Bobby John Thorpe

Bob was born March 30, 1933, in Petersburg to Verbial B. and Lois Thorpe. He was raised in Petersburg and attended Petersburg High School. In 1950, Bob left his home and joined the Navy. Bob was a proud Korean War veteran. After the Navy, Bob returned home to Petersburg, where he met and married the love of his life, Mattie Rae Fry, on Dec. 21, 1955. In 1957, Bob and Mattie celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Paula Denise, followed by twin daughters, Pamela Sue and Pattie Lou in 1959, and later a son, Verbial Brent in 1965. Bob and Mattie were married for over 59 years. After Bob and Mattie were married, Bob began his career as a truck driver. In 1963, Bob began driving for Jack B. Kelley, where he drove for 17 years. Bob would often say that his time there was the most interesting and rewarding time of his career. After his time at Jack B. Kelley, Bob went to work driving for Walmart, where he stayed until he retired. Bob was proud to say that he had driven literally millions and millions of miles over his career and made countless friends across the country. He was a Baptist. Bob was a character. He always had a smile on his face and never had a bad day. He never met a stranger, was a true friend to all who knew him and was rarely seen without his trademark cigar hanging from his lip. Bob's hobbies were spending time with family and working in his beautiful back yard. Bob was a 32nd degree master mason and member of the Khiva Shrine, was instrumental in founding the Scottish Rite in Lubbock, as well as being a master gardener. Survivors include his wife, Mattie Thorpe of Amarillo; three daughters, Paula Cantrell and husband Steve of Amarillo, Pam Barnhart and husband Jim of San Antonio and Pattie Bates and husband Terry of Amarillo; a son, Brent Thorpe and wife Linda of Amarillo; a brother, Don "Buddy" Thorpe of Enid, Okla.; eight grandchildren, Kasey, Cassie, Ashley, Allison, Megan, Tyler, Paige and Sydney; eight great-grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to Don & Sybill Harrington Cancer Foundation, to benefit the patients of BSA Hospice, 1600 Wallace Blvd., Amarillo, TX 79106. The family wishes to thank the staff of BSA Hospice for the care and attention they gave Bob over the past few months, also to Linda Thorpe, aka "Nurse Ratchet," for the love and guidance she showed in caring for Bob.

Visitation Schedule

Cox Funeral Home 4180 Canyon Drive Amarillo, TX 79109 Sunday, November 01, 2015 6:00-8:00 PM

Service Schedule

Funeral Service First Baptist Church Sanctuary Amarillo, TX Monday, November 02, 2015 2:00 PM

Memorial Contributions

Don & Sybill Harrington Cancer Foundation, to benefit the patients of BSA Hospice 1600 Wallace Blvd Amarillo, TX 79106