BOBBY C. TESSENIAR

It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the peaceful passing of Bobby C. Tesseniar, who left this world on July 11, 2026, at White Oak Manor in Shelby, NC. Born on January 11, 1939, in Caroleen, NC, Bobby was a beacon of kindness and love throughout his 87 years. Bobby was the son of Cecil B. Tesseniar and Gladys Biddy Tesseniar and was lovingly raised by his stepmother, Thelma Burgess Tessenair. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, his wife Hazel Russ Tesseniar, his sister Lily Jane Tesseniar, his brothers Paul, William, Edward, and George Tesseniar and son-in-law Johnny Clark. A graduate of Tri High of Caroleen, NC, Bobby pursued further studies Gardner-Webb Junior College. His professional life was marked by a 32-year career at Hoechst Celanese, from which he retired in 1994. Beyond his professional achievements, Bobby was an active and dedicated member of Calvary Baptist Church since 1962 and enjoyed the fellowship found in the Cleveland County Senior Golf Association. Bobby's life was a testament to his unwavering faith, love for family, and community spirit. He was known for making the lonely feel seen, visiting nursing homes and shut-ins regularly. He found immense joy in being called "Pawpaw Bob," a term of endearment he embraced warmly. Bobby was easily recognizable in his later years by his distinguished handlebar mustache and gold chain, a style that matched his vibrant personality. Bobby's life was enriched by his loving family, including his children Carroll Tesseniar, Joy Turner (Jimmy), and Phyliss Clark (Johnny), and his stepdaughter Rhonda Greene Crotts. He was a proud grandfather to Jason Clark, Michael Crotts, Rev. Alicia Beard (Dr. Adam), Jordan Turner (Ryanne), Seth Clark, Alexis Thompson (Brett), and Kelli Greene (Jordan). His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren Abby, Abram, Halona Skye, Bryce, Wren, Levi, Annabell, and Ridge, who brought him immense pride and joy. Outside of his familial bonds, Bobby found solace and happiness in the simple pleasures of life, such as playing golf and spending time with his church community, where he was known to favor the third pew from the front. A service to celebrate Bobby's life will be held on July 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 320 Old Boiling Springs Church Rd With a receiving of friends starting at 12 PM. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor a life well-lived and to share in the memories of the remarkable man Bobby was. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Empty Tummy Ministry at Calvary Baptist Church in memory of Bobby. Bobby C. Tesseniar will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.