McElyea, Charles Robert "Bobby"

Charles Robert "Bobby" McElyea
July 11, 1952 - May 3, 2021
NLRHS Class of 1970

Charles Robert Lee “Bobby” McElyea was born in July of 1952. He was born and raised in the North Little Rock Levy area and eventually settled his roots in Mayflower, Arkansas with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Bobby lived a beautiful and fulfilling life that brought joy to everyone that had the pleasure of being a part of his journey. At the age of 68, he lost his battle with lung cancer and died peacefully in his wife’s arms, surrounded by his loved ones on May 3, 2021.

Bobby loved spending his summers camping and trout fishing with his wife Ella out at Dripping Springs on the Little Red River. He was a proud grandpa that devoted much of his life to raising and loving his grandchildren. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Bobby. He loved a quiet evening with family, a beer in hand, and always had something on the grill. He was a storyteller, a guitar player, and the family comedian. He was a big fan of Willie Nelson and the family always joked that he was our own personal piece of Willie. Christmas at Granny and Pawpaw’s was everyone’s favorite time of year. Bobby collected all kinds of knick-knacks and loved giving them to his grandkids. He had a passionate love affair with his truck “Big Red”, lemon pie, ice cream, and a smooth shot of whiskey.

Bobby is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Ella McElyea. It was love at first sight and they were married on July 16th, 1977. Bobby and Ella were caring parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle, and friends to so many. Their love story is that one in a million-eternal love. Even in death, Bobby loves Ella with the force of a million suns. She will carry his love and memories for a lifetime.

He is also survived by his daughters, Kimberly and Ashley; his sons, Steven and Jay; his grandchildren, Olivia, Ty, Zackery, Madeline, Bekk, Danger, Haydn, Devin, and Barrett; and his four siblings. Bobby was loved by so many, and his legacy will live through all the lives that he touched.

He was preceded in death by his mother Willie Mae McElyea and his father John McElyea.

The family has chosen to hold a private celebration of life at a later time. If you would like to send flowers to Ella, please contact her granddaughter by email at livie55@gmail.com for information.

My Guardian Angel

As we open the door to a new day,
The cardinal greets me at the doorway.
Flying through the sky like you have had wings your entire lifetime,

Thank you, pawpaw, for raising me and teaching me everything I know,
Thank you for granting me my earthly wings and teaching me to grow.
We might get lonely, and we might cry,
But you are wrapping your wings around us in this lifetime.

You were meant for heaven the day you were born,
But the Lord knew we needed you to help us form.

Save a seat for me pawpaw for I know you will,
Once you called me angel and now you are mine,
My Guardian Angel.

Rest Peacefully Pawpaw in the name of the Lord.

Written by Madeline Vickers (Bobby's granddaughter)

My PawPaw Outside

You always spoke about our little red wagon,
Your voice always so full of passion.

We spent our days playing in the sun and the dirt,
I will always remember your old cut-off t shirts.

A cold beer in hand and meat on the grill,
Summer times up on Rocky Top hill.

Christmas time was magical,
Your stories always so theatrical.

You were a hardworking man,
And I was so lucky to be your little righthand.

You were my pawpaw, no one else would do,
God knew how much I needed you.

I will always remember your smile and laughter,
I will keep you through every new chapter.

I love you to the moon, the stars, and beyond,
No amount of distance can break our bond.

I will see you on the other side,
I love you forever, my PawPaw Outside.

Written by Olivia Davidson (Bobby's granddaughter)
 

https://www.smithfamilycares.com/obituary/CharlesBobby-McElyea