Robert Bavis “Bob” Foster

Robert Bavis “Bob” Foster, 95, died peacefully, Saturday, September 16, 2023, at his home in Pikeville, Tennessee.

A Christian, he was of the Baptist faith and spent many happy hours at the Bledsoe County Senior Citizens Center where he was an avid Rook player. He also enjoyed his puzzles.

Born January 11, 1928, in Trezevant, Tennessee, he graduated from high school there in 1946 before entering the U.S. Army. He served in World War II as a surgical tech in Japan and then earned a degree from UT Knoxville.

Bob married Joan Green and moved their young family to Pikeville where he owned Ault Insurance Agency. After early retirement, the couple spent time in Florida and Crossville, enjoying Rook, tennis and pool, until Joan’s passing after 53 years of marriage. Also preceding him in death were his parents, William “Cody” and Mattie Herron Foster; brothers, George, Bill and Jim Foster; and sister, Helen Henderson.

In 2010, he married Irene Stewart Sapp and returned to Pikeville. Surviving along with his wife are sons, Patton (Lora) Foster and Philip (Ginger) Foster; daughter, Kathy (Jackie) Roberson; six grandchildren, Veronica, Josh, Melissa, Bobby, Rachel and Chris; 15 great-grandchildren, Wally, Zachary, Ethan, Justin, Rhett, Layla, Nolen, Luke, Lillie, Levi, Wells, Mia, Maeleigh, Gabe and Amina; step-daughters, Carolyn (Dave) Culver, Janet (Doyle) Ashburn and Ruth (Gary) Burton; 13 step-grandchildren; 27 step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 19, at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Doyle Ashburn and Pastor Rick Varnum officiating, and Dianne Sweet and Keith and Carlene Stiltner providing music.

Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com.

Arrangements are by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, 1171 Main Street, Pikeville.