Robert Jay Hall
Robert Jay "Bobby" Hall, age 72, of Salem, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 25, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. After a valiant seven-year battle with illness and injury, Bobby's courageous fight came to a close. He was a devoted husband for over 50 years, loving and supportive father, and the best damn Paw Paw to his 5 grandchildren.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Jay Hugh Hall and Mary Bell Austin Hall; his brother, Charlie “Chucky” Hall; and his sisters, Linda Smith, Patsy Saunders, and Zelphia Journell.
Those left here to celebrate his amazing life are his wife of more than 50 years, Frances Payne Hall; his children, Adam Hall, Erica Howgill and husband, William, and Lindsay Bane; sister, Pamela Shoemake and husband, Lenny; grandchildren, Logan Bane, Bella Bane, Grayson Bane, Jude Hall, and Felix Hall; sisters-in-law, Julie Bursey, Pamela Simpkins and husband, JB, and Rhonda Meade and husband, Jeff; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Bobby's journey began in Roanoke, Virginia, where he spent his early years before his family moved to Marion, North Carolina, where he graduated from high school. After that, he took a leap and joined the United States Army, serving as a sergeant stationed in Germany. When he returned to Roanoke, he reconnected with his childhood friend, Fran Payne, who later became the love of his life. They tied the knot in 1973.
He was a hard worker, spending 20 years at Roanoke Electric Steel, followed by another 15 at C&P Welding. However, it was his last job at Dynax America where he found true joy in his work. He retired from there in May of 2019, surrounded by friends he cherished dearly. Bobby truly loved his Dynax family.
Bobby was a true outdoorsman at heart, finding his greatest joy in hunting, fishing, and white-water rafting, especially in his younger days. Some of his fondest memories were made during summers spent camping at Craigs Creek, Jellystone, and Arcadia, where he soaked in the beauty of nature alongside his beloved wife and children. And let's not forget his love for the beach; Myrtle was his ultimate getaway spot, where countless summer vacations were spent making sandcastles and soaking up the sun.
In addition to his love for the great outdoors, Bobby was also known as "Coach Hall" to many, having coached his children's little league sports teams with passion and dedication. He had a knack for horseshoes, which naturally translated into his skills as an exceptional cornhole player. And when it came to sports, Bobby was a die-hard fan of NASCAR, participating in a weekly race pool group right up until his passing. His true sports allegiance, however, lay with Virginia Tech football; as a season ticket holder for many years, Bobby's enthusiasm for the Hokies was unmatched. And even though he had a soft spot for The Seattle Seahawks long before they were Super Bowl champs, Bobby remained loyal, defending his team against all odds, even amidst friendly teasing from his friends and family.
Bobby's evenings weren't complete without tuning in to watch Jeopardy, where he impressed everyone with his knack for getting the majority of the answers right. His brain was a treasure trove of historical facts and random trivia that never ceased to amaze those around him. If you ever found yourself in a pinch on a game show, Bobby would undoubtedly be your first pick for a lifeline.
One of Bobby's favorite pastimes was his weekly hangouts with his buddy, Tom. They'd meet up like clockwork, spending hours cruising around town, catching up with old pals, and simply enjoying each other's company. Those moments were priceless to Bobby, filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of friendship that lasts a lifetime.
A celebration of Bobby’s life will take place on Friday, May 31, 2024, at the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem, Virginia. Family members and friends may gather at 1 p.m., and a memorial service will begin at 2 p.m.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
