Bobby L. Jones

Bobby L. Jones, 76, of Moline, Ill., passed away Saturday, Feb. 1 at Friendship Manor in Rock Island, Ill., surrounded by family members.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Christian Church of Moline. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Christian Church of Moline.

Bobby was born Sept. 4, 1937, in Blytheville, to Bernice (McGhee) Jones and Robert Lee Jones. He attended the University of Tennessee, where he received a scholarship to play football with the Volunteers. He later transferred to the University of Arkansas. Bobby moved to Illinois in 1958 and married LaRonn Breedlove of Manito, Ill., on Dec. 28, 1963. The couple moved to Moline in 1965, where Bobby worked as an insurance salesman for 45 years, becoming a Chartered Life underwriter in 1978. As a member of Rotary and Jaycees, Bobby was active in the Quad Cities community. He also served for many years as a deacon and elder at First Christian Church of Moline, and served as president of the Rock Island County Underwriters Association.

An avid golfer, Bobby spent much of his free time on the course, perfecting his game. He had an outgoing and open personality, striking up a conversation with everybody he met. Always wanting to stay busy, he volunteered at Trinity Hospital in Rock Island and with Alternatives for Older Adults in Moline after retiring from the insurance business.

His memory will be forever cherished by his wife, LaRonn;

His son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Barbara Jones of Portland, Ore.;

His daughter, Lisa Houston, of Jacksonville, Fla; and

His three grandchildren, Alexandra, Shelby, and Brett.

He is also survived by his brother, Billy M. Jones of Memphis, and sister, Melba J. Haynes of Jonesboro.