn’t measure success by a bank account. He believed true wealth was rooted in family, land, love, and hard work. He was a dreamer who kept his feet firmly planted in the soil and his eyes fixed on the heavens. Whether we were discussing the complexities of politics, the mysteries of astronomy, or the practicalities of farming, he spoke with a wisdom that only comes from a life well-lived and a soul well-fed. His greatest earthly vision was to provide a “safe haven” for his kin—a place where the Bobo, Malone, and Tidwell families could always find home. He didn’t just dream it; he did it. He secured the land, building a foundation of generational security that will stand as a testament to his dedication for years to come.
Above all, Daddy was a man of unwavering faith. A devoted Christian, he walked through life with the confidence of a man who knew exactly where he was going. He often said that God had promised him 70 years, and he considered the 7 additional years he was granted a divine blessing. Because of this, he did not fear death; he embraced the promise of what lay beyond.
He loved his family fiercely. His pride in his children, his grandchildren, and his “gran gran” was boundless. As his “babygirl,” I was lucky enough to be loved by him for 54 beautiful years. He was the person I spoke to almost every day, and he always told me I could achieve anything. Though my heart is heavy because he is no longer a phone call away, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I am grateful that God chose me to be his daughter. I am grateful for the lessons on the farm and the talks about the stars.
So today, I will not say goodbye. I will simply say, “I’ll see you later.” I know that when my time comes, he’ll be right there at the Pearly Gates, waiting for me with that familiar smile.
I love you, Daddy. Your Babygirl, Kibo
If you knew him, you loved him. He was one of the most determined, compassionate, and caring people you could ever meet. From buying me my first pink fishing pole and a can of worms to just a week ago, making sure I knew how to write a letter so that my voice would always be heard. Everything he did was to make our lives easier and to ensure that we would always be okay. I will forever cherish every moment I spent with him. He will be deeply loved and missed, always.
Kloe’