Bobby Joe Headrick

Mr. Bobby Joe Headrick, age 61 of Rockwood, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 28, 2024. Bobby Joe was one of a kind. All of those who knew him knew how kind hearted and selfless he was. He never met a stranger and helping people, regardless of any circumstance, was what Bobby Joe sought out to do. He literally gave many people the shirt off his back, several times. If there was a person in need, you knew Bobby Joe would be there help in any way he could.

He was a member of North Rockwood Baptist Church where he served faithfully his entire life. Bobby Joe served as one of the Youth leaders within the church. Not only did he serve his church, but also his community. Bobby Joe did a lot of mission work in Haiti. He came home once without any shoes on his feet as he had given them to someone he found in need. His time spent there was very important to him and he knew the Lord sent him there to help spread the gospel and help all of those that he was able to.

 Bobby coached various youth sports teams, most notably being the softball team that he helped reach the youth softball league world series in Missouri. He also helped coach with the Rockwood Rams and about anything else he could find to sign up for. He made an impact on so many peoples lives through his service to his church and youth sports leagues, even if he was a little bit harder on his own children than the other players. Most of all, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. 

He spent over 47 years, married for 42+, with the love of his life, Sonja. Together they raised a wonderful family with 4 kids. Not only did he love and care for them, but also his church family and anyone else he encountered. He loved to spend time with each and every one of them, but especially his grandchildren. Bobby Joe never missed an opportunity to take each of them fishing any chance he got. To them, there was no doubt he was the best Papaw and Dad in the whole world. He constantly expressed how proud he was of them, and was even so proud and supportive of his daughter-in-law & sons-in-law.

If you knew Bobby Joe, you knew he was arguably the best basketball player around. Looks can sometimes be deceiving, and if you didn't come at Bobby Joe with your A-game, he would flat out embarrass you. He was a baller and he knew it. He once met a college basketball player in midtown for a 1v1, and beat him without any problem. Stories of the games he played are etched in the memories of so many people and especially the friends of his children, who he loved to surprise with his ball skills. He never left the gym without saying, "just one more game". 

His storytelling ability was second to his basketball skills, but many of the tales he shared were always engaging and even had his own children wondering if they were true, until a family friend or even someone they thought was a random stranger would confirm every detail of the stories Bobby Joe told. 

Bobby Joe brought joy and comfort to everyone he ever met. He was a prayer warrior and all who knew him, knew how special he was. He was a great, living example of how God asks us to contribute and care for others. Bobby Joe Headrick will be truly missed, but always loved and remembered. Bobby Joe also proudly served in the United States Army National Guard. 

He is preceded in death by his parents: Clarence William Headrick & Helen Louise Cox Headrick; granddaughter: Braylee Hope Brown; brother: Raymond Cotton Headrick; sisters: Ruth Ann Headrick, Connie Headrick; father and mother-in-law Charles “Sub” Boles Sr, Elsie Boles; and nephew: Michael Foland. 

He leaves to cherish his memory:

Wife of 42+ years: Sonja Headrick

Children: Tiffany Whittenbarger (Shane), Erica Brown (Tyler), Ethan Headrick (Haley), and Sarah Headrick (Ethaniel)

Grandchildren: Haley Whittenbarger, Isabella Whittenbarger, Akiyah Headrick, Carter Brown, Hayzlee Smith, and Rowan Headrick who is due in April

Siblings: Roy Headrick, Wanda Eddington, Donnie Headrick, Ralph Headrick, James Headrick, Johnnie Headrick, and Barbara Williams

He is also survived by a host of very special in-laws nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members and friends.

Special Cousins: Eugene Pugh & Thomas Matthews

Special Friend: Tim Eichinger

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 pm ET at the North Rockwood Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm with Bro. Jeff Parrott, Rev. Ben Whittenbarger, and Ethan Headrick officiating. Family and friends will meet on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Rockwood for a graveside service with military honors presented by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the Roane County Military Memorial Honor Guard. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Evans Mortuary to help with funeral expenses during this time, as Bobby Joe has helped to give to so many throughout his life. Evans Mortuary is serving the family of Mr. Bobby Joe Headrick.